Happy the Clown is Not Happy... Schwebel Bakery is Closing

The shelves at Discount Drug Mart in Vermilion
 has already experienced a run on Schwebel buns  

It was kind of sad last week to hear that Schwebel Bakery in Youngstown is going out of business after 120 years.

As noted on the WEWS Channel 5 website, the firm "will begin winding down operations and expects to initiate a liquidation of its business."

"The closure will include bakeries in Youngstown and Hebron, as well as retail stores and distribution centers across Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York."

"In a press release, the Youngstown company cited "operational and financial constraints," adding, "These challenges include aging manufacturing facilities and equipment, costly labor contracts and pension obligations, and consumer trends depressing demand for traditional bakery and bread products."

Lorain Countians will no doubt miss the various Schwebel products, which have been a staple in our bread drawers for decades.

I don't eat a lot of sandwiches these days, so I hardly ever buy a loaf of bread. But when it came to hot dog or hamburger buns, I always looked for the clown on the label before I bought.

By the way, his name is Happy. The Cleveland Historical website notes, "Dora Schwebel created Happy the Clown in 1932 to serve as a positive, uplifting symbol during the Great Depression. His familiar face has graced the company's labels ever since. 

Before clowns became a symbol of pure evil thanks to Stephen King and his novel It, they were seen as lovable, childlike friends to kids everywhere. Happy apparently was very popular in his day, since there are so many items emblazoned with his friendly visage, including signs, cups, a tote bag, apparel and even a bobblehead.

There was even a Happy costume that could be worn for personal appearances.

Courtesy ClevelandHistorical.org

Since clowns have been demonized, you don't see them too often these days (except in kid's nightmares). That means that just like Ronald McDonald, Happy is out of work. And he was probably the breadwinner in his family.

I just hope he doesn't end up in the bread line.

Here's hoping the genial clown has a happy retirement.