https://www.wqad.com/embeds/video/responsive/526-5549f5c3-b06f-47ba-a0a2-a2cb805ea7e5/iframe
The Wilton Candy Kitchen invited elementary students to learn about local history while enjoying ice cream and stories from the shop's owners.
WQAD TV8 - Story aired May 26, 2026.
Author: Marshawn Gunn / Published: 6:22 PM CDT May 26, 2026 / Updated: 6:22 PM CDT May 26, 2026
WILTON, Iowa -The Wilton Candy Kitchen is helping elementary students in Wilton connect with local history by using ice cream to spark the conversation.
It's a continued tradition that owners of the Wilton Candy Kitchen, Lynn and
Brenda Ochiltree, say has been part of the shop for years. The couple has hosted local elementary students for the past decade after taking over the tradition from the original owners, Gus and Thelma Nopoulos, in 2015.
"Every person makes a community. Whether they've been here ten minutes, or ten years, or 110 years, so it's really important that you know where you come from," Lynn said.
The Ochiltrees said the candy shop, which has operated for 166 years,
represents both local and American history.
"It's a heartbeat of the community, a tradition that's been here for many, many years, and it's important for us to save it. So here we are. We're caretakers for a while," Lynn said.
The owners said sharing stories with students is just as important as serving ice cream.
"I feel like we give one scoop of history at a time, not only with our ice cream, but with our knowledge of what's happened here," Brenda said.
The shop's historic atmosphere also gives students a glimpse into the past.
"It's almost like a step back in time," Brenda said.
The Ochiltrees said the store's longevity reflects the opportunities and traditions that have shaped the country.
"It's a land of opportunities," Brenda said. "It's been 250 years of America, but this has been here for 166 years; that's just really unbelievable."
They also said understanding local roots can help students better understand their own lives and communities.
"I do think that people need to understand that there is a foundation for your life, and this is kind of a foundation, learning where your roots are," Lynn said.
The owners hope that bringing children into the shop will help preserve those stories for future generations.
"We want kids to realize that history is important, where you come from is important, and the things in your own town are important, and if you can know that and live that way, it's just a good way to be," Brenda said.
The visit aimed to keep local history alive while making the experience memorable - and sweet-for students.
