Knoxville’s Sweet Legacy: The Invention of Charms Blow Pop
When you think of Knoxville, you might immediately picture the beautiful Smoky Mountains or perhaps iconic brands like Mountain Dew and Ruby Tuesday. But did you know this vibrant city is also home to an iconic candy beloved by many? That’s right! The famous Charms Blow Pop was invented by a local man named Thomas Tidwell.
A Candy Connoisseur
Born and raised in Knoxville, Thomas Tidwell became a pioneer in the candy world when he filed a patent application in 1966 for his revolutionary “method for making candy with gum inside.” By 1969, his innovative idea took shape and became the delightful treat we know today, the Blop Pop, which quickly grew popular across the nation.
According to Tidwell’s son, Dan Tidwell, his father was a true lover of sweets. “He loved candy, he loved bubble gum, he loved anything with sugar in it,” Dan shared. His passion and perseverance paved the way for what would become a household favorite, especially during Halloween. In fact, data from CandyStore.com reveals that Charms Blow Pops rank among the top three favorite Halloween candies in states like Ohio, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Washington D.C..
A Journey from Kitchen Experiments to Patents
Thomas Tidwell’s sweet journey began long before his patent. He attended Southwestern at Memphis, which is now known as Rhodes College. During his service in World War II as a lieutenant in the Navy, little did he know his post-war years would be filled with candy experiments. After working for Proctor and Gamble for 15 years, he started the Triple T Company and began creating the candy concoctions that would lead to his famous Blow Pop.
His daughter, Clyde Austin, fondly recalls how the family kitchen turned into a mini candy lab. “The older siblings and I were the taste testers. It started out with regular gum, and we would give feedback on flavors and chewability.” However, transitioning to a lollipop that contained gum proved to be significantly trickier. “The sugar would make the gum soft, causing it to fall apart. He was determined to find the perfect combination,” Austin mentioned, reminiscing about her father’s sugar-filled innovations.
A Sweet Tooth and a Little Mischief
With a sweet tooth of his own, Thomas wasn’t shy about enjoying his creations. “Let’s just say, Mom kept a stash of toothbrushes nearby,” laughed Clyde, bringing a smile as she recounted the moments. The end product of his hard work was a candy initially known as the Triple Treat that would eventually evolve into what we now cherish as a Charms Blow Pop.
Interestingly, the journey of the Blow Pop only truly took off after Thomas sold the patent. As his grandchildren shared stories with their peers about their grandfather’s claim to fame, some tales were met with skepticism. Clyde recalls a time when her son proudly declared to his first grade class: “My grandfather invented the Blow Pop!” Only to have a teacher mistakenly reprimand him for lying. After verifying the truthfulness of his story, the teacher offered an apology the next day!
Knoxville’s Candy Legacy
After the patent sale, Thomas Tidwell moved to Knoxville in 1969 to take a new position as manufacturing manager at Chiclecraft. He continued to influence his community, serving as the president of the local YMCA, particularly known for his larger-than-life personality. After the closure of Chiclecraft, he became the owner of City Lumber Co., which faced challenges after a fire but still managed to reopen successfully.
Unforgettable Memories
Thomas Tidwell passed away in 2000, but his sweet legacy lives on. His entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire the Tidwell family, encouraging them to share his story. Clyde adds, “Of course we’re proud of him. Being in college while Dad was running Triple T meant care packages filled with gum and suckers, making us quite the hit with our friends!”
Knoxville will forever hold a special place in the hearts of candy lovers with the delicious history of the Charms Blow Pop, a delightful treat created by a loving family man who just wanted to make the world a little sweeter.
