Dear editor:

The Veni’s article from Jan. 11 by Aaron Mueller is not an accurate account of that business. Niles has never had a centennial confectionery.

The Paris Candy at the corner of Front and Main streets was established in 1910 by J.T. Patterson. In time he had two such Main Street stores. The second store was at 220 East Main. I was an employee at that location in 1938 and on.

The southwest corner of Third and Main streets housed the Niles Fruit Co. The building and business was owned by Mr. Frank Marazita, an Italian immigrant with a large family. He was a fine business neighbor with a strong work ethic. After the Niles Fruit Co. left the Main Street scene, the new entity was Veni’s. Frank Marazita’s son, Joseph and his wife Josephine Caruso Marazita, established the business in 1939. They lived in an apartment above their store.

The Paris closed its operation in December 1985 after 75 years of service. Both Paris Candy and Veni’s survived the sugar rationing days of World War II. That speaks well for both the Patterson and Marazita families and the consumers of this area.

I wish the Skwarcan family well in its confectionery endeavor.

Anne M. Brelowski
Niles