M ackinac Island is well known for its world-famous handmade fudge and a rich tradition of producing high quality handmade fudge and candies. Skilled candy makers have been making fudge and candy on Mackinac for millions of customers for well over 130 years, and still do to this day. You can buy a box of the famous fudge and save it as a souvenir, ship some home to friends, co-workers, and fam- ily or enjoy the delicious treat and eat it right out of the box as soon as you hit the street. Other fine candies and chocolates are made fresh at all locations as well. There are several very reputable candy makers at numerous locations on the Island, all making the best chocolate and fudge in the world. A BRIEF HISTORY OF FUDGE It all began back in 1887, the year Grand Hotel first opened. A canvas sail maker named Henry Murdick, was hired by Grand Hotel to make canvas awnings. Murdick arrived to live and work on the Island with his wife and two sons. Their eldest son, Jerome Murdick, opened a shop downtown and began making and selling candy and fudge using his mother’s recipes. A few years later, Jerome’s son Gould Murdick would take over the family business. In 1940, Gould Murdick sold the building and business, but some 30 years later, MURDICK’S reopened and once again began selling famous fudge and candy still to this day. MACKINAC FUDGE
Watch Fudge Making Up Close
In 1960, Detroit entrepreneur Harry Ryba brought his candy business, RYBA’S FUDGE to the Island and changed everything. Instead of making fudge in the back room, he brought the marble fudge cooling slabs up front in plain view through large windows attracting visitors strolling down Main Street, while exhaust fans blew the sweet chocolate smell out into the street. This famous marketing strategy has not changed in 60 years. Sweet in every sense. Since 1947, KILWINS has earned a reputation for providing high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service through a successful community of caring owner operators. It’s where people celebrate, vacation, and share the experience of life, family, and gifting in a nostalgic Americana setting.
THE Original ON MACKINAC SINCE 1887
Our fudge, brittle and other specialty sweets are crafted by hand with Pure Michigan all natural ingredients. Copper kettles, marble slabs, a Mackinac climate and a passion for tradition ensure delight in every bite.
MACKINAC ISLAND • ST. IGNACE • MACKINAW CITY • (906) 847-3530 • FOLLOW US: ORIGINALMURDICKSFUDGE.COM
48 Inside Mackinac
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