They would often bring imported fruits, nuts, and cocoa which were obtained during their voyages to Mr. Whitman so that he could make the popular European confections people craved in that era.

Whitman's began advertising in newspapers, shortly before the beginning of the Civil War, and the business grew so large, that in 1866, the company occupied an entire building at 12th and Market Streets in Philadelphia.

In 1946, the company helped General Electric develop a refrigerated display case to guard the product against warmer temperatures and extend the selling season through the summer months.

[2] In the early 1960s, Whitman's was purchased by Pet, Inc., a manufacturer of evaporated milk as part of the company's attempt to become a food products conglomerate.

[7] During World War II, servicemen and women who got a Whitman's Sampler from family and friends spread the word about it once they returned home.

[8] The candies' flavors can be determined by their shapes: a square shape denotes caramels; a rectangle means nougat filling; oval chocolates typically contain fudge; the soft-centered flavors, including cherry cordials, are round; and nut clusters are easily identified by their rough surfaces.