Ridiculous History

The Ridiculous History of the "Ice Cream Sundae"

10 snips
Nov 6, 2025
Dive into the deliciously disputed origins of the ice cream sundae! Explore the quirky tales of Ithaca, New York, and Wisconsin, each claiming to be the true birthplace. Discover the spelling twist that transformed 'Sunday' into 'sundae' thanks to blue laws. Delight in the banana split's birth in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, along with bizarre ice cream flavors like blue cheese! Plus, hear about the world's most extravagant ice cream. Sweet treats and history collide in this delightfully rich discussion!
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INSIGHT

Sundae Origins Are Regional, Not Singular

  • The ice cream sundae likely emerged as a local soda-fountain innovation in the late 19th century.
  • Multiple towns claim origin, showing culinary ideas spread regionally rather than from a single inventor.
ANECDOTE

Ithaca's Cherry Sunday Origin Story

  • Chester Platt reportedly had ice cream with cherry syrup and a candied cherry prepared after church on April 3, 1892.
  • Platt and his guest allegedly dubbed it a "Cherry Sunday" in honor of the day.
ANECDOTE

Wisconsin's 'Pretend It's Sunday' Tale

  • Wisconsin claims the sundae began in 1881 when Edward Berner topped ice cream with chocolate sauce but sold it only on Sundays.
  • A local child's charm reportedly convinced the seller to offer the treat daily under the Sunday name.
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