A Memorable Minties Moment

1927, Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1859 - 1929), 26 February, p. 13. , viewed 25 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page25137816

“It’s moments like these you need Minties”. Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, this iconic Australian lolly is one of the oldest confectionery products still available. Minties were invented in 1922 by Australian James Stedman and produced initially under Sweetacres brand."

 
The above tweet from Trove reminded me of a memorable "Minties Moment" far from Australia. Thanks Trove for the images and reminder.

A fun competitive activity when I was younger was to unwrap a Mintie and while enjoying the lolly,  one proceeded to tear the wrapping paper into one long strip. A comparison with others, usually siblings, determined who had managed to tear the longest strip without any breaks. The reward was simply in the accomplishment of the task.

1953 'Advertising', Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), 7 October, p. 21. (LAST CITY), viewed 25 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article217216903

While accompanying my husband on an overseas posting, I had several opportunities to travel with a group of women who were from a wide range of countries. They were all there accompanying husbands attached to their country's embassy.

On one day trip out of Paris, we were in for a long bus ride. It had become a custom to entertain each other by introducing a fun activity or song or story while we travelled.

With several packets of Minties in hand I distributed them to all aboard.  I issued a suitable warning about the likelihood of tooth engagement! I then demonstrated the technique by which one could tear the wrapper into a long strip. Much hilarity ensued as many made the effort but somehow needed a second Mintie to try another time.

A fun activity that reminded me of special friendships with women forged across language and customs barriers. Have you had a memorable Minties Moment?

Minties - now made by Allens - a hard, white chewy, square mint-flavoured sweet, which on chewing become so sticky that they are notorious for causing dental fillings to come out. They are wrapped in a waxed paper.

This post first appeared on earlieryears.blogspot.com by CRGalvin