Planter's Peanut Bars

Please note: The original Planter's Peanut Bar is no longer being made. The Old Dominion brand tastes just like it!

Planter's Peanut Bars History

Amedeo Obici came to America from Italy at the age of eleven. As a young man he operated a peanut stand which later became a store and restaurant. Then in partnership with his future bother-in-law, Mario Peruzzi, he started the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The year was 1906.  

In  1916 Mr. Peanut was introduced through a high school sketching contest. The winner was a 13 year old boy. A commercial artist later added the top hat, cane, white spats and monocle. The Mr. Peanut logo became, and still is, one of the most recognizable trademarks.

In the 1930s the Planters Peanut Bar, made from peanuts, sugar, corn syrup and salt, was introduced and became an instant hit.

Planter's Peanut Bars Memories

What a memory as I think now when I grew up in a small town of 1800. We had about seven or nine gas stations and each one had their candy for sale. And, I would go to them all, especially to Sparky's and I believe McVay's. Now that I think about it, we had many vending machines and a few stores and you could get a Planter's Peanut Bar just about everywhere. There was no problem. And, I'd pick up that peanut bar and I sure liked the coating.

Many of the gas stations were on the way home coming from school. Or when I'd walk home from hanging out with my friends downtown, I could always go into one of the stations and pick up a peanut bar on the way home. That if I hadn't already.

It was a big part of my life and still is. It is a good thing as well as the memories are and it's true what they say. You pick one up and that old memory comes back when times were better, it seemed, and simpler. And, there is nothing like an old fashion Planter' Peanut Bar. ~ Todd from Arizona