Brown's Candy Craftsmen

June Ward, Master Candy Maker 

Through the years, June has adopted a large extended family. From apprentice candy makers to nationally known dignitaries, all are welcome at Brown's Candy Factory.

A Craftsman In The Making

Ozarks native June Ward was born at Lake of the Ozarks, and raised in Galena and Reeds Spring, Missouri. In August of 1968, June decided to help friend Ted Miller, who was recruiting people to work at Silver Dollar City during the busy fall crafts festival. 

The Silver Dollar City Years

Since candy making at Silver Dollar City is demonstrated in front of guests, it takes personality, something June has plenty of. Sampling the product is just one of the benefits for June and her team, a long time staff of fellow candy makers. "We are our own quality controllers. And if anybody says it's not our responsibility, we overrule them." June says, admitting to no one favorite type of candy.

When asked why candy has become her life's work June answers, "I really love what I do and the people I work with. Relationships are everything. "Reluctant to leave the shop to travel, June once told Silver Dollar City Publicist Don Richardson, "If you're good enough, they'll come to you," and she was right. Over the years Silver Dollar City has hosted many dignitaries including Al Roker, Willard Scott, Mark McEwen, Walt Adams, Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks and Buzz Aldren to name a few, and all have stopped to meet the crew of the candy shop and the vivacious Miss June. She was even the stand-in for Donna Douglas (who played Elly May) during the filming of the Beverly Hillbillies at Silver Dollar City. When Ms.Douglas returned to speak at Silver Dollar City's Young Christians' Weekend, she of course stopped in to say hello.

June approaches her craft with humor and a sincere appreciation for the art of candy making. She has a deep dedication to share her knowledge with guests and new candy makers alike. As for the young people who work in the shop, she has a genuine affection for them. Many come back year after year until they graduate from high school or college. When they move on they keep in touch, and bring their families back in to meet the crew. "They become the shop's extended family, it's special. The ties you make here—you can't buy stuff like that, you have to live it," says June.

Interesting Extras

June is one of the original members of "The Royal Order of the Pig" — a remote division of Silver Dollar City claiming to be the corporate headquarters. Affectionately known as the Candy Queen, or "Queenie", June is legendary for playing practical jokes. In the early days, when owner and co-founder Jack Herschend was out of town, June would write memos on his stationery signed JH for June & Hazel or June & Holt (fellow candy makers).

Under the tutelage of the beautiful postmistress Jewell Boseman, June first worked in the Silver Dollar City Post Office hand stamping the popular Silver Dollar City postage paid stamp on letter sand postcards mailed by guests. When the candy shop (a new addition in 1968) needed help, June got the call. The rest, as they say, is history.

June learned the craft of making candy from Paul Davis and Paul Whitmer, who worked at Silver Dollar City. Flossie Inmon, from the Davis Candy Company, taught her about making chocolates. All of these individuals had made candy for the majority of their lives;they were true masters. June also fondly remembers working side by side with Hazel Murray, aka Ma Brown, for whom Hazel's Blown Glass was named.

Amanda Delp, Senior Craftsman

For more than two decades, Amanda Delp has been working as a kitchen craftsman in The City. Her journey ultimately led her to work at Brown’s Candy Factory, where she has been since 2014. “I love learning about different things and the unique techniques that you have to use in order to make the candy here,” said Delp.

The art of candy making is one that requires attention to detail, patience and a lot of hard work. “Our craft is very unique, that’s for sure, and it’s not easy” said Delp, explaining how her passion developed. She recalls peanut brittle being especially difficult to perfect. “But the more you make it and the more practice you have, the better you get,” she remarked.

After years of working at Brown’s, she has certainly become an expert at making peanut brittle, which guests can sample during demonstrations. Guests will also enjoy stopping to experience the playful atmosphere of the shop. “The team makes me laugh so hard. We have a lot of stories. We have a lot of fun here. This is like my work family,” said Delp. 

Just follow the scent of candy and fudge down Valley Road to find Amanda hard at work on her sweet craft.

Jennifer Henderson, Senior Craftsman

Jennifer Henderson has spent many seasons at Silver Dollar City, but she didn’t start out as a candymaker! During her first four, she worked paid games, Tom & Huck’s River Blast, Ozark Marketplace and Lucky’s Toy Shop before moving to Brown’s Candy Factory, where she has been ever since. Now, on a typical day at the shop, she starts by checking which candies and fudges are in highest demand, then gets to work on whichever products need to be replaced.

“I know each craftsman works hard at their craft. They’re all very talented here,” said Henderson. She understands the importance of her job for the overall well-being of The City. “We make 95% of the candy for the park. I think that’s what really sets this place apart.”

Amidst the hard-working nature of the candy factory, candymakers like Jennifer still find a way to enjoy their craft. “If we are having a busy day, we’re making 10 batches of brittle, a batch of fudge and then whatever else needs to be done in between that. It makes for a long day, but we always try to have fun while working,” said Henderson. 

Henderson also has the pleasure of refining her craft while teaching others the art of candy making. Her advice as a longtime craftsman is this: “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing. Because if you don’t, it’s not worth it. And we all enjoy what we’re doing here. You’ve got to have fun with it too; that’s the biggest thing.” 

Stop by Brown’s Candy Factory to get a glimpse (and perhaps a bite) of the treats that keep visitors coming back time and time again!