Hasty Briefsbeta

The ice cream truck's surprising history

12 days ago
  • #history
  • #ice-cream
  • #culture
  • John Harkins grew up around ice cream, inheriting the business from his parents who ran an ice cream truck in the UK.
  • Ice cream trucks have a long history, evolving from simple barrows to sophisticated vehicles with direct-drive systems.
  • The Glasgow Ice Cream Van Wars in the 1980s highlighted the dark side of the industry, involving turf wars and tragic violence.
  • Whitby Morrison revolutionized ice cream trucks with innovations like the direct-drive system and is now working on electric models.
  • Modern ice cream trucks are adapting to new markets, including weddings, private events, and social media platforms like TikTok.
  • Despite challenges like environmental concerns and changing regulations, ice cream trucks remain a beloved part of culture, evoking nostalgia and joy.