Everyone Loves Popsicles!
Popsicle lovers everywhere have an 11 year-old boy to thank for this tasty treat.
Frank Epperson from San Francisco, California accidentally invented the Popsicle in 1905. He had made a drink for himself by mixing flavoured soda water powder and water, which was popular at the time. By accident he left his drink, with the stir stick still in the glass, on the front porch of his house overnight. Well, that night the temperature fell below freezing, which didn’t happen often in the city. The next morning, Frank went to get his drink but found a hard lump of ice where the liquid once was. The stir stick became a handy handle and Frank enjoyed the frozen drink.
The years passed and Frank grew up. In 1922 Frank thought it was time to do something with his invention. For the first time, the Popsicle was served to guests at a large party. It was an amazing hit and people wanted more.
Frank knew he was on to a good thing and applied for a patent his invention, calling it “Ice on a Stick”. He was awarded a patent in 1924. He changed the name to Epsicle Ice Pop and started selling the ice pops for a nickel each. Later, he changed the name again to Popsicle.
Can you imagine a world without Popsicles? I can’t. I love chocolate popsicles. What’s your favourite flavour?
Annie Wood is a knowledge curator, content strategist, publisher, and writer based in Toronto, Canada. She was the publisher and creative director at the children’s book publishing company, Kids Can Press. Her book list included topics previously unexplored in Canada that helped to create a more inclusive literary culture for children.
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