Ithaca, N.Y., (Aug. 21, 2009) -- Ithaca is the hometown of the ice cream sundae and the community is celebrating with free sundaes, Aug. 29, at the History Center in Tompkins County.
The sundae giveaway is part of the History Center's Day of Family Fun, an event that highlights the center's commitment to the community and commemorates the 117th anniversary of the sundae's creation on East State Street in 1892.
Ithaca Fountain owner Chester Platt invented the dish in April 1892 and fist served it to Unitarian Reverend John Scott. Reverend Scott coined the name, calling the dish a "Sunday" to mark the day it was created. The current spelling, "sundae," became commonplace after 1900.
In 2007, Student researchers at the History Center uncovered lost historical documents that corroborated Ithaca's sundae history. The documents proved to be the oldest written records of an ice cream sundae, giving the city title to the birthplace of the iconic American treat.
The research also disproved competing claims by other cities, including Two Rivers, Wis. Two Rivers and Ithaca have waged a good natured "Sundae War" over hometown bragging rights for decades.
Along with free sundaes, the History Center family day is filled with indoor and outdoor activities including games, exhibits, scavenger hunts, live music and special events.
Family fun day is Sat., Aug. 29, 12:30-3:30pm. Free sundaes are available first-come, first-served, as supplies last. In lieu of payment, the History Center is accepting donations to support its mission exploring and preserving Tompkins County's past. The family day event is sponsored by the History Center, Purity Ice Cream and the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The History Center is located at 401 East State St., in the Gateway Center, one block from The Ithaca Commons. For more information contact: The History Center in Tompkins County, (607) 273-8284 ext. 6, community@thehistorycenter.net
Learn more about the first ice cream sundae
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