Gibralters

• Mary Spencer made the first batch of Gibralters in 1806. She lived at 56 Buffum Street and then moved to the head of Bryant Street according to Salem Historian Jim McAllister. Mary was part of the Spencer family which had come from England.
• When she arrived in Salem penniless, the legend goes, she made candy from a donated barrel of sugar. She first sold her candy from the steps of the First Church. The candy became very popular and she was known to sell her wares from a wagon to neighboring towns.
• Gibralters were also very popular with sailors, as they stayed fresh in all climates. This way they were introduced to the Far East, China, and the East Indies. Gilbraters can still be bought at Ye Olde Pepper Company on Derby St. in Salem.

See Also

• Nicknames and neighborhoods and album of pictures of Old Salem by Fred Gannon, p. 30
• "Salem has its share of 'firsts'" Salem Evening News, June 18, 1993.
• Yankee Magazine article Ye Olde Pepper Companie(America's oldest candy story) p. 18-22