In today’s society, the ice cream man is a welcome distraction on a hot summer day. But it wasn’t always that way. In the 1850s, when ice cream vendors began selling their treats in the streets, people complained of what they thought was unsanitary conditions and of the poor quality of the ice cream. The vendor’s outspoken sales pitches were also deemed a public nuisance.
During this period, ice cream also hit the streets in London, at a time when Londoners were still unfamiliar with the treat. Said one writer, “The consumers had to use their fingers instead of a spoon, and no few seemed puzzled how to eat their ice, and were grievously troubled by its getting among their teeth. I heard one drover mutter that he felt ‘as if it had snowed in his belly!’”
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
their”outspoken sales pitches”-now recorded -are still quite a nuisance-but the ice cream is welcome
I’m happy things have changed. Glad I was not around in that era. Must have been a challenge for those early “pioneer vendors”.
If people complained of the poor quality of the ice cream, obviously Turkey Hill wasn’t around then!! It’s too bad that they had to miss out on all the varieties and delicious flavors that we now have.
Thank you Turkey Hill for all our choices.
Those “turkeys” unfortunately didn’t have the quality ice cream we have today. Too bad they didn’t get the chance to “gobble” up a bowl of Turkey Hill Ice Cream !!!
WOW. Amazing to think that people wouldn’t be receptive to treats!
So glad the years have gone by since then and we can enjoy all the Turkey Hill ice cream. No venders in my area, I keep my freezer full of the award winning moose tracks. love it
Me and my hubby thankfully weren’t around in the 1850′s, but in the 1940′s and 50′s as kids we always knew the time the ice cream truck would be in our neighborhood and waited for the ring of its bells. An interesting prize for July could be a DVD of the 1940′s movie “The Good Humor Man”. Hubby killing time prior to going to basic training in 62 was one working on commission driving the open side Ford truck using dry ice to keep the ice cream frozen. They supplied him each day with a clean white uniform.
Wow…. I know the ice cream man comes down our street in downtown Lancaster at least 2 or 3 times per night! The first time is just a quick pass so that the kids hear the music and run to get their parents’ money… the 2nd and 3rd time are to hand out the goods! I can honestly say, I enjoy seeing them and remembering the thrill… but once the ice cream truck is gone, I don’t mind walking the block and a half to my nearest Turkey Hill for a great treat!
I have always liked the Ice Cream Man!!!
I remember the water ice vendors with the same problem when I was a little girl, unsanitary conditions. but we still bought it too. and ice cream too.
What happened to the ice cream man anyway?