Penny lick

Penny lick was a type of glass used for serving ice cream in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was small, typically holding less than an ounce of ice cream, which cost one penny.

History

The penny lick originated in Victorian England and was popular throughout the 19th century. The glass was designed to be licked clean by the customer and then returned to the vendor, who would reuse it for the next customer. This practice was eventually banned in many places due to health concerns.

Design

The penny lick was typically a small, fluted glass that held a small amount of ice cream. The glass was designed to be small enough to be easily held in one hand, and the fluted design made it easy to lick the ice cream out of the glass.

Health concerns and ban

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, health officials began to raise concerns about the sanitary conditions of penny licks. Because the glasses were reused without being washed, they were a potential source of disease transmission. In response to these concerns, many cities and towns banned the use of penny licks. This led to the development of the ice cream cone, which could be eaten along with the ice cream and did not need to be returned to the vendor.

Legacy

Despite its eventual ban, the penny lick has left a lasting legacy. It is often cited as an example of the unsanitary conditions of the Victorian era, and it played a role in the development of the ice cream cone. Today, penny licks are collectible items, sought after by collectors of antique glassware and ice cream memorabilia.

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