View XML QR Code

Vernell's Buttermints photograph and ephemera album, between 1953 and 1956

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Vernell's Buttermints, Inc
Title
Vernell's Buttermints photograph and ephemera album
Dates
between 1953 and 1956 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 album with photographs and ephemeral materials (1 box)
Collection Number
PH1498
Summary
Photographs and ephemeral materials showing factory production, packaging, and promotional materials for the Vernell's Buttermints products made in Seattle, Washington
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials curator is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Request at UW

Languages
English
Return to Top

Historical Note

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.

Return to Top

Content Description

The album pages contain 34 photographs and 26 separate ephemeral materials, which feature information on factory production, packaging, ordering, and promotional materials for the Vernell's Butter Mints products made in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. The album appears to have been a sales aid to providing information for potential retailers of the product. It could also have been a training tool for a new sales person. In addition to the photographs of the candy and the facilities, there are samples of internal memos, sales and demonstration tracking information, and customer pricing information. Additionally, there are samples of reminders for customers to place orders. All of this information compiled in one location would be an excellent sales-aid for a new employee as they learn the ropes of this exciting candy company in the 1950s.

Return to Top

Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection

Restrictions on Use

Status of creator's copyrights is unknown; restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication. Users are responsible for researching copyright status before use.

Return to Top

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Source: Fairlook Antiques, August 3, 2010.

Processing Note

Processed by Elizabeth Korsmo, 2017; Jean Hannah, 2018.

Return to Top

Detailed Description of the Collection

 


2018 (Last modified: 1/31/2020)

CC0

About Creative Commons Licenses in Archives West