I remember oh so well, candy cigarettes. They came three different ways all shaped like a cigarette. There were the bubble gum type; the chocolate that were wrapped in a foil and the ever popular ones that looked like a cigarette. These were a chalky sugar candy with a dyed red tip on the end. The candy cigarettes came ten in a cardboard box; two sets of five candies were connected and you had to break them apart.
Having these made me feel so grown-up. I am certain other children felt the same. I do not think the chalky sugar ones had any taste that I can recall. Of course, one did not think of taste, but more like acting like an adult; imitating those adults who we saw smoking.
My first package of cigarettes came from my Uncle Harold. He gave me the package after breaking all the cigarettes apart for me. At the time, I lived with my maternal grand-parents. Every Sunday, the aunts, uncles and cousins who lived in the area would congregate at my grand-parents house. While the children played or watched the television, the adults sat around the large table drinking coffee, smoking and playing cards. I happen to be about three years old at the time when this incident did occur.
My first little package of cigarettes were given to me. I opened the package and took one out. Watching the adults holding theirs’ between their fingers, I followed suit. My uncle had lite mine for me and I began to puff away. As the card game commenced, the coffee cups drained and conversation went on and on, I looked over at the adults and noticed each one had an ashtray. I wondered why I did not. I asked “where is my ashtray”. My aunt went and got one for me. Like the grown-ups I would put my cigarette down on occasion. What I wondered next, why I don’t have any ashes in my ash tray. I questioned my Uncle Harold who could not give me a reply. As the day went on, I did not notice that my uncle and aunt who sat near me would on occasion, flick their ashes into my ash tray. I finally noticed dark gray ashes were piling up in my little ash tray. I became glad feeling as if I were actually the one putting them there. Also I had a cup containing a drop of coffee and filled with milk giving me the impression I was one of them (the adults).
It seemed for weeks on end, the adults continued to play along to make me feel as if I were one of them with the ashes being flicked into my very own ash tray. I recall once going to visit my great-aunt and uncle; I carried my little purse with my package of cigarettes inside.
The novelty of this wore off by the time I turned four years old. By then I began to join my older cousins in games such as Old Maid and checkers or on nice days outdoor games such as It or hide ‘n’ seek.
As I think about the candy of days gone by, such as the candy cigarettes and bubble gum cigars, I can’t wonder if candy cigarettes were the cause of many of us smoking in our adult years.
For those reading this, think back to your own childhood; did you ever have these chalky sugar treats? Is there a story or two you recall about them?
As I think about my two youngest grandchildren, I am sure I would not want to give them any of these candy cigarettes. Although, licorice, that is another story. Perhaps a bag of black licorice, chocolate or even a box or two of Good and Plenty.
Until next time…..think about the old drive-in movie theaters. I can just taste popcorn now.
