As we gather our M&Ms and Reese’s Pieces for Halloween trick-or-treaters, it is interesting to note that access to sweets was far more difficult in the past. One of the first confection businesses in Newport was started in 1852 by Charles Gottlieb Muenchinger at 70 Spring Street. Muenchinger emigrated from Germany to Norwich, Connecticut as a teacher before moving to Newport. He later opened a shop at 208 Thames Street.
Through his sons, the business expanded into Newport’s first catering company. His son Gustave, with his wife Amanda, owners of a boarding house and cottage business, purchased the Muenchinger-King building in 1903 and turned it into one of Newport’s most fashionable hotels. The Muenchinger-King building stands today at the corner of Catherine Street and Bellevue Avenue.
Above: An advertising card produced for “Muenchinger & Sons, Confectioners and Caterers” from Lulu B. Barker’s scrapbook of Newport souvenir business cards in the NHS Collection.