Joseph Fralinger

Joseph F. Fralinger (October 22, 1848 in Sweetwater, New Jersey – May 13, 1927 in Atlantic City, New Jersey) was an American businessman and confectioner, known for being the most successful merchandiser of Salt Water Taffy. The confectionary store he founded in the late 19th century in Atlantic City, New Jersey remains a fixture on its famous boardwalk.

Fralinger was a glassblower and fish merchant before he opened a retail store on the Atlantic City Boardwalk to sell his taffy. Within a year, Fralinger had added a taffy concession and spent the winter perfecting the Salt Water Taffy formula, first using molasses, then chocolate and vanilla, eventually creating 25 flavors.

Fralinger was born in the Pleasant Mills of Sweetwater, Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Raised by an uncle, his only legacy was the local area's major industry, glass blowing, which he had learned from his father. He worked that trade in Winslow, Waterford, and Philadelphia for sixteen years until strikes and disputes drove him to seek other employment. He moved to Philadelphia and worked in the fish and produce markets near 8th street. It was here that he met Nettie B. Beck. They married on June 9, 1870. He prospered there and the 1875 Philadelphia Directory listed, "Jos. Fralingers, Oysters" with his business at 900 E. Tulip Street and his home at Sargent near Tulip.

In his free time he became active in baseball and played on teams with then-notables as Al Reach. His interest in baseball was strong enough to entice him to manage the Quaker City Base Ball Club and then his own ball club at Philadelphia's Jumbo Park. This team won 84 out of 96 games.

Illness of his wife led him to Atlantic City as it was a popular prescription for many illnesses of the late 19th century. He formed and managed a minor league baseball team he named the August Flowers. The team played on a field he leased at New Jersey and Baltic Avenues. At summer's end, he accepted management of the former Wilmington Club. This venture was so unsuccessful that he was forced to sell all of his property and was left virtually penniless.

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