Katydids Candy traces their beginnings to 1854, when J.L. Green started a confectionery business in Bloomington, Illinois. The company was later acquired by Paul F. Beich, who went on to establish the Paul F. Beich Company in 1905. As the business expanded, it introduced several popular treats—such as Laffy Taffy and Golden Clusters—before adding Katydids to its lineup. In the early 1950s, Kathryn Beich recognized the importance of giving back and supporting local communities. She helped create a fundraising program centered on Katydids Candy, giving schools and nonprofit organizations a simple way to raise money by selling the chocolate caramel clusters. Over time, Katydids Candy became one of the earliest and most iconic fundraising candies in the country, earning a lasting place in school fundraising traditions across generations.
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