2024.12.05 THROW BACK THURSDAY -Jackson Cookie Company Plus Class News
THROW BACK THURSDAY -
Jackson Cookie Company Plus Class News
The Jackson Cookie Company, which originated in North Little Rock , produced a variety of confections that were beloved by consumers both inside and outside Arkansas. Over the years, their products included cookies such as chocolate chip, chocolate fudge, lemon-flavored Jackson Jumbles, peanut butter, oatmeal, and what was considered by many to be the company’s crown jewel, Jackson’s Vanilla Wafers. Its plant in North Little Rock closed in 2004. Residents recall how the aroma of Jackson’s cookies baking would sweetly scent the downtown area. The Jackson Cookie Company opened in North Little Rock in 1933 during the Great Depression. The business partners were Joseph Conlee “J. C.” Jackson, C. R. Jackson, and W. A. Jackson. Its first establishment was on Seventh Street, later moving to 113 South Olive Street in North Little Rock. Total sales for the Jackson Cookie Company in 1939 amounted to $104,729 (about $2.2 million in 2023 dollars); two percent of sales were made outside Arkansas. The Jackson Cookie Company instilled a deep brand loyalty for its products. Jackson Jumbles, which were soft, fluffy lemon cookies that had a small hole in the middle, became a special favorite of children. Many young people held the belief that the proper way to eat Jackson Jumbles was with a pinkie finger through the hole. The product was recognizable at the store for its red, white, and green packaging. Another favorite was Jackson’s Vanilla Wafers, which caught the eye of grocery shoppers in a distinctive clear bag with a red, white, and blue logo. Many cooks insisted that Jackson’s Vanilla Wafers were the only ones to use in banana pudding recipes or certain pie crusts. On December 18, 2022, Arkansas food writer Kat Robinson reported the discontinuation of Jackson’s Vanilla Wafers by long time new owners overseas. By that time, according to Ferrero Rocher, the last of the cookies had been made and distributed. Robinson stated that with supplies already dwindling in food stores, the news “brought virtual online wails of despair from the public, with disbelief a common thread.” (Don't ask me how I can remember this, but I can. Vance Vermillion was married to Lois Tabor for eons. But before Lois, he used to stop by Marilyn Dashiell's home on 13th Street near Battery and sit on her porch talking to her. For some reason, the wonderful smells from the Jackson Cookie Company were highlighted in that area. So years later he used to laugh and say, "anytime I think of Jackson Vanilla Wafers, I think of Marilyn, and vice versa!" ) Now I can't remember what I did yesterday, but . . .
1956 CLASS NEWS
Thank you to the little bird who dropped this wonderful article on me the other day. Congratulations, Jimmy!!
James Hefley, who currently lives in Lake Toxaway and Asheville, was named a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee by the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas. The College of Engineering Alumni awards recognize alumni of the college who have demonstrated exceptional professional and personal accomplishments and made important contributions to their professions and communities. “Our alumni are one of our college’s biggest strengths and their accomplishments speak directly to the quality of our academic program, said John English, dean of the college. “We are proud of all our alumni, but this group is a sample of our very best.” Hefley, who grew up in Little Rock, received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the U of A in 1961. After graduations, he worked for IBM for 19 years. As an IBM employee, Hefley designed and wrote all the software for the U of A’s first computer-based registration system. In 1981, Hefley moved to Houston to help build a management consulting company focused on business issues. The company, Gemini Consulting, started out with about 50 employees and grew to 3,000 in 19 years. For eight years, Gemini Consulting was the fastest growing consulting firm in the United States. Since retiring from Gemini, Hefley has taken up painting. He is represented by four fine arts galleries, and he participates in many regional art shows. Hefley donates 100 percent of the proceeds from his art sales to nonprofit organizations. Hefley is a member of the Arkansas Academy of Industrial Engineers.
Don't know about other places, but the stomach flu bug is alive and very active in Little Rock! However, in spite of that, we had a
great crowd at Mary Lou Hosack Billingsley's Monday for her annual hosting of our '56 Girls Christmas Luncheon". As usual, it was
a wonderful time. (Double click to enlarge)
Seated L-R: Betty Chandler, Pat Glass, Midge Brown, Bucky, Barbara Welton, Julie Anne Hamilton, Mary Jo Bryant\
Standing L-R: Mary Lou Hosack, Charlene Grady, Kitty Jones (Mrs. Harry), Linda Orton (Mrs. Syd), ML, Kay Kerby,
Kenda Treadway ('55), Sharon Douglass, Barbara May, Mary Fleming, Barbara Edwards
HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING! NOW WE CAN GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!
ML