Houlton’s candy store provides trip down memory lane

Staff photo/Jon Gulliver
SWEET TREATS — Karen Keber, the owner of Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe in Houlton, waits on a customer. The store stocks one of the most varied assortments of candy and chocolate in northern Maine.
By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
    HOULTON — There is kind of a time machine in the Shiretown. It doesn’t work by sending you into the future, but it certainly can take you back. For folks of a certain age Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe is a trip down memory lane.
    Located in the old S.L. White Drugstore building at 60 Main Street in Houlton, the three-year-old establishment offers sweets and other treats not found anywhere else in the region.
    Owner Karen Keber proudly listed off some of the old-time candy she stocks.
    “We have Satellite Wafers, wax bottles with flavored liquid, Squirrel Nuts, Mint Juleps and Banana Splits,” she said.
    She also mentioned a candy that was popular in the late 1800s. Sen-Sen was to the 19th century what breath mints are to our time. Any country store worth its salt, prominently displayed a box of the handy little packets within easy reach of its customers.
    Keber goes to great lengths to find these treasures, much to the delight of her customers, who, on occasion, have become very excited to find something they haven’t had since they were a kid.
    “It’s not easy to find the candy,” she said. “It’s almost a full-time job.”
    Uncle Willy’s also gets stock from Haven’s Candies in Westbrook, which has been handcrafting premium confections in Maine since 1915. And if that weren’t enough, some of the treats are made right at the store.
    The nostalgic feel of the store doesn’t stop with the selections. From the moment you walk through the front door the aesthetics are more classic than contemporary. There are hardwood floors, high ceilings and carefully arranged shelves and tables. Most of the candy is adorned with colorful ribbons and Uncle Willy’s stickers.
Staff photo/Jon Gulliver
MEMORY LANE — Not only does Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe on Main Street in downtown Houlton stock goodies which makes people feel nostalgic, but the décor inside also harkens back to a simpler time.
    Up until a few months ago you could still by a piece of candy at the store for a penny, but the economics of a one-cent Tootsie Roll didn’t add up, so the price was raised. The “Penny Candy,” in name only, is still popular however, especially root beer barrels.
    As for the rest of the candy, chocolate is always a favorite claimed Keber. She also said their extensive licorice selection is a big draw.
    If you ask Keber how many different types of candy she sells don’t expect a quick answer.
    “I should really try to figure that out, shouldn’t I,” she joked. It’s safe to say the stock is extensive.
    Keber moved to Houlton from Massachusetts a few years back and thought it would be fun to open up a candy store. What she didn’t realize is that her business would become a bonafide tourist attraction, with people making special trips to Houlton just to shop at Uncle Willy’s.
    “It’s really a nice feeling when we have positive feedback like that and people will travel that far just to visit our little store,” Keber said.
    “It’s been great,” she said while waiting on a repeat customer.
    “It’s the best candy around,” the patron said as he paid for his goodies and promised to be back.
    Uncle Willy’s Candy Shoppe, staffed by Keber and her daughter Britney, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the summer the store is also open on Monday.