About Me

Twenty years ago I asked a Tarot card reader what would I be doing when I was 50. She replied, “I see you doing something so wildly creative, it defies a job title.” Only recently did I realize that was a slick way of saying, “I have no idea of what you’ll be doing.” But that prediction kept me charging ahead to the fifties with zeal and anticipation. Now that the future is today, I’m ready for anything!

A Font of Information about Necco Wafers

Holiday crafters use them to shingle gingerbread houses. Trick-or-treaters palm them off on parents. And singer-songwriter Neko Case created a Ken Burns–like narrative about them on NPR’s Wait! Wait! Don’t Tell Me!

Necco Wafers, it's hard to believe, have been around since 1847. They're fat free and low in points, the currency of the realm in a Weight Watchers food budget. During my fifty-pound weight loss I basically kept rolls of them behind glass, to break in case of snack emergency.
In 2009 the Necco Wafer recipe changed, with natural flavors and colors replacing the artificial ones. A totally laudable direction for any product.

Top: the new label, with a 1990s logo and 1940s type. Bottom: the old logo. Font consultation by Mark Simonson.But please, New England Confectionery Company, bring back the old logo. It's timeless. It reinforces a brand that's over 160 years old. 

Font designer Mark Simonson identified the lettering style of the old Necco logo (bottom) as French Clarendon, which was popular in the 19th Century. In the new label (top), Mark identified the logo as the 1990s typeface Fluxure, with the words "The Original" from a 1940s font, Kaufmann Script. You can't sneak typeface anachronisms past Mark. Don't take him on in a game of Name That Font, either.
Which Necco logo do you prefer, and why? What memories do Necco Wafers have for you? Which logo redesigns bug you? Leave your comments below.







6 comments:

  1. Being a "strict Catholic girl" like myself (HA) we used these wafers to practice our First Communion. Last year for Christmas, my older sister, Wendy, gave me a package as a joke, handing them to me saying "the body of Christ, Amen" and laughing hysterically at my expression! Yes, I come from "sick" stock.

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  2. I would have loved to see your expression! Thanks for sharing a fun memory, Lisa. Imagine, a lifelong bond created by Necco Wafers. What can't those candies do? :=)

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  3. Oh man, Susan... I was TICKED when they chaged the formula. Part of the 2009 change was to drop the green wafers. Horror! As a native New Englander, I grew up with all the Necco products (Gotta love the Skybar!)I still eat a half a roll of Necco's a day! I cut the roll in half and eat half one day; the other half the next. The GOOD news is that Necco has finally responded to customer presure (and a sharp drop in sales) and has returned to the former recipe! And the old packaging is back too!

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  4. Unknown, your comment was the inspiration for a new blog post! I can't tell you how thrilled I was to hear your news! I'm looking forward to reading your blog. You write very well. You wouldn't be Stephen King by any chance, would you? :=D Susan

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  5. So be unique, play with hues, keep it alive, and please your clients by heart-snatching and eye-charming Logo Design for your business. logo design service

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  6. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... logos types

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