Ice pop

An ice pop is a water-based frozen snack. It is also referred to as a popsicle (Canada, U.S.), freeze pop (Ireland, U.S.), ice lolly (United Kingdom, Ireland), ice block, icy pole (parts of Australia and New Zealand), or chihiro (Cayman Islands). It is made by freezing flavored liquid (such as fruit juice) around a stick, generally resembling a tongue depressor. Often, the juice is colored artificially. Once the liquid freezes solid, the stick can be used as a handle to hold the ice pop. When an ice pop does not have a stick, it is called, among other names, a freezie.

History

Frank Epperson of Oakland, California, popularized ice pops after patenting the concept of "frozen ice on a stick" in 1923. He initially called it the Epsicle. A couple of years later, Epperson sold the rights to the invention and the Popsicle brand to the Joe Lowe Company in New York City.

Epperson claimed to have first created an ice pop in 1905 at the age of 11 when he accidentally left a glass of powdered soda and water with a mixing stick in it on his porch during a cold night, a story printed on the back panel of Popscicle brand treat boxes in the 80's and 90's. However, the evidence for this is scant.

Popsicle (brand)

Popsicle is a North American brand of ice pop by Unilever, and a genericized trademark for any type of ice pop, due to its popularity.

History

In 1905 in Oakland, California, 11-year-old Frances William "Frank" Epperson (1894-1983) was mixing a white powdered flavoring for soda and water out on the porch. He left it there, with a stirring stick still in it. That night, temperatures reached a record low, and the next morning, the boy discovered the drink had frozen to the stick, inspiring the idea of a fruit-flavored 'Popsicle'. In 1922, he introduced the frozen treat at a fireman's ball. It was a sensation. In 1923, Epperson sold the frozen pop on a stick to the public at Neptune Beach, an amusement park in Alameda, California. Seeing that it was a success, in 1924 Epperson applied for a patent for his "frozen confectionery" which he called "the Epsicle ice pop". He renamed it to Popsicle, allegedly at the insistence of his children.

It was originally available in seven flavors and marketed as a "frozen drink on a stick." The form is unique, with a wooden stick going through the ice to create a handle. The stick, similar in shape and size to a disposable tongue depressor, with round ends used as a handle became as well known as the treat, commonly used as a craft-stick for craft projects by children and adults.

Popsicle (song)

"Popsicle" is a song written by Buzz Cason, and Bobby Russell for the American rock band Jan & Dean. The song was originally released on their 1963 album, Drag City. After Jan Berry's near fatal car accident near Dead Man's Curve, Dean Torrence had one last effort to save Jan & Dean's name and released the song on a new album with the title track of Popsicle with all previously released songs. Popsicle was then released as a single with the B side being a remake of the The Beatle's, "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)". "Popsicle" hit as high as 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the later half of 1966 when it was rereleased as a single.

Performers

References