In the mid-1970s, my father, mother, and I moved into a little white house in the northernmost part of West Liberty. Beside that little house was a candy shop. A formative memory of mine was the swingset at the bottom of the hill behind the little house.

I would swing until my little 4-year-old heart was content, but some days… some days, I would hear a melodious invitation from the Candy Lady.

“Oh, Johnson-girl! Little Johnson-Girl! I have some seconds for you!” She would call from the back door of her red-brick house.

That was Marie King. Yes, it was me who once lived in the house that used to sit where the Depot is now.

Before my brother was born, I had an “in” to the most delicious treats West Liberty had to offer. I would walk into her store, past the candy display, and right into the candy-making area to retrieve a slightly damaged pink, chocolate penny! I’m sure some of you remember those pastel-colored pennies that were bigger than the palms of my adult, writing hands.

Well, Marie herself would deliver them to ME, at times.

Even into my adulthood, if I were lucky enough to run into her, she would say, “Well, there’s that Johnson-girl!”

Then, we’d talk of pink or mint-green pennies. She would always apologize to me about having to give me a green or blue one. So funny!

I loved the pink ones most, but who are we kidding… they all tasted wonderful and the very same.

I’d mention Peanut Butter Fancies- the most delectable treat that I have ever had the distinct privilege of placing in my mouth- as she smiled and reveled in the enjoyment of her recipes. It’s a core memory, I tell you. So, the recent news of Marie’s Candies changing ownership was more than disheartening.

I thought, “Would I lose my very favorite candy forever? How could this possibly happen? West Liberty can’t lose this gem of a business to someone outside of the King family. Can I literally survive without the peanut butter Easter eggs or …Heaven forbid… my beloved square, perfect, Peanut Butter Fancies? Oh, no! Marie’s Candy Chocolate Covered Oreos- my sons’ favorites. Will they be gone forever?”

Consequently, like many West Liberty Lifers and local residents, I was shell-shocked. This is why there was a huge sigh of relief that calmed my soul after I left the interview with Lori and Troy Dalrymple. This couple has the capable hands to keep Marie’s Candy legacy alive. Read on, and I’ll tell you why.