The history of candy-making in Cambridge has mostly been forgotten. Factories have either been bought or moved elsewhere, except for one. Main Street used to be the powerhouse for several major companies, and it was even called “Confectioners Row” in the 20th century. Now, it inhibits one of Cambridge’s last remaining major candy factories owned by Tootsie Roll Industries, where candies such as Junior mints and NECCO wafers were made.

The origin of Candymaking in Cambridge dates back to 1765 when an Irish immigrant named John Hannon created a chocolate Mill that later attracted local candy companies due to Cambridge's financial convenience. In 1847 came the introduction of steam machines to make candy. Cheap land meant easier expansion, and Cambridge quickly became Massachusetts's second-largest industrial production city.

Cambridge peaked in 1946 when over 60 candy companies were in Cambridge’s phone books. Soon later came the rise of big candy companies such as Nestle and Hershey’s, and success depended on being able to ship everywhere to reach more people. Companies began relocating to pursue these efforts, ending Cambridge’s confectioner reputation.