Did You Know? The Popsicle Was Invented by Accident

Did you know? One of the world's most beloved frozen treats was invented completely by accident — by an 11-year-old boy!

 

In 1905, young Frank Epperson of San Francisco mixed up a batch of soda powder and water on a chilly evening. He stirred it with a wooden stick and accidentally left the cup outside on his porch overnight. 

 

Temperatures dropped below freezing, and by morning, the soda had frozen solid around the stick.

 

When Frank pulled out the frozen mixture and tasted it, he was amazed — it was delicious! He called his creation the Epsicle, combining his name with the word icicle.

 

For nearly 20 years, Frank made these frozen treats for friends and family. But it wasn't until 1923, when he was an adult with children of his own, that he saw the commercial potential. He applied for a patent and began selling his invention at Neptune Beach, an amusement park in Alameda, California.

 

Frank's children loved the treats so much they constantly asked for Pop's sicles. The name stuck, and the Epsicle became the Popsicle we know and love today.

 

In 1925, Frank sold his patent to the Joe Lowe Company, and the Popsicle went on to become a summertime staple across North America.

 

Today, hundreds of millions of Popsicles are enjoyed every year in dozens of flavours.

 

So the next time you enjoy a Popsicle on a hot summer day, remember — this refreshing treat was born from a happy accident by a curious 11-year-old boy over a century ago!