Shirk’s Homemade Candies

Locally owned and operated, this Marion tradition has been in operation since 1932. Visit their showroom to choose from a display of delicious hand-dipped chocolates. While great for gift-giving and special occasions, every day is a good day for chocolate!

Current Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 10am-5:30pm

Saturday: 10am-3pm

Sunday: CLOSED

The History of Shirk’s Homemade Candies:  Shirk’s Homemade Candies’ founder, Elwood “Bert” Shirk, started the business in the heart of the Depression. In 1932 he purchased The Caramel Crisp Shop in downtown Marion, Ohio. Bert left a so-called secure job at the Susquehanna Silk Mill to pursue his dream of being an independent businessman. In those days all businesses and entertainment were located in the downtown area. One of the trade secrets was to cook the caramel syrup about the time the movie theaters let out, the aroma would flow into the streets, tempting customers to buy. Bert popped his own popcorn and cooked the syrup in a copper kettle. This same kettle is still used today after three generations of confectioners.

Bert Shirk learned to make chocolates in the 1940s from a candy maker, Fred Chessy, of Richwood, Ohio. While also owning a sandwich shop in downtown Marion where the first homemade candies were made and retailed, this location was a teenage hangout during World War II. The candy cases that are used today at the current location, originated at the sandwich shop.

In the 1950’s Wyandot Popcorn contacted Bert concurring the purchase of his caramel corn recipe and helping them enter the snack business. Bert worked for Wyandot for four years and then pursued confection production as a means of his livelihood. Today Wyandot Popcorn is a worldwide supplier of snack products.

In 1965, Bert retired and sold the business to his son, Dick. Together with his wife, Joan, they expanded the business over a period of more than 30 years, providing the central Ohio area with high-quality hand-dipped chocolates. Dick passed away in October 2005 and is deeply missed by both family and customers. Joan remains active in the business today.

Shirk’s Homemade Candies is now in the third generation of candy makers, following the sale of the business in 1999, to Rick Shirk. He has been active in the business since 1994 and looks forward to growing the business into the 21st century.