National Sundae Day

The story

The classic ice cream sundae, adorned with vanilla ice cream, syrup, whipped cream, and a cherry, has an uncertain origin, with disputes over its birthplace. The term “sundae” likely derives from “Sunday.” Two Rivers, Wisconsin; Evanston, Illinois; Ithaca, New York; and Plainfield, Illinois, claim to be the original sundae pioneers. The Sundae War stems from tales in the late 1800s. In Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Druggist Edward Berners served the first sundae in 1881 during a Sunday soda ban. In Ithaca, New York, Reverend John M. Scott and Chester Platt created the “Cherry Sunday” in 1892, sparking a conflict with Two Rivers. National Sundae Day invites customization with toppings, celebrating the enduring popularity of sundaes. The treat's history intertwines with Blue Laws, prompting pharmacists to replace soda with chocolate sauce on Sundays. The deliberate name change from “Sunday” to “sundae” allowed enjoyment any day, showcasing the sundae's inventive history in overcoming legal challenges and becoming a symbol of sweet delight.