A precursor to the ice cream parties we know and love today!

If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that people like to party. And what better addition to a party than ice cream? That’s where ice cream socials come in to play. An ice cream social is simply a party where ice cream is served—a pretty stellar idea if you ask us!

But when did ice cream socials start to become popular? And what exactly did an old-fashioned ice cream social entail? Read on to find out.

The First Ice Cream Parties

When ice cream was first created, it was a luxury. This meant that the first ice cream parties, or ice cream socials, occurred in the 1600s in England’s royal courts. It’s reported that some of the first ice cream socials were held during the reign of King Charles II. Even though ice cream was more easily accessible in the royal courts, it was still only served during royal feasts and was not an everyday treat.

This continued to be the case throughout most of the 1700s and even into the early 1900s. Ice cream was still a luxurious, and therefore uncommon, commodity. While the consumption and creation of ice cream expanded past the royal courts, it was still largely enjoyed by members of the upper class and nobility.

The first known ice cream party in America was hosted by the Governor of Maryland, Thomas Bladen, in 1744. Even still, guests at this particular event were not served exclusively ice cream treats but given ice cream at a dinner party. 

As time marched on, ice cream began to increase in popularity amongst American politicians and in 1784, George and Martha Washington reportedly installed an ice cream machine, of sorts, in their Mount Vernon home. Then, in 1802, Thomas Jefferson served ice cream at the White House during another dinner party.

Eventually ice cream became easier to make due to technological advancements and new practices that made sourcing the ingredients for the sweet treat much simpler. With the prevalence of ice cream increasing, ice cream socials similarly increased in popularity. Schools and churches, in particular, began to host regular ice cream social gatherings into the late 1800s, including the South Dakota Ladies’ Sewing Society which advertised and hosted a party full of socializing, ice cream, and cake in the 1860s.

When these first ice cream socials took place, many of the ice cream flavors that are beloved today, including the top three most popular ice cream flavors in America, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, were frequently served to hungry guests. There were some more unique flavors served too, however—flavors that are not at all common in ice cream shops today like tea, parmesan, and oyster flavored ice cream. Just like cuisine has changed quite drastically over time, ice cream flavors have, too (and we admit we are glad about that here at Besties Ice Cream—you’ll find lots of unique and delicious flavors here, but nothing of the fishy variety.)

Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, ice cream socials continued to increase in popularity, especially becoming popular as a fundraising option for schools, churches, and other charities. Ice cream socials in recent years have become an affordable and fun option for many different types of events. With ice cream becoming even more popular, and more available, in recent years, ice cream socials have continued to be popular events, especially in the summertime. 

While we don’t always call them ice cream socials anymore, ice cream parties have evolved over the years to include new flavors, toppings, and more fun. Many ice cream lovers today can even remember exciting ice cream socials they attended as a child with a scoop or cup of sweet ice cream making the event a memorable experience.

Ice Cream Socials in Colorado

Colorado has its own unique history when it comes to ice cream socials, largely due to both the colder temperatures here and the large mining communities that developed high into the Rocky Mountains. In Aspen, one of Colorado’s most famous ski towns that was once a mining mecca, for example, ice cream socials were a popular type of event held in late summer.

In Aspen, like in many small mining towns, ice cream became more readily available in the late 1800s (1881 in Aspen, to be precise.) Ice cream socials were often advertised in the local newspapers. One such mention from 1892 mentioned a social gathering—complete with ice cream—at the local YMCA rooms. There was even another mention of an even in 1897 at the courthouse.

Most of these events were put on by various social groups and were put on for free. Some were held as a way to raise funds for a certain cause or a certain family in the area who was in need. Many of these ice cream social events also included entertainment such as musical performances, theatrical displays, or literary readings.

These ice cream social events continued in Aspen, and other towns across Colorado and the US, for years to come. There are continued mentions in local newspapers of such events, including a particular column in The Aspen Times from 1941 about one such party. During the long, hot, dog days of summer, ice cream socials were a fun way to gather and socialize.

Many towns and groups still put on ice cream socials today, including charities and non-profit organizations. You’ll often find ice cream is the star of the show at many events, including weddings and birthday parties. Whether it’s served with cake, in cones, or in dishes with an innumerable amount of toppings, ice cream is a surefire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

If you’re interested in throwing your own modern-day ice cream social, we’re ready to bring the best-tasting ice cream straight to you! Book the Besties Ice Cream Truck Service for your next event today. We’ll bring everything you need to throw a nostalgic ice cream social straight to you—including the sprinkles!