Founder of Planters Peanuts Honored

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - An Italian immigrant who grew his fresh-roasted peanut business from a small pushcart into a worldwide corporate behemoth has been recognized with a state historical marker.

Amedeo Obici moved to the United States at age 12, speaking no English. The peanut business he started in 1906 became Planters Peanuts, now owned by Kraft Foods.

About 100 people gathered Saturday outside an office building that served as the peanut giant's world headquarters from 1925 to 1961 for the unveiling.

"I don't believe many people know Planters began in Wilkes-Barre. This marker gives you a little peek at the story," said Andrea MacDonald, of the state Bureau of Historic Preservation.

Obici died in 1947. His great-niece, Jolyne R. Dalzell, attended the ceremony and said she was proud.

"This is fabulous for the family, all the people who worked at Planters, and the city," Dalzell said. "He worked hard. He was very generous."

Despite widespread objections, Wilkes-Barre City Council voted last year to sell the Planters building to a developer for $230,000 for a planned strip mall. The developer agreed to preserve the facade, which still reads "Planters Nut and Chocolate Company."