 Louis Giarraputo The Giarraputos are an Italian family that has lived and made candy in Denison for a century.
In 1907 Anton Giarraputo was running a confectionery at 313 West Main and living with his wife Nunzia B. at 523 East Morton Street. Louis Giarraputo clerked at the store and lived at the same address. That year, there were eighteen "retail confectioneries" listed in the City Directory, many run by people with Italian names. By 1917, Louis Giarraputo and Felix Alfieri ran the Busy Bee Confectionery (Ice Cream Parlor and Lunch) at 407 West Main. In addition, Tony and Lucas Giarraputo were running Giarraputo Brothers at 309 West Main. Louis lived at 520 East Main Street; Rosa Giarraputo also lived there. Tony and wife Nancy lived at 523 East Main. Lucas had moved west to 1004 West Chestnut Street.  527 East Morton Street Giarraputo House next to Candy Store. Photo by Brian Christopher Hander, August 2010. Used by permission  By
1920, Giarraputo Brothers had become Tony's Palm Garden, a staple on
the Denison scene for many years to come. An advertisement in the 1920
Yellow Jacket (high school annual, page 63)
reads: "Tony’s Palm Garden: People's Popular Kandy Kitchen; Fine
Chocolates, Candies, Cream. Quick Light Lunches. Special Attention
Rendered to Parties. Balcony Reserved for Special Occasions.”
 Tony's Palm Garden West Main Street Courtesy of Tina Bruton DiToma, whose uncle Gene Bruton worked at Tony's.  Giarraputo Candy Store 500 block East Morton The
candy store was located next to the family residence. This is
where the family made their candy canes and other Christmas candy. The
family was big supporters of Raynall Elementary School, located across
the street. Mrs. Giarraputo
used to have a candy counter in the front hall of the family home. At
lunch students would go to her home, ring the bell, and buy penny candy.
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