Pfeffermintz, Liebling?

No, I am not implying that I can smell your breath from here. The German word for peppermint, “Pfeffermintz,” is the word from which the popular candy named Pez gets its name. Eduard Haas III took the first, middle, and last letters of the word to create the name for this tasty little chunk of sugar which used to only be offered in peppermint flavor. Oh, how far we’ve come…

Another fun fact: Pez used to be advertised as an anti-smoking device.

One can learn this and a little more at the BURLINGAME MUSEUM OF PEZ MEMORABILIA- 214 California Dr., Burlingame, CA.

Here, for the nominal fee of $3, you can take a tour of the small museum and store of historic and current Pez dispensers.

On the walls are collections of signed Pez dispensers.

The museum also includes other items of nostalgia. One of the most interesting exhibits is the Top Ten Banned Toys.

From animal rights activists to parents to physicians, these toys were pulled from the shelves at some point or other in history for a variety of reasons.

Who loves Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head? Check out the original!

You youngsters may not realize that the original called for kids to use actual potatoes for the heads.

The museum is small, but filled with interesting exhibits, making for a great side trip on your San Francisco stay (especially if you are looking for a break from the hills and traffic of the big city).

Until next time, dahlings…