1924
Dum-Dums were originated by Akron Candy Company, Bellevue, Ohio. A company executive chose the name Dum-Dums for the ball-shaped candy on a stick because it was an easy name for children to say and remember.
1953
Spangler Candy purchased Dum-Dums from Akron Candy and moved the operation to Bryan, Ohio. The first year, 84 million Dum-Dums were produced in seven different flavors: lemon, lime, orange, coconut-pineapple, cherry, grape, and butterscotch.
1959
Spangler Candy manufactured almost 2 million Dum-Dums each day on two shifts, and banks and doctors' offices began to give away Dum-Dums as a sweet treat for their customers and patients.
Spangler launched the "Save Wraps for Stuff" program, allowing children to send in saved Dum-Dums wrappers in exchange for toys and other items. The program was discontinued in 1994, returned in 2001 and was discontinued again in 2020.
Dum Dum: The Lollipop Song, written by John Goske and John LaLorcca and sung by Johnny Christmas with accompaniment by the Dynamics, was released by P.D.Q. Records on a 45 rpm record. Two years later, another song, Dum Dum, sung by Brenda Lee, made it to number four on the rock and roll top 10.
1966
Dum-Dums increases their options to 10 different flavors: lemon, coconut-pineapple, butterscotch, lime, strawberry, grape, chocolate, orange, cherry, and raspberry.
The Dum-Dum Drum Man mascot made his print debut. He was created by the Howard Swink Advertising Agency in Marion, Ohio to enhance public recognition of the Dum-Dums brand.
1972
The United States Navy Band gave away Dum-Dums to the crowds during a series of "Lollipop Concerts" for children at the Jefferson Memorial on the mall in Washington DC.
1984
Dum-Dums makes their debut at the 1984 Toy Fair in New York City.
1991
Spangler introduced its "Talking Heads" television commercial on channels such as Nickelodeon and Nick at Night. The commercial won a 1992 Telle Award for quality advertising on cable TV.
The same year, Ernie Banks, a popular player for the Chicago Cubs and baseball Hall of Fame inductee, became a celebrity spokesman for Spangler Candy Company and Dum-Dums.
1995
Spangler introduced Blu Raspberry to its Dum-Dums flavor variety. The new flavor became a huge hit, in large part because of the bright blue color it left behind on children's tongues.
1997
Dr. Irving, a Capuchin monkey, became a goodwill ambassador for the Dum-Dums brand, enjoying and sharing the pops with hospital and nursing home residents, and made an appearance eating Dum-Dums on the Nashville Network's Primetime Country.
2000
Good Morning America weatherman Tony Perkins came to Spangler Candy Company in Bryan and spent the day making Dum-Dums during a job swap with Spangler employee Max Musser.
2001
Spangler releases the Mystery Flavor Dum-Dum. What is the Mystery Flavor? Well, it's a mystery! It's up to Dum-Dums fans to guess the flavor of these mysterious pops.
2006
In honor of Spangler Candy Company's 100th anniversary, the company opens its store/museum in Bryan, including factory tours on the Dum-Dums Trolley. Later that year, the Dum-Dum Drum Man visits Times Square in New York City to give out Dum-Dums to thousands of passers-by, and the anniversary is noted on the Today Show.
2010
Dum-Dums began to gain important notoriety as people realized its attribute as a candy free of the major food allergens, including gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, fish, and shellfish.
2015
The Dum-Dums Mystery Mania promotion introduces three unique flavors - buttered popcorn, bacon, and pizza - identified by a special mystery wrap. The promotion included the launch of MysteryPopNation.com, a website designed to gather reactions and unite fans.
2017
Spangler Candy's social media post about the retirement of 48-year employee Al Braun goes viral, generating nearly 100,000 comments from fans about the importance of Dum-Dums in their lives. #thanksAl
2022
Today, 12 million Dum-Dums are manufactured each day in Bryan, Ohio, the Lollipop Capital of the World.
Dum-Dums is now one of the most recognized brands in candy. They're found in the homes of families across the U.S. and trusted by millions of small businesses who treat their customers with these delicious little pops.
