In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson accidentally invented the first popsicle. He left a mixture of powdered soda, water and syrup overnight. It froze on the stick he had stirred it with. His children called it "Pop’s ‘sicle". He later patented it as the "Epsicle". The name was changed to "Popsicle", which became popular.
Popsicle Sticks and Their Uses
Popsicle sticks can also be called craft sticks or ice lolly sticks. They are typically 4-6 inches long and made of birch or basswood. To make popsicles, small baking tins can be used as molds. If you don’t have a mold, line a loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Insert sticks when partially frozen.
Global Names for Popsicles
In the US and Canada, ice on a stick is often generically called a popsicle. The word has become a trademark to mean any ice pop. Popsicles are also called ice pops, ice lollies, or chihiros. Australians call them icy poles.