The Cool History of Popsicles: From Ancient Rome to Modern Treats

Shaved ice and ice cream have a rich history spanning nearly a millennium. The origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where slaves were sent to mountains to retrieve blocks of ice, which were then crushed and served with fruit and spice syrups. Fast forward to 1872, two businessmen known as "Ross and Robbins" were selling frozen fruit on a stick, calling it the "Hokey Pokey," a precursor to modern frozen treats.

The story of the Popsicle is particularly captivating, almost worthy of a Hollywood screenplay. This beloved summer treat was invented by an 11-year-old named Francis Epperson from Oakland. In 1905, Epperson mixed sugary soda powder into water, leaving the concoction with a wooden stirrer on his porch overnight. The unusually cold temperatures that night caused the mixture to freeze, and the next morning, Epperson discovered what would become a revolutionary treat. He began licking the frozen mixture off the wooden stirrer, realizing he had created something special.

Epperson soon started selling this frozen delight to his neighbors, naming it the “Epsicle”—a fusion of his name and "icicle." His creation gained popularity, and in 1922, he introduced it at a firefighter's ball where it was a hit. By 1923, Epperson expanded his sales to Neptune Beach, an amusement park near his home in San Francisco. Neptune Beach, often compared to Coney Island, was a bustling spot featuring roller coasters, baseball, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, providing the perfect venue for his frozen treat.

Recognizing the potential of his invention, Epperson patented the Popsicle in 1924. His children played a crucial role in renaming it; they affectionately called it “Pop’s ‘Sicle,” which eventually became the iconic Popsicle. However, in 1925, Epperson sold the rights to the Joe Lowe Company, a decision he later regretted, lamenting, “I haven’t been the same since.”

The Popsicle became an affordable treat during the Great Depression, sold for $0.05 each, and could even be shared by two people. The brand continued to grow, and in 1989, Epperson’s rival Good Humor, by then a subsidiary of Unilever, acquired Popsicle. This acquisition made the Popsicle a British-Dutch owned creation, a far cry from its humble Oakland beginnings.

Today, Popsicles remain a quintessential summer treat, enjoyed by people of all ages. The journey from a serendipitous frozen drink to a globally recognized brand is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the simple joys of a cold, refreshing treat on a hot day.
The Cool History of Popsicles: From Ancient Rome to Modern Treats