Ice Cream American Dream
Printer-friendly version
Ice Cream American Dream
Read about the history of ice cream in Philadelphia, as told through the collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
And we’re back with another #IceCreamAmericanDream post about Philadelphia ice cream history! While Philadelphia ice cream was gaining notoriety, it wasn’t without challenges. Historically, ice cream was a delicacy reserved for the upper classes that could afford to find ways to keep it frozen. It was a lot less likely that the general public indulged in eating ice cream. While this was certainly an issue everywhere concerning the sweet dessert, it was a well-known fact that Philadelphia ice cream was more expensive than most.
In this installment of the Ice Cream American Dream, HSP is excited to talk about the work and legacy of Sarah Tyson Rorer. Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1849, Rorer would become an incredibly influential figure to women all over the country and a founder of home economics.
The history of ice cream is ingrained in the city of Philadelphia. The sweet treat served as a vehicle for women-owned enterprises, Black innovation, and food safety. At one point, Philadelphia served as the pinnacle of the American ice cream industry. Follow along throughout the month of July — National Ice Cream Month — to learn about the riveting history of ice cream, as told through the collections at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.