Mandi Mooney
Assistant Editor/Web Administrator
The early American colonists were the first to make conversation hearts when
they scratched love notes onto homemade candies for Valentine’s Day.
Oliver Chase, who founded the New England Confectionary Company in 1860, wanted
to take their idea and manufacture candies with messages on them. His brother
Daniel created a process to print sayings on small candies. In 1900, Sweet
Hearts were invented. These candies were originally cut into non-heart shapes
such as baseballs and horseshoes. The Sweet Hearts’ classic sayings include “be
mine” and “kiss me.” Candy conversation hearts have become one of the most
popular Valentine’s Day candies. Each year, the company produces new sayings,
including seven for 2004.