It was 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third Sunday in July as a day to commemorate the frozen treat that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation’s population.
America leads the world when it comes to enjoying ice cream. Quaint ice cream parlors portray “Americana” as much as Norman Rockwell paintings and apple pie. However, many scholars trace the first ice cream parlor back to France during the 17th century when the Café Procope introduced gelato to the French public.
America’s popular soda fountain was introduced in 1903. It was during that era that drugstores began to attract noontime customers by serving sandwiches along with ice cream sodas, milk shakes and malts.
A 1915 issue of Soda Fountain magazine claimed the soda fountain to be an ally of temperance, having more influence on abstinence from alcohol than “all the sermons ever preached on the subject.”
Members and guests of Central Christian Church gathered in fellowship hall following morning worship to celebrate National Ice Cream Day by enjoying a variety of ice cream sodas.
“Soda Jerks” Erik Stolpe and Frank Whitington concocted fountain favorites like Brown Cow, Egg Creams and Strawberry sodas. (recipes follow.)
Want still more ice cream trivia? A recent survey reveals that favorite ice cream flavors are “an age thing.” Mint Chocolate Chip topped the list for 14 to 17- year old’s, while young adults, age 18 to 24, preferred Cookies and Cream. The 25 to 34-year old group said their favorite is Cookie Dough but good ole’ Chocolate tops the list for 35 and up. And “genderly” speaking, women like Ben and Jerry’s and men prefer Breyer’s. I would vote for Cherry Garcia—the edible tribute to the Grateful Dead.
If the enthusiasm shown by the kids at Central is any indication of popularity of ice cream trends, there is sure nothing wrong with a good old- fashioned ice cream soda. Whatever your favorite flavor, enjoy ice cream!
Recipes
BLACK COW
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
10 oz. root beer
1 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
1 1/2 oz. whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Scoop the ice cream into a large glass and pour the root beer over,
then add the chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and cherry.
BRONX EGG CREAM
2 Tbsps. chocolate syrup*
5 oz. milk
3 oz. seltzer water
Mix together the syrup and milk, then add in the seltzer
while you’re still stirring until completely mixed.
For authentic egg cream use Fox's U Bet or Bosco brand syrup. U Bet can be purchased on-line and Central Market has Bosco.