Candy Canes

German settlers are believed to have brought candy canes to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Originally, the candy cane was a plain white stick and it was only 100 years ago that candy manufacturers added the distinctive red “barber shop” stripes. The crook-shaped twist was also added at the top to encourage consumers to display them on Christmas trees. Another tradition associates the shape of the candy canes with the bishop's staff of St. Nicholas.

Original Locations of Mega-Chains

The biggest franchises in the world all started with just one store. Some are so big and have been around so long that few know where the original was! Read how Starbucks, 7-11, and The Gap started out, and plenty of trivia. Did you know Taco Bell was named after its founder? That Arby’s is named for the pronunciation of R.B, but that doesn’t mean roast beef? And the first Whoppers cost 37 cents? Fifteen such chains are featured in this post found on link

History Of Illinois License Plates

I came across this website of the history of Illinois License plates:

http://www.sos.state.il.us/special/plate_history/start_history.html