Have you dismissed your middle schooler’s mixed concoctions as frivolous? In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson left soda powder and water outside with its wooden stirrer in a cup. The mixture froze overnight and Frank began selling his new treat to his neighbors and a nearby amusement park.
In 1923, Epperson, now a father, applied for a patent for his frozen ice on stick, calling it an Epsicle ice pop, producing the treat in several different flavors. However, his children called it a popsicle instead, because it was their pop’s treat.
Years later, thanks to his kids, Epperson changed the name to Popsicle and it has remained the name for nearly a century before he sold the rights in 1925 to the Joe Lowe Company in New York. After multiple company changes, Popsicle is now its own division of Unilever Good Humor.
Epperson is said to have at least inspired the creation of subsequent frozen treats such as the Fudgesicle, Creamsicle and Dreamsicle.
What is your kid doing in your kitchen, basement or garage that could be the next big invention?
Innocence to Influence features youths that have made an impact on society by using initiative, ingenuity and determination. Our kids could be the next generation of influence.
