Monday, September 01, 2008

Ice Cream on Wheels

With it being Labor Day here in the States, and summertime coming to a close, I thought I’d share a wonderful childhood memory.

About three weeks ago while I was walking around the city, I spotted something that I honestly thought was no longer in existence…an ice cream truck.

For those of you who live in other parts of the globe, and may have never experienced an ice cream truck, let me explain….

An ice cream truck is like an ice cream service on wheels.

And during the summer months, these little trucks would roam throughout the neighborhood streets, either ringing a bell or playing pre-recorded music through a loud speaker.

(and the music always sounded as though it was being played backwards)

Everyday at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, as if by magic, we would suddenly hear a musical melody permeate the air.

Then all the kids in the neighborhood would start screaming at the top of their lungs and run into the house, as our mothers frantically dug through their purses trying to find some loose change. Then we would run back out into the street, screaming and waving for the truck to stop.

Now when I was a kid, we had the Good Humor ice cream trucks. And the driver (known as the Good Humor Man) always wore a completely white uniform (hat included).

(he looked like a cross between a doctor and a flight attendant)

And what always amazed me, was that I never saw a DROP of ice cream on the uniform…it was spotless.

(and being an OCD child…I noticed these things)

Not only could you purchase ice cream cones, but also ice cream sandwiches, ice cream on a stick, and icy cups, which came with a small wooden spoon that looked like a tongue depressor.

As I got a little older, the Good Humor trucks began to disappear and were replaced with Mr. Softee.

(see photo)

Now Mr. Softee offered a bit more. Not only could you purchase hard ice cream items, but also soft custard cones, snow cones, soft drinks, milk shakes, and pretzels.

However, the Mr. Softee drivers wore only street clothes…NO uniform.

(how TACKY)

But at least they STILL had the music playing.

Anyway…I was so glad that day, when I spotted an ice cream truck.

Glad to see that something, which brought such excitement and simple joy to me as child, was doing the same for others.

(of course now, the only difference is that the children are all standing there eating ice cream…and talking on their FRIGGIN’ cell phones!!)

Good Humor, everyone!

Happy Labor Day!