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.