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© History Oasis
Snow cones’ history traces its origins from ancient Chinese elites to modern fairgoers. Modern snow cones can thank modern figures like Samuel Bert and Ernest Hansen, who made the candy-like treat affordable to the masses.
Around 200 BC, the Chinese created one of the earliest known frozen desserts. They mixed rice and milk and packed it in snow to freeze. This treat was a luxury reserved for the elite, as ice was scarce and difficult to obtain. This early Far East was a precursor to all modern snow cones. Other cultures would follow with their variations in distant lands like ancient Persia and Rome.
The American Industrial Revolution in the 1850s made ice commercially available. Ice houses in New York sold ice as far as southern states like Florida. Kids were known to chase ice wagons to collect shavings. Parents flavored these shavings with homemade syrups and egg custard (made from eggs, vanilla, and sugar). These first snow cones were especially popular in Baltimore.
By the 1870s, snow cones had become a popular summer treat in American theaters. They were sold to patrons during performances. But this treat was considered an upper-class commodity, as they were handmade with hand shavers. Theater signs instructed patrons to finish their snow cones before they melted and made a sticky mess.
In 1919, Samuel Bert, or “King Sammie,” began selling snow cones at the State Fair of Texas. In 1920, he patented a snow cone machine. The machine allowed the mass production of snow cones, making them affordable to the masses. Bert’s machine was so successful that he continued to sell at the State Fair until he died in 1984. His family, including sons Nick and Samuel Jr., carried on the business, and Bert’s machines were sold worldwide, including an order from Alaska in 1951.
In 1934, Ernest Hansen, a machinist in New Orleans, patented the first block-style ice-shaving machine (U.S. Patent 2515923). It was a cleaner alternative to Italian ice sold from push-carts. His wife, Mary, created a variety of fresh, homemade syrups, leading to the popularity of “sno-balls” in New Orleans. Their shop, Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, opened in 1939. In the store, they sold sno-balls at two cents a pop and were known for unique flavors like honey lavender and ginger cayenne.
During the Great Depression and World War II, snow cones became a popular, affordable treat for all. They were known for a variety of nicknames, like “Hard Times Sundae” and “Penny Sunday.” They provided a sweet escape during tough times. The industry also created opportunities, especially when ice cream was scarce. Snow cone stands littered fairs, stadiums, and neighborhoods, offering a variety of flavors.
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