The Scoop on Sundaes

Wisconsin has contributed a great deal to the American experience throughout history. The first Kindergarten started here. The typewriter, the supercomputer, and, um, modern toilet paper were all invented within our borders. But perhaps the most beloved local contribution to the culture is the ice cream sundae.

The first one was scooped up back in 1881 in the town of Two Rivers when an imaginative (and possibly buzzed) man named George Hallauer asked soda fountain proprietor, Edward C. Berner, to cover his ice cream in chocolate syrup, which, up until then, had only been used to make ice cream sodas.

Sparks flew.

Initially, this new confection was only sold on Sunday. Then, to fast forward a bit, it ended up being sold daily and spelled with an “ae” on the end instead of a “y” for some reason.

Now, thanks to those local dessert disrupters, people everywhere people enjoy sundaes to celebrate birthdays, reward good grades or chase away the blues after a breakup.

As a wise person — possibly George Hallauer — once said, don’t postpone joy. With that bit of wisdom in mind, there’s no need to wait for something consequential to happen before enjoying your next sundae. Ice cream season is winding down. Live a little.

But if you simply must have a reason to indulge, tell yourself you’re celebrating your home state and the innovative thinkers who helped put Wisconsin on the map.