A Sweet History: Tracing the Origin of the Ice Cream Sundae
The ice cream sundae is a beloved dessert known for its simple elegance and indulgent flavors. But how did this sweet treat come into existence? Its history is a mix of tradition, regulation, and entrepreneurial creativity. Let’s explore the origins and evolution of the ice cream sundae, from its disputed origins to its current popularity.
The Controversial Birth of the Ice Cream Sundae
The debate around the birth of the ice cream sundae is rich with local and national legends. One of the most plausible stories traces the origin back to soda fountains in the early 20th century. Historically, many towns had strict local governments run by “puritanical” Christians, who believed that many forms of pleasure, especially those accessible on Sundays like carbonated beverages, were sinful. This led to bans on the sale of alcohol and soda on Sundays. As a substitute, ice cream sodas were the primary treat. However, on Sundays, soda fountains would omit the soda water, top the ice cream with flavored syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry, thus creating the summer treat we know today as the ice cream sundae.
Key Figures in the Ice Cream Sundae’s History
Several key figures have been credited with inventing or popularizing the ice cream sundae:
1. Chester Platt
The Vanilla Ice Cream Connection
One of the earliest stories involves Chester Platt, the owner of the Platt Colt’s drugstore. In 1893, Platt prepared a dish of vanilla ice cream for the Reverend John Scott, a Sunday event due to a soda fountain ban. Platt added cherry syrup and a candied cherry to make the ice cream more appealing. The reverend found the dish so delightful that he named it the “Sunday Dish” after the day it was created. Over time, “Sunday Dish” evolved into “Sundae” as a tribute to this sweet innovation.
2. Edward Berners and George Hallauer
The Accidental Invention
In Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Druggist Edward Berners is often credited with inventing the ice cream sundae in 1881. One story goes that Berners prepared an ice cream cocktail at the request of a customer, George Hallauer. Berners found the dish so enjoyable that he added it to his regular menu, charging five cents. George Giffy, a competitor from a nearby town, introduced the sundae to his clientele, naming it the "Sunday Dish," as it could only be served on Sundays due to the strict soda ban.
3. Evanston, Illinois
The Official Legislation
Historians also point to the city of Evanston, Illinois, which was one of the first to pass a law prohibiting the sale of soda water on Sundays in 1890. In response, local soda fountains started selling ice cream sodas without the soda water. As an ice cream scoop replaced the soda glass, the final version of the ice cream sundae emerged. This theory suggests that the ice cream sundae was a practical and creative adaptation to a local law.
Each of these stories contributes to the rich tapestry of the ice cream sundae’s origin. Whether invented by Chester Platt, Edward Berners, or a creative era in Evanston, the sundae’s journey from a Sunday curiosity to a beloved dessert is a testament to human ingenuity and the timeless desire for a sweet treat.
Conclusion
The history of the ice cream sundae may be debated, but one thing is certain: this sweet dish has become an integral part of American culture. Its origins are as diverse as the local legends that surround them, but the fundamental idea remains the same – a scoop of ice cream elevated and enhanced by sweet, rich toppings. Whether you enjoy your sundae in a historical soda fountain or at a modern ice cream parlor, the ice cream sundae stands as a symbol of creativity and indulgence.
References
For further reading and verification of these historical claims, consult the following sources:
- Who Invented the Ice Cream Sundae? - History of the Ice Cream Sundae - Various local historical societies and archives, particularly those from Wisconsin and Illinois.