Families that Work Together: Douglass Candies' Dugan Family
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step,” Chinese philosopher Laotzu once said. For the Douglass family, that long voyage began in the year 1919 in the seaside town of Wildwood, when Philadelphia-born Charles Douglass opened his small yet destined-for-greatness taffy stand on Cedar Avenue. Little did he know then where that sweet journey, or that modest taffy stand, would lead. Along with his brother Joseph, as well as Joseph’s wife Minerva and their three children June, Charles, and Harvey, Charles Douglass turned that small taffy stand into Douglass Candies, a much-loved, integral part of Wildwood.

As the second in a series of Wildwood family owned and operated businesses, the Douglass family personifies the true meaning of hard work and family values first inspired by the “King of Wildwood candymakers,” Charles Douglass. The family now includes owner and company president Barbara Bradley Dugan (great niece of Charles Douglass) and her store-manager sons James Bradley Dugan and Jason Alexander Dugan (the fourth generation of candy makers). They strive to maintain that legendary status by offering their patrons the highest quality confections for the lowest cost. With sugar in their blood, they expertly blend family and business, consistently remaining true to the traditions begun 88 years ago.

A typical Douglass Candies day begins at 8 a.m., with all candy (excluding gummy bears, licorice and hard candy) being made on the premises. The same staff, some from abroad, returns each year and is considered an extended part of the family. Although managing the business requires much from each family member, they spend time together during barbeques and meals between shifts (dessert is never a problem).

A glimpse of the past, in addition to the finest, freshest candies, awaits each visitor beyond the Douglass doors. Original artwork, photos, cupboards, counters, and the Douglass Scotty dog-print carpeting (the logo inspired by the Scotch/Irish family name) are among the valued pieces of a well-preserved past still on display.

Douglass Candies and the adjacent Douglass Pavilion are as much a part of the Wildwoods boardwalk history as shells are to its nearby beach. The boardwalk isn’t merely a stomping ground comprised of wood and nails. Thanks to businesses like Douglass Candies, it has a heart and soul. Sweetened stories from days-gone-by were passed down to Barbara by her grandmother Minerva, her mother June, and uncles Charles and Harvey. Since the age of five, she began learning all facets of the candy business.

Today, Barbara and her sons look toward an innovative future with their famous family past guiding the way. Her family’s dedication to superior standards is what keeps Douglass Candies above the competition. Their goal is much like their predecessors: to provide each customer with superior products and personalized service. Staying true to that ambition, they have a newly created website: www.douglasscandies.com. Be sure to log on! With a fresh new way to reach people and a long-held commitment to creativity and all things sugar-coated, Douglass Candies journey is far from over, a sweet fact for generations of fans!