By 1960, McIntyre’s Candies operated through most
of the year. Late in that year came the first true storefront,
at 1330 17th Avenue in Altoona. Former students of Keith
Junior High still talk about stopping in the shop for fresh
candy after school. To this day, our daily candy-making concludes
around school dismissal time.
In 1982, McIntyre’s Candies moved to our current location
at 1417 11th Avenue in downtown Altoona. Mrs. Barb Ray, daughter
of Thelma and Kermit, and her husband, Jack, had now become
integral members of the candy-making team. From 1982 through
1992, McIntyre’s Candies grew through the addition
of nationwide mail-order service and wholesale deliveries
to several area grocery stores. In 1992, McIntyre’s
expanded into the adjacent building to increase candy-making
capacity.
Grandma McIntyre remained active in the business until her
death at age 93 in 2003. Vivid memories remain of her working
the candy-cupping line, making sure that every piece was
just right before it went in the box. The second McIntyre’s
retail store opened in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania in 2003.
It’s located “on the Diamond,” down the
block from the County Courthouse.
In late 2004, Barb and Jack Ray sought to enter retirement
while keeping McIntyre’s a family-run business. Many
interested buyers approached. However, the Rays selected
the Ruggerys, Don Sr., Don Jr., and Jay, hometown folks who
grew up eating McIntyre’s Candies.
The launching of McIntyre’s Candies Virtual Store
and the addition of a new chocolate enrober in late 2005
represent McIntyre’s commitment to growing what Grandma
McIntyre began in 1948. We look forward to serving you soon—and
delighting you!—when you Make It McIntyre’s!
