Here's the place, Honey Bear Farm, at the shore of Powers Lake, Wisconsin. Once a bucolic family farm, it was purchased by Julia Kraft, founder of Mrs. Steven's Candies, in 1953. The original farm buildings were converted into shops and a restaurant, featuring "grandma-style" cooking with signature menu items: honey bread and honey salad dressing. The Honey Bear mascot appeared on mugs, T-shirts, and other gift items.
After nearly 20 successful years, the 18-acre spread was sold to Carson Pirie Scott, better known as the big Chicago department store founded in 1858.
Of course, changes were made and not always for the better, then the popular restaurant burned down in 1977. Even though it was re-built, business continued to falter and the whole operation eventually was shuttered.
The farm where Honey Bear and the children of Wisconsin used to frolic and play is no more. The only trace of what used to be is a place on the lake called "Honey Bear Bay".
Matchbook Circa 1974
The Inside Story: Honey Bear Beckons You Spend a dozy day of leisure at Honey Bear Farm. 18 acres of rolling meadows on the shore of Powers Lake. Fun for the whole family...pony-cart rides to penny candy for the kids...luncheon (or dinner) like grandmother used to serve...gift cottages filled to brimming with home-made bread and pastries, hostess whimsies, countrified casual-wear and more. Carson Pirie Scott & Co. credit cards honored.
