The chocolate foundation.

In 1855 in New Orleans, Christopher Henry Miller turned his pastry chef experience into the Miller Candy Corporation. His son-in-law, Augustus Elmer, eventually joined him. And around the turn of the century, the company’s name was changed to Elmer-Miller. In 1914, Elmer’s sons signed on to what is now known as Elmer Candy Corporation.

Elmer Candy soon increased its national presence by adding several new factories and introducing a wide variety of confections and snacks—some of which are still favorites today: Heavenly Hash Eggs (1923) and Gold Brick Eggs (1936).

In the early 1960s, Roy Nelson became a partner in the enterprise. In 1963, he purchased the entire company from the Elmer family and encouraged his son Allan to join the endeavor. Together, the two men centralized operations by opening a manufacturing facility in Ponchatoula, LA—the Northshore of New Orleans. They also refocused the company’s offerings, concentrating on seasonal chocolates rather than everyday candy and snacks.

The move proved to be a good one. Elmer Chocolate, now run by the third generation of Nelsons, is the second largest heart box manufacturer in the country. Easter favorites Gold Brick, Heavenly Hash and Pecan Eggs outsell national leaders five to one along the Gulf Coast. And the Elmer Chocolate name continues to create sweet memories for new generations of candy lovers.