It was like "March of the Penguins" in marshmallow form.

Luke is a writer and actor based in Philadelphia who loves deviled eggs and elaborate food adventures.

Just kidding. I asked politely and they were gracious enough to say yes.

Above: a candy scientist in Just Born's lab, concocting confections. Below: the Just Born candy factory in Bethlehem, PA. Both photographs are from the 1930s.

Peeps, Bunnies, and Easter Eggs, circa 1950s. The Rodda brand name was used until the early 2000s, when the brand name switched over to Peeps.

Above: the sugar tumblers at work, mixing sugar and dye. Below: sugar in motion.

Sugar vat technology has changed little over the decades.

Above: modern Peeps eyes are applied mechanically. Below: In the 1960s, the decoration for each Peep was stamped on by hand.

In groups of five, the chicks are sorted and placed into their containers.

Ignore the fact that it looks like I've never held food in my hand before.

Watching this machine automatically fold the boxes and stack the Peeps was a sight to behold.

The finished Peeps are ready for shipping. Every single Peep in the entire country is made in this factory.