Retro Roadmap Writeup
2017 update: Mod Betty had to get some Easter Candy and of course stopped by Edwards Freeman - what an assortment! I was also happy to note that they're carrying even more items to line a gift basket with, from drink mixers to all sorts of Stonewall Kitchens items. Here are a few wide shots of the sheer volume of things to choose from!
2016 Post:
You guys. No lie . I was about to write about another Retro Roadmap worthy place instead of this one, but the siren song of the peanut butter I got from Edwards-Freeman lured me from my desk and into the kitchen, and I am powerless to resist.
I figured I should hep you to this place now, if only so I'm not the only person who can't fit into their spring clothes because of peanut butter addiction! You're welcome ;-)
I recently stopped by Edwards Freeman in Conshohocken PA to pick up some butterscotch candies for a recipe. The company store has been hidden at this Hector street location since 1959 (they relocated here when the highway went through town.) I assumed they'd have this classic "granny candy" in stock (and I was right.)
HOWEVER, at the time I had no idea they made fresh peanut butter and other nut butters. I picked up a jar of crunchy PB and I think I've eaten the entire thing all by myself spoon by spoon. So tacky I know, but oh so tasty!
Now I find out that peanuts were actually the original reason they opened up way back in 1899.
According to the Edwards-Freeman website:
The Edwards Freeman Nut Company was established in 1899 by the American Peanut Corporation
of Suffolk, Virginia, to process and distribute Virginia-grown peanuts.
Several years later, it became one of the nation's leading peanut butter manufacturers.Edwards-Freeman Nut Company began in 1930 as a branch of the American Peanut Corp.
In 1935, two employees of the William Edwards and Eldridge Freeman, purchased the Philadelphia outlet.
They roast the peanuts here and you can even take a tour! I did not know that, but now I do.
You see, I always think of this place as mainly a destination for candies and chocolates ever since a friend stopped by here for baby shower favors and knew she had to share it with me.
Even though I work right up the road, I had honestly kinda forgotten about it since it is tucked away in a residential area. My bad for not sharing it before now, but I can't even imagine what I'd look like if I had known about their peanut butter all this time! They warn you about becoming "husky" when you walk in, so take note:
They don't just sell nuts and candy, they even have a wide selection of spices and candy making supplies, hot sauces, gourmet foods. imported treats and holiday items for you to buy. They can also put them together in gift baskets. 
Here are a few photos below of the more fun and unusual items I discovered, however they also have plenty of traditional chocolates and sweets.
So if you're on 76 or 476 near "Conshy" follow the siren song to Hector Street and Edwards-Freeman.
I'd write more but the peanut butter is calling my name!
Published
Location
Address / Phone
Support Retro Roadmap!
Stacey Greger
March 27, 2016 at 4:46 pmMy parents met and worked there in the 60s. I found Edwards-Freeman on facebook not long ago. Your post definitely puts it on the list for my next trip to Pennsylvania. My husband would love the fresh peanut butter.
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
April 2, 2016 at 4:19 pmStacey – how cool that is where your parents met! Please do swing by there, I love that it is part of your family history!