The History of the Ice Cream Sundae

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The History of the Ice Cream Sundae

America introduced the ice cream sundae in the late 19th century. How the treat got its name, however, is still uncertain.

Some say that the frosty dessert was first offered to get around laws prohibiting serving ice cream sodas on Sundays. Merchants left out the soda and started selling only ice cream and syrup. The name sundae was then picked for the special dessert, and the spelling was changed out of respect for the Lord’s Day.

Others argue that the yummy treat was offered on a Sunday by accident. Residents of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, claim that the first ice cream sundae was served there in 1881. One Sunday, the story goes, the owner of the local ice cream parlor, Ed Berners, put ice cream in a dish and topped it with chocolate syrup by request. The treat soon became popular, and Berners added it to his everyday menu. He then changed the treat’s name from Sunday to sundae.

Ithaca, New York, is another town that disputes the origin of the tasty dessert. Records from Ithaca show that the ice cream sundae was invented in 1893 by Chester Platt, owner of the Platt & Colt's drugstore. Platt prepared a dish of vanilla ice cream and spiced it up with cherry syrup and a candied cherry. This happened on a Sunday, so the dish was named after the day.

As with most inventions, there are many that claim introducing or improving the significant ice cream creation. The debate between Ithaca and Two Rivers still exists, and while the towns are spinning their tales, ice cream parlors across the country continue serving the heavenly dessert.

No dessert could be simpler than the ice cream sundae — a scoop of ice cream, a sweet topping, whipped cream and a cherry on top. That was the original recipe, made with vanilla ice cream and syrup. In the 1970s, however, a Boston merchant introduced the concept of mix-ins, wherein customers could choose whatever crushed candy or cookie they wanted on top of their ice cream. Since then, ice cream fans have been able to top their favorite flavors with anything from marshmallows and peanuts to coffee syrup and chopped candy bars.

Although the origin of the ice cream sundae is in doubt, the treat is now an American classic. Hot fudge sundaes and banana splits are enjoyed year-round, and mixing ice cream with soda or candy never gets old. No wonder America dedicates a whole month to celebrating the frozen treat. In 1984, President Reagan declared July “National Ice Cream Month” and the third Sunday in July “National Ice Cream Day.”

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