Latrobe in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Banana Split
In 1904 in Latrobe, the first documented Banana Split was created by apprentice pharmacist David Strickler-sold here at the former Tassell Pharmacy. Bananas became widely available to Americans in the late 1800s. Strickler capitalized on this by cutting them lengthwise and serving with ice cream. He is also credited with designing a boat-shaped glass dish for his treat. Served worldwide, the banana split has become a prevalent American dessert.
Erected 2013 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 40° 19.001′ N, 79° 23.109′ W. Marker is in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County. Marker is on Ligonier Street, 0.1 miles east of Depot Street (Pennsylvania Route 981), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Latrobe PA 15650, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fred McFeely Rogers (within shouting distance of this marker); Reflections of Latrobe History (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pennsylvania Railroad (about 300 feet away); Dainty Pastry Shoppe (about 500 feet away); William Findley (about 800 feet away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Second Ward School and Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Latrobe.
Regarding The Banana Split. The city of Latrobe celebrated the Banana Split marker dedication throughout the weekend, with the unveiling on Friday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 25th.
Also see . . .
1. Banana Split Celebration. Event website homepage (Submitted on May 25, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Banana split celebrates 109th anniversary, birthplace designation in Latrobe. Video from WPXI in Pittsburgh (Submitted on August 26, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
3. MarkerQuest - The Banana Split. (Submitted on April 10, 2024, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 4, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on January 4, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.