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

• Vertical File in the Salem Collection - Gibralters

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Ye Olde Pepper Company

• Ye Olde Pepper Company company website.

• Nicknames and neighborhoods and album of pictures of Old Salem by Fred Gannon, p. 30

• "Salem boasts candy firsts" Salem Evening News, June 2, 1988, p.?

• "For 35 years, sold Salem Gibralters for the Pepper Co.(story of Clarence Warner)" Salem Evening News, Feb. 17, 1926.

• Salem: from Naumkeag to Witch City by J. McAllister, p. 57-8

• Yankee Magazine article:Ye Olde Pepper Companie (America's oldest candy story) by W. L. Francis, p. 18-22

• "Salem has its share of 'firsts'" Salem Evening News, June 18, 1993.

• When I lived in Salem by Caroline H. King, p.171-176