Archives West Finding Aid

The Vernell's Fine Candies was founded in 1947 by Vern and Eleanor Fortin using a treasured family butter mint recipe. The company expanded to include both an office at 1825 Westlake Ave in Seattle, and another in Bellevue, Washington. A branch office opened later in Chicago, Illinois. The buttermints were sold in stores nation-wide, and, eventually, Vernell's became the largest butter mint manufacturer in the world. Vern Fortin and his father-in-law, Lloyd Mitchell, also founded Quality Food Centers (QFC) in 1955.

The United States Armed Forces tested the product for military use for six months, and determined that "Vernell's real ButterMints held up remarkably well for 6 months at 100' Fahrenheit." The four-color package of the famed buttermint candy was patterned after the K ration wrap of WWII. The packaging consisted of two sheets of cellophane, laminated with beeswax, which, combined with heat sealing, produced a moisture proof, temperature resistant package. In 1950, Vernells packaged their Butter Mints for the Camp Fire Girls, giving them a 3% royalty on the sales at wholesale price. Vernell's advertised in Life Magazine, as shown by the box stating "As Advertised in LIFE" found on many of their products and advertisements. They also advertised in The Saturday Evening Post and Good Housekeeping magazines, as well as in newpapers and on the radio.

Based on information in this collection, John M. Piper was the General Sales Manager of Vernell's Buttermints, Inc., and Park E. Westover was probably head of marketing. Other sources indicate that L.H. Fortin was the president of the company, P.E. Westover was a Vice President and the Secretary, and L.C. Mitchel was the Vice President and Treasurer.

In 1991, Vernell's Fine Candies confirmed their intention to sell a large part of the business to E. J. Brach Corporation. Brach Corporation was later sold to Farley's and Sathers Candy Company.