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{{Short description|Brand of ice pops}}
{{Short description|Brand of ice pops}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{About|the Popsicle brand|the generic item|Ice pop|other uses|Popsicle (disambiguation){{!}}Popsicle}}
{{About|the Popsicle brand|the generic item|Ice pop|other uses|Popsicle (disambiguation){{!}}Popsicle}}
{{infobox brand
{{infobox brand
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==History==
==History==
=== 1905–1925: Frank Epperson ===
In 1905 in [[Oakland, California]], 11-year-old Francis William "Frank" Epperson was mixing a powdered flavoring for [[soft drink]]s with water. He accidentally left it on the back porch overnight, with a stirring stick still in it. That night, the temperature dropped below freezing, and the next morning, Epperson discovered the drink had frozen to the stick, inspiring the idea of a fruit-flavored "popsicle".<ref name="Butler 2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/frozen-history-the-story-of-the-popsicle|title=Frozen History: The Story of the Popsicle|author=Stephanie Butler|date=August 16, 2013|publisher=the History Channel|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="NYT 1983">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/27/obituaries/frank-epperson-89-inventor-of-popsicle-dies-in-california.html|title=Frank Epperson, 89, Inventor of Popsicle, Dies in California|agency=Associated Press|date=October 27, 1983|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>
In 1905 in [[Oakland, California]], 11-year-old Francis William "Frank" Epperson was mixing a powdered flavoring for [[soft drink]]s with water. He accidentally left it on the back porch overnight, with a stirring stick still in it. That night, the temperature dropped below freezing, and the next morning, Epperson discovered the drink had frozen to the stick, inspiring the idea of a fruit-flavored "popsicle".<ref name="Butler 2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/frozen-history-the-story-of-the-popsicle|title=Frozen History: The Story of the Popsicle|author=Stephanie Butler|date=August 16, 2013|publisher=the History Channel|access-date=July 19, 2015}}</ref><ref name="NYT 1983">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/27/obituaries/frank-epperson-89-inventor-of-popsicle-dies-in-california.html|title=Frank Epperson, 89, Inventor of Popsicle, Dies in California|agency=Associated Press|date=October 27, 1983|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>


In 1922, he introduced the creation at a fireman's ball, where according to reports it was "a sensation".<ref name="NYT 1983" /> In 1923, Epperson began selling the frozen pops to the public at [[Neptune Beach (California)|Neptune Beach]], an amusement park in [[Alameda, California]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/07/22/425294957/how-an-11-year-old-boy-invented-the-popsicle|title=How An 11-Year-Old Boy Invented The Popsicle|work=NPR.org|access-date=2018-08-15|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://alamedasun.com/news/neptune-beach-brought-back-life-0|title=Neptune Beach Brought Back to Life|last=eikeme|date=2018-05-17|work=Alameda Sun|access-date=2018-08-15}}</ref> By 1924 Epperson had received a patent for his "frozen confectionery" which he called "the '''Epsicle''' ice pop".<ref name="NYT 1983" /> He renamed it to '''Popsicle''', allegedly at the insistence of his children.<ref name="Butler 2013" /> Popsicles were originally sold in fruity flavors and marketed as a "frozen drink on a stick."<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/04/brain-numbingly-cool-popsicle-art/|title=Brain-Numbingly Cool Popsicles|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-08-15|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
In 1922, he introduced the creation at a fireman's ball, where according to reports it was "a sensation".<ref name="NYT 1983" /> In 1923, Epperson began selling the frozen pops to the public at [[Neptune Beach (California)|Neptune Beach]], an amusement park in [[Alameda, California]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/07/22/425294957/how-an-11-year-old-boy-invented-the-popsicle|title=How An 11-Year-Old Boy Invented The Popsicle|work=NPR.org|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://alamedasun.com/news/neptune-beach-brought-back-life-0|title=Neptune Beach Brought Back to Life|last=eikeme|date=May 17, 2018|work=Alameda Sun|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> By 1924 Epperson had received a patent for his "frozen confectionery" which he called "the '''Epsicle''' ice pop".<ref name="NYT 1983" /> He renamed it '''Popsicle''', supposedly at the insistence of his children.<ref name="Butler 2013" /> Popsicles were originally sold in fruity flavors and marketed as a "frozen drink on a stick."<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/04/brain-numbingly-cool-popsicle-art/|title=Brain-Numbingly Cool Popsicles|magazine=WIRED|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


=== Lawsuit and sale ===
Six months after receiving a patent for the Popsicle, [[Good Humor]] sued Popsicle Corporation. By October 1925, the parties settled out of court. Popsicle agreed to pay Good Humor a license fee to manufacture what was called frozen suckers from ice and sherbet products. Good Humor reserved the right to manufacture these products from ice cream, frozen custard, and the like.<ref name=moak>{{cite book | last = Moak | first = Jefferson M. | title = The Frozen Sucker War: Good Humor v. Popsicle | publisher = U.S. National Archives & Records Administration| year = 2005 }}</ref>
Six months after receiving a patent for the Popsicle, [[Good Humor]] sued Popsicle Corporation. By October 1925, the parties settled out of court. Popsicle agreed to pay Good Humor a license fee to manufacture what was called frozen suckers from ice and sherbet products. Good Humor reserved the right to manufacture these products from ice cream, frozen custard, and the like.<ref name=moak>{{cite book | last = Moak | first = Jefferson M. | title = The Frozen Sucker War: Good Humor v. Popsicle | publisher = U.S. National Archives & Records Administration| year = 2005 }}</ref>


=== 1925–1965: Joe Lowe Company ===
In 1925, Epperson sold the rights to the Popsicle to the Joe Lowe Company of New York, who setup a subsidiary called Popsicle Industries to sell the product. "I was flat and had to liquidate all my assets," he recalled years later. "I haven't been the same since."<ref name="Atlantic">{{cite web|last=Jordi|first=Nathalie|title=Don't Use the P Word: A Popsicle Showdown|date=9 July 2010 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2010/07/dont-use-the-p-word-a-popsicle-showdown/59412/|publisher=the Atlantic|access-date=9 September 2011}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
In 1925, Epperson sold the rights to the Popsicle to the Joe Lowe Company of New York, who set up a subsidiary called Popsicle Industries to sell the product. "I was flat and had to liquidate all my assets," he recalled years later. "I haven't been the same since."<ref name="Atlantic">{{cite magazine |last=Jordi|first=Nathalie|title=Don't Use the P Word: A Popsicle Showdown|date=July 9, 2010 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2010/07/dont-use-the-p-word-a-popsicle-showdown/59412/|magazine=The Atlantic|access-date=September 9, 2011}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


=== Ownership Changes ===
=== 1965–1987: Consolidated Foods ===
In 1965, Popsicle Industries was sold to [[Sara Lee Corporation|Consolidated Foods Corporation]] (later renamed ‘Sara Lee’).


=== 1986–1993: Split ownership ===
In 1965, Popsicle Industries was sold to [[Sara Lee Corporation|Consolidated Foods Corporation]] (later renamed ‘Sara Lee’). By 1986, Sara Lee was struggling to bring Popsicle to profitability, so they opted to sell the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries to the Gold Bond Ice Cream Company in Green Bay, Wis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sara Lee Corp. to Sell U.S. Popsicle Business to Maker of Eskimo Pie |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-07-fi-2206-story.html |website=latimes.com |publisher=Los Angeles Times |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref>
By 1986, Sara Lee was struggling to bring Popsicle to profitability, so the company sold the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries to the Gold Bond Ice Cream Company in [[Green Bay, Wisconsin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sara Lee Corp. to Sell U.S. Popsicle Business to Maker of Eskimo Pie |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-07-fi-2206-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref>


In 1987, Sara Lee sold the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries to AmBrit Inc.
In 1987, Sara Lee sold the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries to AmBrit Inc. In 1990, Empire of Carolina bought the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries from Ambrit Inc.<ref>{{cite news |title=Popsicle Under New Ownership |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1011591520/ |location=Burlington, Ontario |newspaper=Burlington Spectator |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref>


=== Since 1989: Unilever ===
In 1989, [[Good Humor]], now a subsidiary of [[Unilever]], bought the U.S. rights to the Popsicle from Gold Bond Ice Cream Company, and folded the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries into their Good Humor-Breyers division.<ref name="Atlantic" />
In 1989, [[Good Humor]], now a subsidiary of [[Unilever]], bought the U.S. rights to the Popsicle brand from Gold Bond and folded the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries into its Good Humor-Breyers division.<ref name="Atlantic" />


In 1990, Empire of Carolina bought the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries from Ambrit Inc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Under New Ownership |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1011591520/ |website=newspapers.com |publisher=Burlington Spectator Newspaper |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref>
In 1993, Unilever bought the corporate assets of Isaley Klondike from Empire of Carolina, which included the Klondike bar brand and the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries. This re-united the Popsicle brand for the Canadian and U.S. markets under the Good Humor-Breyers division.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hanover Klondike now under Univelever auspices |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/522154873/ |newspaper=The Evening Sun |location=Hanover, Pennsylvania |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref>

In 1993, Unilever bought corporate assets of Isaley Klondike from Empire of Carolina, which included the Klondike bar brand, as well as the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries. They thus re-united the Popsicle brand both for the Canadian and U.S. markets under their Good Humor-Breyers division.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hanover Klondike now under Univelever auspices |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/522154873/ |website=newspapers.com |publisher=The Evening Sun Newspaper |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref>


==Popsicle Pete==
==Popsicle Pete==
In April 1939, a company mascot called Popsicle Pete was introduced on the radio program ''[[Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (radio series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]]'' as having won the "Typical American Boy Contest."<ref>[http://www.genericradio.com/show.php?id=1904fdd014a48482 ''Buck Rogers''] radio program; Episode #1, Apr 5 1939, Generic Radio Workshop Script Library, Accessed November 1, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/otr_buckrogers ''Buck Rogers'' radio files], Internet Archive, Accessed November 1, 2010.</ref> The character told listeners that they could win presents by sending wrappers from Popsicle products to the manufacturer. Pete continued to appear in the company's U.S. advertising campaigns until the 1989 acquisition by Good Humor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/sweet-mistake-how-a-pre-teen-invented-popsicles|title=Sweet mistake: How a pre-teen invented popsicles|date=2018-07-29|work=Washington Examiner|access-date=2018-09-04|language=en}}</ref> During the 1940s, Popsicle Pete ads were created by [[Woody Gelman]] and his partner Ben Solomon, and appeared on Popsicle brand packages for decades.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HuZgDQAAQBAJ&q=popsicle+pete+ads+created+by+woody+gelman&pg=PT106|title=Heroes of the Comics: Portraits Of The Pioneering Legends Of Comic Books|last=Friedman|first=Drew|date=2014-09-10|publisher=Fantagraphics Books|isbn=9781606997314|language=en}}</ref>
In April 1939, a company mascot called Popsicle Pete was introduced on the radio program ''[[Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (radio series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]]'' as having won the "Typical American Boy Contest".<ref>[http://www.genericradio.com/show.php?id=1904fdd014a48482 ''Buck Rogers''] radio program; Episode #1, Apr 5 1939, Generic Radio Workshop Script Library, Accessed November 1, 2010.</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/details/otr_buckrogers ''Buck Rogers'' radio files], Internet Archive, Accessed November 1, 2010.</ref> The character told listeners that they could win presents by sending wrappers from Popsicle products to the manufacturer. Pete continued to appear in the company's U.S. advertising campaigns until the 1989 acquisition by Good Humor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/sweet-mistake-how-a-pre-teen-invented-popsicles|title=Sweet mistake: How a pre-teen invented popsicles|date=July 29, 2018|work=Washington Examiner|access-date=September 4, 2018}}</ref> During the 1940s, Popsicle Pete ads were created by [[Woody Gelman]] and his partner Ben Solomon, and appeared on Popsicle brand packages for decades.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HuZgDQAAQBAJ&q=popsicle+pete+ads+created+by+woody+gelman&pg=PT106|title=Heroes of the Comics: Portraits Of The Pioneering Legends Of Comic Books|last=Friedman|first=Drew|date=September 10, 2014|publisher=Fantagraphics Books|isbn=9781606997314}}</ref>


The mascot was then reintroduced in Canada in 1988, and would feature in television commercials,<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Commercial - Popsicle Pete (1993) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEtNUK0LNdo |website=youtube.com |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> promotions,<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Pete Contests leaves a for 10,000 canadian kids |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1011625018/?terms=popsicle%20pete&match=1 |website=newspapers.com |publisher=Hamilton Spectator Newspaper |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> and print advertisements<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Pete Advertisement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/465218322/ |website=newspapers.com |publisher=Ottawa Citizen Newspaper |access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> up until 1996.
The mascot was then introduced in Canada in 1988 and featured in television commercials,<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Commercial - Popsicle Pete (1993) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEtNUK0LNdo |website=youtube.com |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> promotions,<ref>{{cite news |title=Popsicle Pete Contests leaves a for 10,000 canadian kids |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1011625018/?terms=popsicle%20pete&match=1 |newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> and print advertisements<ref>{{cite news |title=Popsicle Pete Advertisement |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/465218322/ |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |access-date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> until 1996.


==Products==
==Products==
[[File:1938_Furdgicle_ad.jpg|thumb|upright|Fudgicle advertisement from 1938. Popsicle brands sponsored the [[Popeye]] radio show in 1938–1939.]]
[[File:1938_Fudgicle_ad.jpg|thumb|upright|Fudgicle advertisement from 1938. Popsicle brands sponsored the [[Popeye]] radio show in 1938–1939.]]
The Popsicle brand began expanding from its original flavors after being purchased by Good Humor-Breyers in 1989. Under the Popsicle brand, Good Humor-Breyers holds the trademark for both '''Creamsicle''' and '''Fudgsicle.'''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/popsicle-giant-threatens-b-c-starsicle-maker-1.2688034|title=Popsicle giant threatens B.C. ice pop maker {{!}} CBC News|work=CBC|access-date=2018-08-15|language=en-US}}</ref> Creamsicle's center is vanilla ice cream, covered by a layer of flavored ice. Fudgsicle, originally sold as '''Fudgicle''', is a flat, frozen dessert that comes on a stick and is chocolate-flavored with a texture somewhat similar to ice cream.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/22/dining/best-summer-frozen-desserts.html|title=The 7 Greatest Packaged Frozen Treats, Ranked |work=The New York Times |date=22 May 2018 |access-date=2018-08-15|language=en|last1=Rao |first1=Tejal }}</ref>
The Popsicle brand began expanding from its original flavors after being purchased by Good Humor-Breyers in 1989. Under the Popsicle brand, Good Humor-Breyers holds the trademark for both '''Creamsicle''' and '''Fudgsicle.'''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/popsicle-giant-threatens-b-c-starsicle-maker-1.2688034|title=Popsicle giant threatens B.C. ice pop maker {{!}} CBC News|work=CBC|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> Creamsicle's center is vanilla ice cream, covered by a layer of flavored ice. Fudgsicle, originally sold as '''Fudgicle''', is a flat, frozen dessert that comes on a stick and is chocolate-flavored with a texture somewhat similar to ice cream.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/22/dining/best-summer-frozen-desserts.html|title=The 7 Greatest Packaged Frozen Treats, Ranked |work=The New York Times |date=May 22, 2018 |access-date=August 15, 2018 |last1=Rao |first1=Tejal }}</ref>


'''Firecrackers''' are a brand of Popsicles that come in a shape resembling a [[firecracker]] (the top being red (cherry), the middle white (white lemon), and the bottom blue (blue raspberry)).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popsicle.ca/en/products/popsicle-firecracker-multi-pack|title=Firecracker Popsicles|access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> These have a similar appearance to [[Wells Enterprises|Wells Dairy]]'s Blue Bunny's [[Bomb Pop]].<ref name=":1" /> '''Slow Melt Pops''' include a small amount of [[gelatin]] that helps them stay frozen longer than traditional ice pops. Slow Melt Pops are available in several varieties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.familyeducation.com/blogs/sweet-pea-chef/slow-melt-popsicles|title=Slow Melt Popsicles - FamilyEducation|work=FamilyEducation|access-date=2018-11-12|language=en}}</ref>
'''Firecrackers''' are a brand of Popsicles that come in a shape resembling a [[firecracker]] (the top being red (cherry), the middle white (white lemon), and the bottom blue (blue raspberry)).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popsicle.ca/en/products/popsicle-firecracker-multi-pack|title=Firecracker Popsicles|access-date=July 4, 2023}}</ref> These have a similar appearance to [[Wells Enterprises|Wells Dairy]]'s Blue Bunny's [[Bomb Pop]].<ref name=":1" /> '''Slow Melt Pops''' include a small amount of [[gelatin]] that helps them stay frozen longer than traditional ice pops. Slow Melt Pops are available in several varieties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.familyeducation.com/blogs/sweet-pea-chef/slow-melt-popsicles|title=Slow Melt Popsicles - FamilyEducation|work=FamilyEducation|access-date=November 12, 2018}}</ref>


'''Yosicles''' are a brand of Popsicle that contain yogurt.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://allthingsd.com/20120404/theres-four-types-of-advertising-emerging-in-social-games-ea-says/|title=Four Types of Advertising Are Emerging in Social Games, EA Says|work=AllThingsD|access-date=2018-08-15|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestranger.com/food-and-drink/2017/07/12/25281025/seattle-pops-will-bring-its-semi-drippy-ice-pops-to-a-permanent-home-in-wallingford|title=Seattle Pops Will Bring Its Semi-Drippy Ice Pops to a Permanent Home in Wallingford|work=The Stranger|access-date=2018-08-15|language=en}}</ref> '''Revello Bars''' are chocolate covered ice cream on a stick.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.popsicle.ca/product/detail/114195/revello-ice-cream-bars |title=Revello® Ice Cream Bars |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-date=2018-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514221640/http://www.popsicle.ca/product/detail/114195/revello-ice-cream-bars |url-status=dead }}</ref>
'''Yosicles''' are a brand of Popsicle that contain yogurt.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://allthingsd.com/20120404/theres-four-types-of-advertising-emerging-in-social-games-ea-says/|title=Four Types of Advertising Are Emerging in Social Games, EA Says|work=AllThingsD|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestranger.com/food-and-drink/2017/07/12/25281025/seattle-pops-will-bring-its-semi-drippy-ice-pops-to-a-permanent-home-in-wallingford|title=Seattle Pops Will Bring Its Semi-Drippy Ice Pops to a Permanent Home in Wallingford|work=The Stranger|access-date=August 15, 2018}}</ref> '''Revello Bars''' are chocolate covered ice cream on a stick.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.popsicle.ca/product/detail/114195/revello-ice-cream-bars |title=Revello® Ice Cream Bars |access-date=December 9, 2015 |archive-date=May 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514221640/http://www.popsicle.ca/product/detail/114195/revello-ice-cream-bars |url-status=dead }}</ref>


'''Fruit Twisters''' are a brand of Popsicle that have fruit juice, milk and cane sugar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Fruit Twisters are the refreshing treat for the whole family |publisher=Fansided.com |date=2021 |url=https://foodsided.com/2021/01/09/popsicle-fruit-twisters-frozen-dessert/ |access-date=28 August 2022 }}</ref>
'''Fruit Twisters''' are a brand of Popsicle that have fruit juice, milk and cane sugar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Popsicle Fruit Twisters are the refreshing treat for the whole family |publisher=Fansided.com |date=2021 |url=https://foodsided.com/2021/01/09/popsicle-fruit-twisters-frozen-dessert/ |access-date=August 28, 2022 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 15:31, 13 November 2024

This article is about the Popsicle brand. For the generic item, see Ice pop. For other uses, see Popsicle.
Popsicle
Popsicle logo
Product typeIce pops
OwnerGood Humor-Breyers
CountryOakland, California, U.S.
Introduced1922; 102 years ago (1922)
Related brandsFudgsicle
Creamsicle
Yosicle
MarketsU.S. and Canada
Previous ownersJoe Lowe Corporation; Sara Lee Corporation; Empire of Carolina; AmBrit; Gold Bond Ice Cream
Registered as a trademark inU.S. and Canada
Websitepopsicle.com

Popsicle is a Good Humor-Breyers brand of ice pop consisting of flavored, colored ice on a stick.

History

[edit]

1905–1925: Frank Epperson

[edit]

In 1905 in Oakland, California, 11-year-old Francis William "Frank" Epperson was mixing a powdered flavoring for soft drinks with water. He accidentally left it on the back porch overnight, with a stirring stick still in it. That night, the temperature dropped below freezing, and the next morning, Epperson discovered the drink had frozen to the stick, inspiring the idea of a fruit-flavored "popsicle".[1][2]

In 1922, he introduced the creation at a fireman's ball, where according to reports it was "a sensation".[2] In 1923, Epperson began selling the frozen pops to the public at Neptune Beach, an amusement park in Alameda, California.[3][4] By 1924 Epperson had received a patent for his "frozen confectionery" which he called "the Epsicle ice pop".[2] He renamed it Popsicle, supposedly at the insistence of his children.[1] Popsicles were originally sold in fruity flavors and marketed as a "frozen drink on a stick."[5][3]

Six months after receiving a patent for the Popsicle, Good Humor sued Popsicle Corporation. By October 1925, the parties settled out of court. Popsicle agreed to pay Good Humor a license fee to manufacture what was called frozen suckers from ice and sherbet products. Good Humor reserved the right to manufacture these products from ice cream, frozen custard, and the like.[6]

1925–1965: Joe Lowe Company

[edit]

In 1925, Epperson sold the rights to the Popsicle to the Joe Lowe Company of New York, who set up a subsidiary called Popsicle Industries to sell the product. "I was flat and had to liquidate all my assets," he recalled years later. "I haven't been the same since."[7][3]

1965–1987: Consolidated Foods

[edit]

In 1965, Popsicle Industries was sold to Consolidated Foods Corporation (later renamed ‘Sara Lee’).

1986–1993: Split ownership

[edit]

By 1986, Sara Lee was struggling to bring Popsicle to profitability, so the company sold the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries to the Gold Bond Ice Cream Company in Green Bay, Wisconsin.[8]

In 1987, Sara Lee sold the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries to AmBrit Inc. In 1990, Empire of Carolina bought the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries from Ambrit Inc.[9]

Since 1989: Unilever

[edit]

In 1989, Good Humor, now a subsidiary of Unilever, bought the U.S. rights to the Popsicle brand from Gold Bond and folded the U.S. operations of Popsicle Industries into its Good Humor-Breyers division.[7]

In 1993, Unilever bought the corporate assets of Isaley Klondike from Empire of Carolina, which included the Klondike bar brand and the Canadian operations of Popsicle Industries. This re-united the Popsicle brand for the Canadian and U.S. markets under the Good Humor-Breyers division.[10]

Popsicle Pete

[edit]

In April 1939, a company mascot called Popsicle Pete was introduced on the radio program Buck Rogers in the 25th Century as having won the "Typical American Boy Contest".[11][12] The character told listeners that they could win presents by sending wrappers from Popsicle products to the manufacturer. Pete continued to appear in the company's U.S. advertising campaigns until the 1989 acquisition by Good Humor.[13] During the 1940s, Popsicle Pete ads were created by Woody Gelman and his partner Ben Solomon, and appeared on Popsicle brand packages for decades.[14]

The mascot was then introduced in Canada in 1988 and featured in television commercials,[15] promotions,[16] and print advertisements[17] until 1996.

Products

[edit]
Fudgicle advertisement from 1938. Popsicle brands sponsored the Popeye radio show in 1938–1939.

The Popsicle brand began expanding from its original flavors after being purchased by Good Humor-Breyers in 1989. Under the Popsicle brand, Good Humor-Breyers holds the trademark for both Creamsicle and Fudgsicle.[18] Creamsicle's center is vanilla ice cream, covered by a layer of flavored ice. Fudgsicle, originally sold as Fudgicle, is a flat, frozen dessert that comes on a stick and is chocolate-flavored with a texture somewhat similar to ice cream.[19]

Firecrackers are a brand of Popsicles that come in a shape resembling a firecracker (the top being red (cherry), the middle white (white lemon), and the bottom blue (blue raspberry)).[20] These have a similar appearance to Wells Dairy's Blue Bunny's Bomb Pop.[19] Slow Melt Pops include a small amount of gelatin that helps them stay frozen longer than traditional ice pops. Slow Melt Pops are available in several varieties.[21]

Yosicles are a brand of Popsicle that contain yogurt.[22][23] Revello Bars are chocolate covered ice cream on a stick.[24]

Fruit Twisters are a brand of Popsicle that have fruit juice, milk and cane sugar.[25]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b Stephanie Butler (August 16, 2013). "Frozen History: The Story of the Popsicle". the History Channel. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c "Frank Epperson, 89, Inventor of Popsicle, Dies in California". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 27, 1983.
  3. ^ a b c "How An 11-Year-Old Boy Invented The Popsicle". NPR.org. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  4. ^ eikeme (May 17, 2018). "Neptune Beach Brought Back to Life". Alameda Sun. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "Brain-Numbingly Cool Popsicles". WIRED. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  6. ^ Moak, Jefferson M. (2005). The Frozen Sucker War: Good Humor v. Popsicle. U.S. National Archives & Records Administration.
  7. ^ a b Jordi, Nathalie (July 9, 2010). "Don't Use the P Word: A Popsicle Showdown". The Atlantic. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  8. ^ "Sara Lee Corp. to Sell U.S. Popsicle Business to Maker of Eskimo Pie". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  9. ^ "Popsicle Under New Ownership". Burlington Spectator. Burlington, Ontario. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "Hanover Klondike now under Univelever auspices". The Evening Sun. Hanover, Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  11. ^ Buck Rogers radio program; Episode #1, Apr 5 1939, Generic Radio Workshop Script Library, Accessed November 1, 2010.
  12. ^ Buck Rogers radio files, Internet Archive, Accessed November 1, 2010.
  13. ^ "Sweet mistake: How a pre-teen invented popsicles". Washington Examiner. July 29, 2018. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  14. ^ Friedman, Drew (September 10, 2014). Heroes of the Comics: Portraits Of The Pioneering Legends Of Comic Books. Fantagraphics Books. ISBN 9781606997314.
  15. ^ "Popsicle Commercial - Popsicle Pete (1993)". youtube.com. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  16. ^ "Popsicle Pete Contests leaves a for 10,000 canadian kids". The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  17. ^ "Popsicle Pete Advertisement". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  18. ^ "Popsicle giant threatens B.C. ice pop maker | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  19. ^ a b Rao, Tejal (May 22, 2018). "The 7 Greatest Packaged Frozen Treats, Ranked". The New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  20. ^ "Firecracker Popsicles". Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  21. ^ "Slow Melt Popsicles - FamilyEducation". FamilyEducation. Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  22. ^ "Four Types of Advertising Are Emerging in Social Games, EA Says". AllThingsD. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  23. ^ "Seattle Pops Will Bring Its Semi-Drippy Ice Pops to a Permanent Home in Wallingford". The Stranger. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  24. ^ "Revello® Ice Cream Bars". Archived from the original on May 14, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  25. ^ "Popsicle Fruit Twisters are the refreshing treat for the whole family". Fansided.com. 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2022.

References

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