The Nut Goodie reinforces the St. Paul setting. The Pearson’s Candy Company makes Nut Goodies, and they’re located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nut Goodies combine chocolate, maple, and peanuts, and in Until They Bring the Streetcars Back, Cal first eats a Nut Goodie after football practice. When the Nut Goodie returns in the novel, Cal gives it to Gretchen to counter the inevitable abuse that will happen over the holiday break. Cal describes her reaction, “She lit up like I’d given her a gold watch or something” (115). Moving forward, Nut Goodies symbolize hope. Cal gives them to Gretchen as a way to show his concern. He cares about her and plans to help her, and the Nut Goodies remind Gretchen there’s goodness and compassion in life.

As the abuse is constant, Cal gives Gretchen myriad Nut Goodies, joking, “I figured the Pearson Candy Company would have to build another plant” (190). When Cal is in the workhouse, he manages to get Gretchen a Nut Goodie via Sandy, and the candy bar deters her from death by suicide. Gretchen tells Cal, “I saved the Nut Goodie in my locker, and every day it reminded me and gave me hope” (222).