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A Little Lillie Mae History
Lillie Mae Candies opened in 1939 on East Main Street
by George Demopolus, named for his daughter Lillie Mae. In 1942, the
business was bought by John Moucoulis and Peter Mercuris and moved
to 108 East Main Street. Andy Mercury joined the partnership in 1945
and Bill Moucoulis in 1947. The business was a homemade candy store
and cafe/soda fountain operated by the four partners and was a
favorite meeting place for teenagers and adults. In 1955, Bill
Moucoulis left the business and in 1965 John Moucoulis left.
Peter Mercuris and Andy Mercuris ran the business
until 1974 when Security Bank needed the area. Peter Mercuris then
retired and Andy became the sole owner and moved all the fixtures,
booths, and original soda fountain to its present location at 23
West Main Street. Andy and his wife Helen, and daughters Sophia and
Mary, with additional help, ran the now popular cafe and homemade
candy store which catered to shoppers and downtown personnel.
Chocolates were sent nationwide at Christmas,
Valentines Day, Easter and all year long.
In 1985, Andy and family decided to retire and
daughter Georgia and her husband Buck moved from Los Angeles and
bought the business. The business continued to serve Marshalltown as
a cafe and homemade candy store until 1992, when the decision was
made to close the cafe and expand the candy store operation.
Remodeling was done and the candy and chocolate
operations were enlarged and moved into the main floor area where
visitors may watch chocolates being hand dipped.
Many dignitaries have eaten our chocolates, including
George and Barbara Bush, Bob and Elizabeth Dole and Bill and Hilary
Clinton, whose letters can be seen on our wall.
In 2003 a new chapter was entered into Lillie Mae's
history with the sale of the business to Marshalltown natives Tom
and Aimee Snyder. Tom and Aimee have expanded the shipping business,
have added a catalog, and make the wonderful chocolates available
online. Georgia is still at the store daily teaching Aimee the
business.
Lillie Mae is still a family affair just as it was
with the Mercuris/Mercury family. Tom and Aimee's two sons are
frequently helping at the shop along with both the Deimerlys and the
Snyders.
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