Did you know July is National Ice Cream Month? While this seems like a fairly tenuous excuse to eat a lot of ice cream in the coming weeks, the history of ice cream is actually more interesting than you might expect. For many seniors, ice cream is just a favorite dessert, but this cold concoction has a surprising secret past. Read on to learn more about the story behind National Ice Cream Month, the importance of ice cream in American history, and the history of ice cream itself.
The Origin of National Ice Cream Month
National Ice Cream Month (otherwise known as, well, July) was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He also designated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day. His Presidential Proclamation for the reason behind this new holiday stated:
“Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States. It enjoys a reputation as the perfect dessert and snack food. Over eight hundred and eighty-seven million gallons of ice cream were consumed in the United States in 1983.
The ice cream industry generates approximately $3.5 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens. Indeed, nearly ten percent of all the milk produced by the United States dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, thereby contributing substantially to the economic well-being of the Nation’s dairy industry.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 298, has designated July 1984 as “National Ice Cream Month,” and July 15, 1984, as “National Ice Cream Day,” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of these events.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day, and I call upon the people of the United States to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” (source)
It’s unclear whether this presidential proclamation, which was sponsored by representatives from Texas and Kentucky, was just for fun or to support the financial industry of ice cream—but it was probably a little of both.
Celebrating National Ice Cream Month Today
While President Reagan really only designated July of 1984 as National Ice Cream Month, this tradition has lived on, mainly due to ice cream manufacturers. Americans also enjoy celebrating nearly anything–in fact, there are over 240 national food-related holidays in the United States. These holidays promote spending time with loved ones, enjoying both classic and new foods, and supporting our country’s food and beverage industry.
Most people celebrate National Ice Cream Month (and day) by–you guessed it–eating ice cream. In addition, many ice cream brands offer special discounts and promotions during July. For example, retailers like Dairy Queen, Ben & Jerry’s, and Baskin-Robbins have offered deals to celebrate this day and month in the past. They may offer new flavors on these days, too! You could also celebrate National Ice Cream Month by making your own ice cream or planning a get-together with friends and family. Many senior living communities also make the most of this fun excuse to enjoy a cool treat with special field trips and activities.
The Invention of Ice Cream
But where did ice cream begin? Truthfully, ice cream goes back so far it’s hard to trace. In India, kulfi originated in the 16th century as a frozen sweetened condensed milk. Some sources say that in ancient China, people enjoyed eating a mixture of milk and rice that was packed in snow. Ice and snow were used to cool desserts as far back as 4000 B.C. Italian ices began to be served in Italy in the 1600s, where they quickly gained popularity and spread to France, England, and Spain.
Popular legend says that Marco Polo brought ice cream to Italy, then to France by Catherine De Medici, and finally to America by Thomas Jefferson. However, this story is difficult to verify. Regardless, it’s clear that people have enjoyed sweet, frozen desserts for thousands of years and all over the world!
American Ice Cream History
It’s a little easier to trace the history of ice cream in America. Ice cream was mentioned in colonial Maryland in 1744, and George Washington himself purchased an ice cream maker in 1784. Thomas Jefferson routinely served ice cream in the executive mansion (now known as the White House), and he also wrote out several ice cream recipes during his presidency.
The American love affair with ice cream quickly gained speed. Pharmacists (who often served ice cream and sodas at their “drugstores”) began serving ice cream sodas in the late 1800s. The ice cream sundae was invented shortly thereafter somewhere in the midwest, potentially due to “blue laws” that prevented ice cream sodas from being served on Sundays. The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair premiered the waffle cone, which paved the way to the popularity of the traditional ice cream cone. Dairy Queen and Carvel introduced soft-serve ice cream in the 1930s. Frozen yogurt gained traction in the 1970s, when people became more health-conscious and believed it to be a healthier alternative. TCBY, a popular national frozen yogurt chain, first opened its doors in 1981.
National Ice Cream Month (and day) came into effect shortly thereafter, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Modern-Day Ice Cream Stats
People are no less in love with ice cream today than they were back then. A Simmons National Consumer survey showed that 90% of Americans enjoy ice cream. Now, the U.S. produces 1.38 billion gallons of ice cream annually–almost 50% more than in 1984. According to a National Today survey in 2019, 40% of Americans have eaten an entire pint of ice cream alone. And 50% think going out for ice cream is a good date (count us as part of that 50%)!
Stellar Living hopes you enjoy celebrating National Ice Cream Month this July! Considering senior living? It’s almost as fun as National Ice Cream Day. Call to tour a community near you today.
Sources: History.com, National Today, National Archives,
