In 1905, eleven-year-old Frank Epperson left a cup filled with powdered soda, water, and a stirring stick on his San Francisco porch. That night, low temperatures caused the mixture to freeze — and a summertime staple was born. Today, two billion Popsicles are sold every year.

Ericka McConnell

1923: Epperson debuts his "Epsicle" at an Alameda, California, park. His children, who call the creation Pop's 'sicle, persuade him to change the name. Two years later, Epperson partners with the Joe Lowe Company of New York, which distributes the treats around the country.

1939: The brand introduces its mascot, a boy dubbed Popsicle Pete, who appears in ads for the next five decades.

1986: The company retires its two-stick variety (first sold during the Great Depression for a nickel) on the advice of moms, who deem it too messy.

2010: Popsicle — now owned by Unilever and made at plants in Nevada, Maryland, and Missouri — releases new Jolly Rancher — flavored pops, but classic cherry still ranks as the most popular.

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