Manchester Center / Vermont / United States
Mother Myricks Confectionery began in 1977 as a small fudge shop in the beautiful resort town of Manchester Vermont. Ron was the fudge man, learning his craft from George Parendelis, a talented Massachusetts candy maker. During that first year, Ron started making Mother Myricks now famous buttercrunch toffee and caramels. Jacki, Rons wife, brought her expertise in food and customer service to the fledgling business. With the popularity of the companys fudge, buttercrunch and caramels Ron continued his confectionery education with an apprenticeship at Boehms Candies in Issaquah, Washington, and a series of professional courses offered through Retail Confectioners International and the Barry Callebaut Institute. Brittles, marzipan, truffles and other goodies filled the cases in the confectionery. An Ice Cream Parlor was added on June 29, 1978 on the eve of a very busy Fourth of July Weekend. Residents and visitors to Manchester were greeted by an old fashioned marble topped soda fountain, umbrella shaded tables on a gravel patio, and the shining faces of some of Burr and Burton Academys best and most popular students working behind the counter. Off to the left was Manchesters bearded fudge man, cooking and stirring a big copper kettle of fudge, offering fresh samples from the paddle and even fresher conversation to all who came to his fudge laden counter. In 1981, Mother Myricks began the annual Easter Egg Decorating Contest where entire families would participate in hopes of winning "Annabelle, " Mother Myricks 30 inch tall chocolate bunny. In 1983, an addition was built and was the new home of the chocolate shop. Its beautiful showcases highlighted the changing seasons with wonderful chocolate treats. That same year, the caf /bakery was added, featuring European tortes, pastries, cookies, pies, and everybodys favorite, Lemon Lulu. In 1989, Jacki started Mother Myricks Summer Reading Program for children K-6th grade. This award winning program rewards children for reading and making projects. The program continues today and has become an integral part of summer for many area families.
