By Paula Pyzik Scott

Even a quick conversation with Jana Hughes, the granddaughter of Charles (Charley) Hankish, gives a taste of memories that linger from Hankish Confectionary, a Bluffton business from 1906-1956. Hughes was born after the store closed but provides tantalizing glimpses of Charley's gift for candy and business.

Hughes is among seven family members who will host a Hankish Confectionary Q&A on Bluffton History Day, August 8. The program with free Hankish-recipe ice cream will be held at noon between Bluffton Presbyterian Church and Ellerbrock Spine and Soft Tissue on Main St.

Charley Hankish was a Catholic who immigrated from Lebanon, likely seeking religious freedom. He lived in Toledo and discovered Bluffton while selling linens in the area. He was known for saying, "The people of Bluffton were always so good to me."

In the early 20th century, the business of making and selling ice cream year-round was a hard chore. In Bluffton, it involved cutting ice from the quarry and storing it on sawdust. Hankish also made peanut brittle, cinnamon candies, chocolates, caramels, horehound candy and taffy, as well as candy canes at Christmas. His shop also sold bananas, cigars and cigarettes, toothpaste and laundry detergent.

The Hankish soda fountain became a popular place to hang out after school, as well as on dates and after movies. Hughes wonders just how late the business stayed open at night.

Charley met his wife Sophia in England. All seven of Charley and Sophia's children worked in the store, and all went to college with the support of their parents.

The family still makes ice cream using the Hankish store recipe and will be serving free samples at the Q&A. Donations are welcome.

MORE ABOUT HISTORY DAY
The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will also display the cell that housed bank robber and gangster John Dillinger in the Allen County Jail in 1933. 

10 a.m. - Clues distributed for Scavenger Hunt with prizes from Langan Family Finds, 107 Vine St.

10 a.m. - Q&A and display of Fett Hardware memorabilia with Ed Fett and family at Bluffton Senior Center, 132 N. Main St.

11 a.m. - Dan Gillett will host a Q&A and provide a display of Gillett Pastry Shop memorabilia with free sausage rolls (donations welcome).

The Bluffton Ohio Historical Society has begun a $1.3M capital campaign to create a Bluffton History Museum on Main St. For more information, visit www.BlufftonForever.com.

The society meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the 1899 Depot at 405 N. Spring St., Buckeye Park.

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