35 Years Ago, “Popsicle” Stick It To Us!

We all have fond memories (or if you are like me, recent memories because I refuse to grow up) of a tasty frozen double stick “Popsicle” dripping down our hands because we couldn’t eat it fast enough. We would bite one side of the “Popsicle” on the stick and the other side would fall off, remember? As parents, we have memories of having to clean up the mess that our kids left behind just like the mess we made.

35 years ago this week we were introduced to the single stick “Popsicle” to help us out.

The history of the “Popsicle” (Yes, it’s in quotes because it’s trademarked) involves an accident, the great depression, and Justin Beiber.

Popsicles were accidentally created by an 11 year old in 1905. Frank Epperson left a glass filled with water, powdered soda mix, and a wooden stick for stirring outside overnight on a freezing night. Young Frank knew he had “created” something special. He kept making the frozen treat for his friends until 1923 when he filed for a patent for the “Eppsicles”. His kids were calling them “Pop’s ‘sicles.” The name “Popsicle” stuck and was an instant success. Shortly after the debut of the “Popsicle” at the height of the depression, they introduced the double stick treat so two kids could enjoy a “Popsicle” for the price of one, a nickel. According to the “New York Times”, the double stick was too messy because kids couldn’t eat it fast enough.  Plus, moms were surveyed and favored the single stick because the mess was easier to clean up. Of course, we knew this from our childhood, but now there is research.

This week, March 11, 1986, “Popsicle” switched to the single stick and it was newsworthy. Hell, it’s 35 years later and I’m still writing about it! Yes, it’s less messy and easier for parents to clean afterward, but those of us who grew up with the two stick treat missed them. We can thank Justin Beiber for bringing it back.

Last year he was reminiscing and tweeted this -

Popsicle responded with a challenge. 100,000 retweets and they would bring back the double stick.

Challenge accepted! On National Ice Cream Day last year (July 21), they announced that the two stick “Popsicle” would return.

Today, over 2 billion ‘Popsicles’ are sold every year. Whether you enjoy the single or double stick, nothing beats a “Popsicle” on a hot day. Let’s be honest, they are great on any kind of day! By the way, cherry is still the most popular flavor.

Remember the silly jokes on the stick and the fun arts and crafts we would make with them? That’s another article for another day. Now, I have to wash my hands and clean up the mess I made eating a “Popsicle” while I wrote this!

-- Doug O’Brien

The

Cox Media Group