Fair Game – Entry #3

Last time we spoke, we talked about the birthplace of the ice cream cone being at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

According to legend, at the St. Louis Exposition (or the St. Louis World's Fair) an ice cream seller, Arnold Fornachou, had run out of the cardboard dishes used to put ice cream scoops in, so he could not sell any more product. (Just as an FYI – there is another account that claims the ice cream vendor was Charles Menches). Next door to the ice cream booth was a waffle booth run by Syrian immigrant, Ernest A. Hamwi, who, due to excessive heat that day, was unsuccessful selling his warm pastries; the waffle maker offered to make cones for the ice cream vendor by rolling up his waffles and providing a “cup” of sorts to place the ice cream in. The new combo sold well, and was widely copied by other vendors on the grounds.

There are many versions of how the ice cream cone was invented but the most popular account gives credit to Hamwi. So, whether Hamwi would have struck up the “partner” deal with Fornachou or Menches….that is the subject of some very serious ice cream debate. All I know is that Hamwi must have been workin’ it at the Fair! Go Ernie!

And speaking of Fairs, next time we speak, I will tell you about my state’s (which, in case you missed my first blog – it is Iowa) obsession with Fairs!

Until next time, I remain….1SweetMama