Ice Cream Cone History: Who Invented the Ice Cream Cone

An ice cream cone, which is also known as 'cornet', is actually a pastry used to serve ice cream and is prepared from wafers. The texture of ice cream cones is somewhat similar to that of a waffle. Cake cones, waffle cones, sugar cones and pretzel cones are the different types of ice cream cones. Nowadays, ice cream cones and cupcakes are used as containers for ice cream. However, edible cones were invented only in 1904.

Who Invented the Ice Cream Cone?
Ice cream being one of the most popular edible items the world over, it would be interesting to find out how the ice cream cone was invented. During the World's Fair of 1904, organized in the United States, Ernest Hamwi used zalabia, a waffle-like pastry to serve ice cream. Arnold Fornachou, an ice cream vendor, had run out of paper dishes, which prompted Earnest Hamwi to use the zalabia as a substitute for them. He rolled the zalabia into a cone-shaped container to hold ice cream. Edible cones became popular instantly and people started using them to serve ice cream in the fair itself. Many people tried to take the credit for inventing the cone for using it as an ice cream container.

Ice Cream Cone History
The ice cream cone was first used at the Saint Louis World's Fair in the United States in the year 1904. However, there are many controversies that surround the origin or invention of the ice cream cone. According to some researchers, edible ice cream cones were used in England, France and Germany in the 19th century. However, there is no strong evidence that supports the above statement. Ice cream being an expensive dessert and thus, was enjoyed only by the wealthiest in those times. Thus, the possibility of ice cream being eaten with hands (i.e. cones) appears bleak.

During the early 1900s, ice cream gained popularity among the masses, as it became cheaper. It was thus, sold by street vendors. The ice cream at that time was sold in glass containers known as 'penny licks'. Glass being a fragile material, it would break often. Also the problem of sanitation prevailed over the usage of these containers. In short, there was a need for some 'handy' container to enjoy ice cream. The invention of the edible cone for ice cream was a boon for the ice cream industry.

The edible cones used for ice cream were patented by two entrepreneurs separately in the years 1902 and 1903. Antonio Valvona, an ice cream merchant from Manchester, UK, patented a biscuit cup producing machine in 1902. Italo Marchiony, an ice cream salesman from New York, filed for a patent of a machine that made ice cream containers in 1903.

Abe Doumar, a Lebanese immigrant, was the first one to build a ice cream cone machine in the United States. Waffle cones were created by Mr. Abe Doumar with the help of this machine.

Mini ice cream cones are popular among children and are used to serve ice cream in small quantities. Ice cream cone cupcakes are used in parties and at various functions. These cups don't melt and are a big hit among children.

Ice cream has been an integral part of our diet since many years. And ice cream cones have been the greatest addition in the history of ice cream. However, we never spare a thought on how the ice cream cone came into existence. The above article thus, gives us a brief idea about the ice cream cone history.