Pot Luck Saturday: The Ice Cream Man & Novelty Ice Creams of Yesteryear

Happy Pot Luck Saturday!This week we’re taking a delicious trip back to the golden age of childhood as we explore the incredible history of the American ice cream truck…from the 1920s Good Humor man to the legendary Hood trucks of Boston and the unforgettable novelty treats that defined the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Why did hearing that familiar jingle send an entire neighborhood sprinting for home? How did the ice cream man become one of America’s most beloved summer traditions? And what happened to this uniquely American ritual?

Along the way we rank the greatest frozen treats of all time…from Bomb Pops, Strawberry Shortcake Bars, Toasted Almonds, Screwballs, Push-Ups, Chipwiches, Jimmy Cones, Circus Fun, Cannonballs, Nutty Buddies and so many forgotten favorites. We uncover surprising stories behind Good Humor, Mister Softee, Hood, and the entrepreneurs who built an iconic industry on wheels, along with fascinating stats, hidden history, and the business lessons behind one of America’s greatest neighborhood traditions. As always on Pot Luck Saturday, we wander wherever curiosity takes us, from pool safety and parenting, back to school back when, and why Gen X is the bridge generation, getting the last novelty ice creams from the truck so to speak.

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Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos’ passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life.

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