Charlie’s Carmel Corn and Candy Shop
Seventy years ago, a simple gesture of gratitude sparked what would become one of Vincennes’ most beloved small businesses, Charlie’s Carmel Corn and Candy Shop. In 1952, Charlie and Lorethea Hamke began remodeling their new home with the help of co-workers from Schultheis Furniture Repair. As a thank you, the couple filled large bakery cans with homemade caramel corn and gave them as gifts. The caramel corn was such a hit that neighbors soon began calling to buy their own.
The candy shop was officially launched out of their home in 1955. Charlie passed away in 1978, but Lorethea continued to work diligently in the business until she was 90 years old and it was sold to family members Darrel and Emily Bobe and Lorrinda and Bob Ellerman. This year they are celebrating the shop’s 70th Anniversary! Grounded in Christian values, honesty, hard work, and respect, the shop continues to draw generations of customers who value the shop’s homemade recipes, premium ingredients, and old-fashioned integrity.
Though many of their early business woes are behind them, Lorrinda vividly remembers those first few years in the candy business. “We’ve always been hard workers—farmers—but nothing prepares you for Easter candy season!” Thankfully Lorethea remained their mentor during the first four years of taking over the business. They learned how to manage the bookkeeping themselves—something they still handle today—and modernized a few outdated practices, like paying employees in cash! They’ve upgraded some equipment as well, but still handcraft much of their candy to preserve the old-fashioned charm their customers love.
Operating out of the shop’s original location, a 3-story home, presents challenges with space and stairs. They’ve also acquired the home next door but then have the weather to contend with at times. For them, it’s a balancing act of moving forward but keeping the old-fashioned feel. “I love serving people and continuing the tradition,” Lorrinda shared, and that’s what drives their decisions most days.
Popular items like caramel corn and turtles continue to be customer favorites. A common phrase the owners hear is, ‘I remember when…’ or “just the way it used to be.’ That connection means so much to us,” she shared.
The team has grown to include 9 year-round employees (and up to 15 during the holidays). While summer can be a challenge for candy shops, Knox County visitors and corporate holiday orders help balance the year.
Throughout their journey, they’ve leaned on community support, including the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, and The Pantheon, where they would meet with Julie Folz, their business advisor at the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “I can’t say enough about Julie. She’s a wealth of information and such a blessing. Any time I had a question, she’d show up with more help than I knew I needed.”
Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Find your passion. Set a vision. Talk to people you can be honest with. Then see that vision through with energy and joy. It has to be something you love doing every single day.”
“When you have a business, you work long hours. If you get an order last minute, you don’t say no, you stay and get the job done.”
As they continue to honor the past and shape the future, one thing’s for sure: the sweet spirit of this Vincennes candy shop is as strong today as it was 70 years ago.
Visit their shop at 427 N. 2nd Street, Vincennes, or shop online anytime—they offer shipping! 🍫✨