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Leo Hirschfield was an Austrian immigrant. He learned how to make candy from the old country.
When he arrived in New York City in 1884, he wanted to make it big in business and leave his mark on the world.
Some sources differ on the details of his early career. Some claim he started a candy shop in Brooklyn, while others suggest he began at the Stern & Saalberg factory.
His most famous invention, the Tootsie Roll, would become one of the most iconic American sweets.
Before the Tootsie Roll, Leo Hirschfield invented a gelatin-like dessert mix.
He created Bromangelon in 1895. It was the first commercially successful gelatin dessert mix. And it even predated Jell-O by two years.
Before it was known as the candy, the name “Tootsie” was initially used as a child spokesperson for Bromangelon. It was also named after his daughter Clara’s nickname. A child he loved very much.
In 1907, Leo Hirschfield invented the Tootsie Roll.
Tootsie Rolls revolutionized the candy industry. As it was the first individually wrapped penny candy.
The Tootsie Roll’s debut on the shelves of America in 1908 was met with insane success.
It led to the formation of The Sweets Company of America in 1917.
Hirschfield would serve as the vice president.
Leo Hirschfield was a savant at candy-making. The texture and melting capability of the Tootsie Roll is probably the most prominent example.
He achieved a novel baking process that involved baking at low temperatures for about two hours, resulting in a “peculiar mellow consistency” that resisted melting, even in hot temperatures.
It gave Tootsie Rolls their distinctive character as there was nothing like it on the market then. It enabled year-round candy sales.
Tootsie Rolls were a big hit in hot summers when traditional chocolate products were impossible to sell.
Hirschfield had multiple patents. Most patents concerned his candy production methods, including machines depositing confectionery into molds and dipping bonbons.
He even applied for a patent on the Tootsie Roll’s unique texture.
Which he applied for in 1907 and was awarded one in 1908.
Leo Hirschfield’s career came to a tragic end on January 13, 1922.
Sadly, he committed suicide at the still young age of 58.
He had been going through some significant personal and career stressors.
This includes his own illness and his wife’s unbearable mental health issues.
His unfortunate death came two years after resigning from The Sweets Company of America in 1920.
Leo Hirschfield will be most remembered for his penny candy, Tootsie Rolls.
Later, the candy would become a sought-after treat during the Great Depression. People couldn’t afford much then, and the Tootsie Roll was very affordable.
Tootsie Rolls had a long shelf life and were practically resistant to melting. This made the candy ideal for war and was included in soldiers’ ration packs during World War II.
Today, Tootsie Roll has become a cultural Icon and an American Halloween favorite.
Millions of Tootsie Rolls are produced daily to keep up with demand.
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