Dickens Tea Room and Bakery

DICKENS TEA ROOM AND BAKERY

THE STORY OF  DICKENS BAKERY AND CANDY MAKERS

In the heart of downtown at 215 Front stood a cherished establishment with a history as rich as its pastries. Dickens Bakery and Candy Makers, founded in 1887 by Ernest Dickens and his son Ed, became a beloved fixture in the community. The legacy continued with Ed’s son Jack Dickens, who, after years of assisting his father, eventually took the reins of the family business. His background in drawing and painting enhanced his decorating skills and he was renowned for designing the beautifully decorated wedding cakes that became a popular addition when the bakery was added.

 The bakery was more than just a place to buy sweets; it was an experience. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of decadent chocolate eclairs, cream puffs, candies, and wedding cakes, and the taste of their famous butterscotch tarts created an irresistible allure. These tarts, crafted with natural ingredients and priced at just 25 cents a dozen when Jack first began working, earned a reputation for their exceptional quality and affordability, drawing a loyal clientele that spanned generations.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. The bakery endured its share of adversities, from floods to fires. In the devastating flood of 1936, the basement, which stored much of the bakery’s products, was submerged from floor to ceiling. A series of fires also took their toll on the business. The first fire claimed the top floor, which housed the Vanity Fair Dance Hall. Another fire, ignited by a forgotten soldering iron in an adjacent electrical store, caused significant damage. A third fire on the second floor resulted in extensive water and smoke damage, prompting the family to make the difficult decision not to reopen.

Despite these hardships, the bakery’s history remained a testament to resilience and community spirit. Jack Dickens recalled, “Strange as it seems, we were the ones running a bakery with a big oven in the back, and we never had a fire in our own place.”

One particularly dramatic episode in the bakery’s history involved Jack Dickens himself. One day, Jack ducked into the bakery for just a moment, only to see his delivery truck speeding down the street with an escaped convict at the wheel. Jack swiftly commandeered another delivery truck and gave chase, pursuing the stolen vehicle all the way to Brighton, where the convict lost control and crashed. Though the police apprehended the culprit, Jack lost his truck and a precious load of baked goods.

For many years, Dickens Tea Room, Bakery, and Restaurant was more than just a business; it was the heart and soul of Belleville. The Dickens family’s passion and dedication to creating delicious, high-quality baked goods made the bakery a beloved gathering place. Long after its doors closed, the legacy of Dickens Tea Room lives on.

Today, the tantalizing aroma of baked goods sometimes wafts from Gourmet Diem next door at 213 Front Street where Sonya is creating her mouth watering scones or perhaps it’s the spirit of Mr. Dickens himself, still baking his superb tarts.  Before Gourmet Diem, the building housed The Family Bakery, known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty loaves, and Burkholders Bakery, famous for its intricate pastries and friendly service.

Each bakery has added its own chapter to the building’s storied history, creating a rich tapestry of culinary tradition. The spirit of the past bakers, with their dedication and love for the craft, continues to inspire and delight the residents of Belleville, making the building a timeless cornerstone of the community