The History of the Popsicle

When you hear the word Popsicle, fond childhood memories begin to swim around in your head. Popsicles are an American Classic and there is over thirty different varieties of flavors and combination of flavors to choose from. The History of the Popsicle is very interesting because it was all done by accident. The Popsicle is now a very popular summertime treat for kids around the world. Over Two billion Popsicle ice pops are sold annually.

Back in 1905 when Frank Epperson was 11 years old, he was drinking some juice and he forgot and left it sitting outside on the porch. He also had left a stir stick down in the cup of juice. That night the temperatures went far below freezing and the next morning Frank woke up and found his juice was now a frozen pop. He took his frozen soda water on a stick to show all of his friends at school and it was a big hit among them. They were constantly asking him for more and he named his creation "Epsicle".

Then in 1923, eighteen years later, Epperson started his own business producing the Epsicles and there were seven different flavors available. When his kids were always asking him for one of "Pop's "sicle", he officially changed the name to "Popsicle" and received a patent for them in 1924. Several years down the road, Epperson sold his rights to the Popsicle name to the Joe Lowe Company in New York City. Epperson's accidental creation earned him royalties on over sixty million Popsicles by 1928.

Interesting Facts about the Popsicle:

Cherry is the No.1 Popsicle flavor.

There are riddles on the Popsicle stick and the only way to find the answer is to eat it.

During World War II, the Eight Air Force Unit chose Popsicle ice pops as a symbol of American life.

Popsicle Lick-A-Color ice pops are made from the outside in.

The very first "ice cream man" sold Popsicle ice pops from a horse-drawn cart to children in Nebraska.

The Twin Popsicle ice pop was invented during The Great Depression, so two children could share an ice pop and only pay a nickel for them.

Sources:

Wikipedia.com