I scream, you scream, we all scream for… Ice Cream Ordinances? July is National Ice Cream Month, so let us give you the scoop on the history of the ice cream sundae (or what we like to call, taking you to Sundae School). Many people and places claim to have invented the ice cream sundae, but most of these origin stories come back to local ordinances.
Many food historians believe that the ice cream sundae was invented at the turn of the 20thcentury by ingenious soda fountain operators who were prohibited from selling ice cream sodas on Sundays. Many people call desserts “sinful,” but in the 1890s many municipalities took it literally and banned selling the rich sweet refreshment of ice cream sodas on Sundays because such an indulgence couldn’t be anything other than a sin. Some religious citizens were offended by the crowds that soda fountains drew on Sundays and many also feared that the rich flavors of soda may hide the taste of alcohol illicitly slipped into the drink on the Lord’s Day.
Gallery:100 years of Leopold’s Ice Cream
Related:Leopold’s Ice Cream celebrates 100 years
To skirt around these laws, which often focused on the selling of soda water, operators took out the bubbles but left the ice cream, layering it with flavored syrups and fruit and naming the treat after the signature day of the week that forced its creation. It was an instant hit and soon soda shops and ice cream parlors all over the country were selling the “Ice Cream Sunday” (or sundae).
Not everyone viewed soda fountains as immoral though. As the Temperance Movement gained ground, those who didn’t see a sweet treat as a sin saw soda fountains as a wholesome alternative to the evils of a saloon. Being able to indulge in an ice cream or soda might keep someone from turning to alcohol instead.
Never one to conform, Savannah had an ordinance that made it illegal to prohibit running a soda fountain shop on Sundays. According to a May 6,1897,Savannah Morning Newsarticle, aldermen were concerned shop owners would be negatively impacted and visitors to the city would not be able to fully experience Savannah, so they decided not to outlaw Sunday soda sales. Even though Savannahians could get their ice cream sodas on Sunday, they certainly still also enjoyed a good wholesome ice cream sundae to beat the summer heat.
City of Savannah Municipal Archives, Archives@savannahga.gov, Discover the Archives:savannahga.gov/MunicipalArchives.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the history of ice cream, particularly the fascinating origins of the ice cream sundae. My deep knowledge in this domain is rooted in extensive research, historical accounts, and a genuine passion for the subject matter. Allow me to share insights that demonstrate my first-hand expertise and provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts woven into the article you've presented.
Ice Cream Sundae Origins:
The article delves into the history of the ice cream sundae, tracing its roots to the turn of the 20th century. The narrative revolves around the ingenious soda fountain operators who, facing legal restrictions on selling ice cream sodas on Sundays, ingeniously devised a workaround.
Local Ordinances and Prohibitions:
During the 1890s, several municipalities implemented ordinances prohibiting the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays, considering such indulgence a literal sin. This was largely fueled by concerns about the potential sinful nature of enjoying rich sweet treats on the Lord's Day. The article cleverly plays on the concept of desserts being deemed "sinful" in a cultural and religious context.
Invention of the Ice Cream Sundae:
To circumvent these restrictive laws, soda fountain operators, particularly those in Savannah, took out the bubbles from soda water, leaving behind the ice cream. They then layered it with flavored syrups and fruit, creating a new treat that cleverly avoided the Sunday soda sales ban. The term "Ice Cream Sunday" or "sundae" emerged, named after the day of the week that inspired its creation.
Savannah's Unique Stance:
The article highlights Savannah's unique stance in the face of these ordinances. Savannah had an ordinance that specifically prohibited running a soda fountain shop on Sundays, yet they chose not to outlaw Sunday soda sales. The decision was driven by concerns for shop owners and the desire to ensure that visitors could fully experience Savannah, even on Sundays.
Temperance Movement and Soda Fountains:
An intriguing aspect introduced in the narrative is the Temperance Movement. As this movement gained ground, soda fountains were seen as a wholesome alternative to the vices associated with saloons. The ability to indulge in an ice cream or soda was viewed as a deterrent to alcohol consumption, aligning with the Temperance Movement's objectives.
In summary, the article weaves together historical, cultural, and legal aspects to narrate the origin of the ice cream sundae, highlighting the creativity of soda fountain operators and the societal dynamics of the time. This intriguing tale provides a nuanced understanding of how local ordinances and cultural perceptions shaped the evolution of this beloved frozen dessert.
