Roman Candy Man
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Roman Candy Man
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
The mule-drawn Roman candy cart has been roaming the streets of New Orleans selling sticks of hand-pulled and wrapped chocolate, vanilla and strawberry taffy since 1915. Sam Cortese started the Roman Candy Co. using a taffy recipe from his mother, Angelina. She made the candy for friends and family and handed it out at special events and gatherings.
When demand for the taffy grew, Sam began selling it around New Orleans. He designed a custom cart with wheelwright Tom Brinker, and together they built the wagon that is still producing and selling Roman candy today.
The Roman candy cart has been a regional icon for almost a century. The wagon has been replicated in prints, lithographs
and even charm bracelets. The Roman candy sold for 5 cents per piece when Cortese began selling it in 1915. It remained 5 cents until 1970. Today, each stick sells for $1.
Sam Cortese sold the candy for 59 years, up until his death in 1969. His grandson, Ron Kottemann, took over the business and can still be found selling taffy from the original cart around New Orleans.
In this photograph, the Roman Candyman was captured in Audubon Park, the mule grazing in a nearby meadow. The photograph has been processed with an ink drawing filter and will be more effectively reproduced on a matt surface paper such as watercolor paper or Somerset Velvet.
Uploaded
December 27th, 2012
Statistics
Viewed 1,098 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/26/2024 at 8:28 AM
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Comments (26)
Cheri Randolph
Jouko, I greatly appreciate your feature of "Roman Candy Man" in your group, Art from the Past.
Cheri Randolph
Marilyn, Thanks for your nice compliment and the vote. Wishing you a Happy and Creative 2013 also!
Madalena Lobao-Tello
CONGRATULATIONS!! Featured on Female Artists!! Great artwork. Love the colours, textures and composition!!!!!
Mary Machare
Wonderful processing on this capture of an old-time candy cart. Perfect to create the vintage feel. vf.
Bob Orsillo
Happy New Year Cheri! :)
Cheri Randolph replied:
Bob, I'm complimented by your favorable critique, and grateful for your generous support. Hope that you, too, have a Happy and creative 2013!
Sharon Duguay
Cool ,love the old country charm V
Cheri Randolph replied:
Sharon, Thanks for your compliment and the vote also - both are appreciated.
Kym Backland
Cheri, Oooh that assignment, to get it perfectly black and white with NO gray! Ahhh I see... you have to know what you are doing I guess! Good luck! I'm sure if anyone can do it, you can Cheri!
William Fields
Cheri, I've seen this cart out at the racetrack during Jazzfest. Nicely captured! voted, favorite
Cheri Randolph replied:
William, I'm glad if this brought back some memories of your Jazz Fest experience. One of my favorite things that happen in NOLA. Thanks for the v/f!