Established in 1901 in Boise, Idaho, the Idaho Candy Company has been crafting nostalgic treats for over a century, with the Idaho Spud chocolate bar becoming its crown jewel since its debut in 1918. In this article, we dive into the history of T.O. Smith, the candy-making pioneer whose ingenuity laid the foundation for this enduring chocolate bar, captivating locals and out-of-state fans alike.
The Early Days of T.O. Smith: A Candy Maker’s Journey
Thomas "T.O." Smith, the mastermind behind the Idaho Candy Company, began his candy-making career far from the rolling hills of Idaho. Born in the late 19th century, Smith honed his confectionery skills in Chicago and Salt Lake City, two bustling hubs of candy innovation at the time. His passion for creating sweets led him to Boise, where he saw an opportunity to bring his craft to a growing community in the Pacific Northwest. In 1901, at the age of 30, Smith founded the Idaho Candy Company, starting modestly in his garage.
With limited resources but boundless ambition, Smith crafted his candies by hand, packing them into shoeboxes and selling them door-to-door across Boise. His early offerings included a variety of chocolate bars and confections, each made with the precision he’d learned in larger cities. Smith’s dedication to quality and his knack for creating unique treats quickly earned him a loyal following. His vision was simple yet revolutionary for the time: to produce candies that reflected Idaho’s spirit while delighting the taste buds of locals.
Building a Sweet Empire: From Garage to Factory
By 1909, T.O. Smith’s small operation had outgrown his garage, prompting a significant leap forward. He partnered with the Adams family to finance and build a state-of-the-art candy factory at 412 South 8th Street in Boise, a location that remains the heart of the Idaho Candy Company today. This 23,000-square-foot facility, equipped with cutting-edge machinery for the era, allowed Smith to scale production and experiment with new recipes. The factory’s establishment marked a turning point, transforming the Idaho Candy Company into one of the region’s premier confectioners.
Under Smith’s leadership, the company produced over 50 different chocolate bars and candies, with quirky names like Chicken Dinner Bar, Brazil Cremes, and Fox Trot. Smith’s creativity shone through in his ability to craft confections that stood out in a competitive market. His hands-on approach ensured that each chocolate bar maintained the high quality that became synonymous with the Idaho Candy Company name. The factory’s early equipment, some of which is still in use today, reflects Smith’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
The Birth of the Idaho Spud Chocolate Bar
In 1918, T.O. Smith’s ingenuity reached new heights with the introduction of the Idaho Spud chocolate bar, the company’s most iconic creation. Inspired by Idaho’s famous potato, Smith designed this chocolate bar to be both playful and delicious. The Idaho Spud features a light, cocoa-flavored marshmallow center made with agar agar—a plant-based gelling agent—coated in rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with coconut flakes. Marketed as “The Candy Bar That Makes Idaho Famous,” it cleverly capitalized on the state’s agricultural identity while offering a unique flavor profile that set it apart from other chocolate bars of the time.
Smith’s decision to use agar agar instead of gelatin was a stroke of genius, positioning the Idaho Spud as a “healthful” treat in an era when digestive health was a growing concern. This innovative choice not only gave the chocolate bar its distinctive texture but also broadened its appeal, making it suitable for those seeking non-animal-based confections. The Idaho Spud quickly became a bestseller, cementing T.O. Smith’s legacy as a visionary in the candy industry.
T.O. Smith’s Lasting Impact on the Idaho Candy Company
While T.O. Smith eventually stepped back from daily operations, his influence shaped the Idaho Candy Company’s trajectory. The company passed through various owners, including the Adams family until 1969, Don Wakeman, John Wagers in 1984, and later the Sturdivant family, who continue to operate it today. Yet, Smith’s foundational work—establishing the factory, creating the Idaho Spud, and building a brand rooted in quality—remains at the core of the company’s identity.