We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
History

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Which Popular Treat Was Accidentally Invented by an 11-Year-Old Boy?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 2,069
Share

If you're currently shivering your way through winter, the thought of enjoying an icy popsicle is probably far from your mind. But at the height of summer, the frozen treat will start to sound much more appealing – and you'll have Frank Epperson to thank for that.

Back in 1905, Epperson was 11 years old and living in San Francisco. One night, he left a mixture of soda powder and water outside, with the wooden stirrer still in the cup. The next morning, it had frozen solid, creating an icy treat on a stick (after it was dislodged from the cup). Enterprising from a young age, Epperson called it the "Epsicle" (Epperson + icicle) and started to sell it locally. He was still in the Epsicle business 18 years later, when he began selling them at Neptune Beach in Alameda, dubbed the "Coney Island of the West." He patented his creation in 1924.

From Epsicle to Popsicle:

  • So why don't we still call the beloved ice pops Epsicles? Epperson's children called them "Pop's 'Sicles," which was shortened to "Popsicle," and that name caught on.

  • Unfortunately, Epperson didn't get to enjoy the growing success of the Popsicle; he sold the rights in the late 1920s, before it became a national favorite. Popsicles became even more popular during the Great Depression, when the double-stick version debuted for 5 cents, making them an affordable purchase for families.

  • The Popsicle's new owner, the Joe Lowe Co., engaged in a lengthy copyright battle with Good Humor, which had debuted their now-familiar chocolate-covered ice cream-on-a-stick. Eventually, both brands were purchased by Unilever. These days, around two billion Popsicles are sold every year.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/which-popular-treat-was-accidentally-invented-by-an-11-year-old-boy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.