FRANKFORT, Ky. (December 16, 2004) World-famous Bourbon Chocolates are created everyday in historic downtown Frankfort, Kentucky.  The family-owned Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory, known internationally as the inventor of the Bourbon Ball, celebrates eighty-five years of business this year. 

 Ruth Hanly (Booe) and Rebecca Gooch were substitute teachers who decided to turn over their lesson plans for aprons.  The establishment of the candy factory is a result of high praises received from family and friends for chocolates given during Christmases past.  They co-founded their business in 1919, one year before women gained their right to vote in public elections. 

The business was an instant success although, the idea of mixing candy and Bourbon together came nearly 17 years after the establishment of Rebecca Ruth Candy Inc.  An unknown dignitary suggested the combination at a Frankfort sesquicentennial celebration.  Booe worked on the recipe for two years and as they say, the rest is history.

The confectionery operation is open for tours, which are conducted Monday through Saturday year-round, with the exception of the month of December.  The tours are free and include samples. 

The business survived the Great Depression, fire and times of war.  For more information on Rebecca Ruth Candy Inc. visit www.rebeccaruth.com or call 1-800-444-3766.

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote the Commonwealth as a travel destination, to generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky's economy. Tourism is a $9.3 billion business for Kentucky.  It's the state's third largest industry and second leading employer.