The Modjeska

Helena Modjeska (October 12, 1840 - April 8, 1909), was a renowned Polish actress who specialized in Shakespearean roles.

The Modjeska is a candy confection, that was created in Louisville. It was created because of the admiration of a local confectioner (Anton Busath) for the famous Polish actress, Helena Modjeska.

Madam Modjeska appeared in Louisville several times during the late 1800's (1878-1892). During this time, she appeared at the McCauley Theater and The Opera House in plays such as "Camille" and Thora" (later renamed "A Doll's House"). According to Madam Modjeska, in her book Memories and Impressions of Helena Modjeska, she was very "taken" with Louisville and enjoyed coming here.

It was during this time that Anton Busath came to Louisville from Alsace, France. He started his candy store on Louisville's then famous Fourth Street near the McCauley Theater.

There, nearly six years after her last appearance in Louisville Anton finally perfected his "caramel marshmallow wonder". It was with Madam Modjeskas' blessing that he named his wonder "The Modjeska". In appreciation, she sent Anton an autographed portrait of herself. The portrait hung in the store until a fire in 1947 destroyed the building. With the holiday so close, Edgar Busath (the son of Anton) asked a good friend Rudy Muth (a confectioner with a store on East Market Street) to use his candy kitchen to make candy for his family and close friends for Christmas. When it became apparent that he would not be reopening the store, Edgar gave Rudy the recipe for the Modjeska.

Today, Muth's Candies, now in it's fourth generation as Louisville's oldest and finest candy store, is still making Modjeskas with the same love and quality that Anton, Edgar and Rudy insisted upon.