Two Rivers in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ice Cream Sundae

Photographed by Keith L, September 16, 2008

1. Ice Cream Sundae Marker

Inscription. In 1881, George Hallauer asked Edward C. Berner, the owner of a soda fountain at 1404 – 15th Street, to top a dish of ice cream with chocolate sauce, hitherto used only for ice cream sodas. The concoction cost a nickel and soon became very popular, but was sold only on Sundays.

One day a ten year old girl insisted she have a dish of ice cream "with that stuff on top," saying they could "pretend it was Sunday." After that, the confection was sold every day in many flavors. It lost its Sunday–only association, to be called ICE CREAM SUNDAE when a glassware salesman placed an order with his company for the long canoe–shaped dishes in which it was served, as "Sundae dishes."

Erected 1973 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 197.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 44° 8.939′ N, 87° 34.097′ W. Marker is in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in Manitowoc County. It is at the intersection of Washington Street (State Highway 42) and 17th Street, on the right when traveling north on Washington Street. Marker is at Two

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Rivers Central Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Two Rivers WI 54241, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Hamilton Community House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hamilton School (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Rivers Post Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Galecki Building (about 400 feet away); Washington House (about 400 feet away); St. Luke School (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Two Rivers.

Also see . . . History of the Ice Cream Sundae. "Two cities lay claim to creating the original ice cream sundae... The biggest rivalry is between Two Rivers, Wisconsin and Ithaca, New York." (Submitted on September 25, 2008.)

Photographed by Keith L, September 16, 2008

2. Ice Cream Sundae Marker

Nearby Civil War Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, September 16, 2008

3. Nearby Civil War Memorial

Erected 1900
In memory of those who fought in defence of the Union
1861–1865

Ice Cream Sundae Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 28, 2024

4. Ice Cream Sundae Mural

A mural depicting the origins of the ice cream sundae may be viewed across from the historical marker.

The Washington House Museum / Ed Berners Ice Cream Parlor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 28, 2024

5. The Washington House Museum / Ed Berners Ice Cream Parlor

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,006 times since then and 124 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2008, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on March 25, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.