Scotty’s Nut Shop

You can see Scotty’s store in this photo that appeared in the Lorain Images of America book

Back in the middle of March (here), a reader posted a very good suggestion for a blog topic: “Why not do an article about Scotty, the man who sold taffy by the Palace?”

I responded that I until I knew a little more about the man, it would be difficult for me to compile a post.

Fortunately, regular contributor and local historian Rick Kurish sprang into action and provided me with his obituary that ran in the Chronicle-Telegram, as well as some other great research. Using this information, I was able to find some more information in the Lorain Public Library.

Scotty’s name was actually Sidney Sultzbaugh. He was born December 24, 1988 in Fremont. His family was still living in Fremont in 1900, but by 1907 had moved to Cleveland.

Rick discovered how Scotty learned to make such delicious taffy.

"Before he came to Lorain he was working for a company who ran concessions at Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland. In the 1907 and 1910 Cleveland City Directories, he was listed as living with his father, Fred, and was listed as a candy maker. 

"When Sidney filled out his draft registration card in 1917, he listed himself as an employee of Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland, and was employed by the Humphrey Company. 

"The Humphrey Company has a long history in the Cleveland area, and got its start selling popcorn around 1900. The company had the concession to sell popcorn balls, taffy, candy kisses, etc. at Euclid Beach Park, and eventually bought and ran the park until it closed in 1969. Interestingly, even though the park closed, the Humphrey Company continues to manufacture popcorn balls and taffy in Warrensville Heights.”

The earliest appearance of Scotty’s store that I could find was in the 1929 Lorain City Directory. At that time, “Scotty’s Stand” was listed as being located in the New Lorain Hotel. 

By 1931, he had moved over to 623 Broadway and a couple years later was at 619 Broadway.”

Scotty’s listing in the city directory was usually was Scott’s Nut Shop, although it did vary from year to year sometimes.

Like many Lorainites, my mother remembers Scott’s Nut Shop well – particularly the taffy.

“He sat in between two buildings,” remembered Mom. "His little section was right where the Palace ended. He would sit there in a chair. He had white and brown taffy.

“When you were lined up at the Palace to buy a ticket, there were so many people that the line would go by Scotty’s place. You would just find yourself looking at his taffy.”

Rick Kurish also has fond memories of Scotty’s.

“I remember buying nuts at the shop and walking down Broadway while eating them – when there was some reason for walking Broadway,” he joked.

Sidney “Scotty” Sultzbaugh passed away on November 29, 1962. Here is his obituary, which ran in the Journal later that day.

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Owned, Operated Nut Shop 35 Years
Familiar Broadway Face,
‘Scotty’ Sultzbaugh, Dies

One of Broadway’s most familiar faces for the last 35 years, Sidney (Scotty) Sultzbaugh, is dead.

At the age of 73, Mr. Sultzbaugh suffered a heart attack Wednesday night at his residence, 223 W. 18th St. He was admitted to St. Joseph Hospital at 9:35 p.m. and died at 3 a.m. today.

He was owner and operator of Scott’s Nut Shop, 619 Broadway. Located near the Palace and Tivoli theaters, the shop was frequented by movie-goers and the face and smile of “Scotty” with his “quips and capers” were widely known.

Shortly after moving here in 1927, he started his business in the small store, making candy, roasting nuts and preparing popcorn.

Mr. Sultzbaugh, born Dec. 24, 1888, at Fremont, was a resident here 35 years. He was a member of Church of Redeemer.

In 1957 The Journal carried a feature story on Mr. Sultzbaugh, noting 30 years of service to the community, and the fact that the same light bulb he purchased in 1927 to light the outside of his store had never been replaced.

Survivors are his widow, Inez; a son, Sidney M. of Lorain; three grandchildren and a brother, Scott Sultzbaugh of Painesville. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Helen Mullen.

Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at Schwartz-Spence Home for Funerals, 1124 Fifth St.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Rev. Frederick Hicks, rector of Church of Redeemer will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park Cemetery.

****

After Scotty passed away, his store continued to appear in the city directory for a few more years. Its listing finally disappeared in the 1965 edition.

Although the small building that housed the store is gone as well, I’m sure Scotty and his nuts and taffy will continue to be a part of many Lorainites’ collective memories.

Be sure to post your memories of Scotty’s Nut Shop in the comments section of this post.

Special thanks to Rick Kurish for his help with this post.