Posts
Welcome back!
GRAPES OF WRATH
The leaves are changing and that means The Franklin Fountain is changing too…shifting into “cold weather” mode. We finished out September with a Concord Grape Ice Cream that we branded as the “Grapes of Wrath” for the 75th Anniversary of the New Deal. At the related WPA Poster Festival held at City Hall, Farmer Eric and Laborer Ryan dressed in 1930s attire and gave a stump speech on “Organic Growth in Business” and compared their business to a cherry tree of values. More to come on The Franklin Fountain's values in future editions...
LOCAL APPLE PIES & CIDER
In early October, the Berley Brothers, Davina, Iryna & Tommy attended the National Apple Harvest Festival in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter, Davina started making pies using local apples, which are scrumptious with a scoop of vanilla a la mode, or in an over-the-top Caramel Apple Pie Hot Milkshake! We’re also featuring Hot Apple Cider, using Lancaster County Cider mulled with spices and fruit.
CENTENNIAL ICE CREAM SODAS
One of the most anticipated events of the year was the opening of the Please Touch Museum. Now housed in a beautifully restored Memorial Hall, originally the Art Gallery for the Centennial Exposition in 1876, the new Please Touch is complete with bright shiny toys, an Alice in Wonderland maze, the old Dickens Village from defunct Strawbridge & Clothiers and the most gorgeous Dentzel carousel
we’ve ever seen. The Berleys, who grew up riding vintage carousels, were most excited about the gala when the Please Touch suggested they serve Root Beer floats. A purple-tie, black dress and tuxedo event drew over 1600 people and raised some much-needed funds for this emerging jewel of Philadelphia culture.
HALT FOR A PUMPKIN MALT!
And what would Fall be without a plenty of that large orange gourd? Pumpkin Ice Cream is certainly the most anticipated flavor of any season, and we traditionally begin making it the first week of fall or the last week of September. Some seasonal specialties are always popular
including a Pumpkin Malt and the “Great Pumpkin Sundae”
which is described on the menu:
“Pumpkin ice cream is entangled in a patch of pecans and covered in vines of Hot Caramel. A World War I flying ace crop-dusts with malt powder & cinnamon. Ghostly puffs of whipped cream appear, as true believers anticipate the coming of The Great Pumpkin each year.”
We will feature Pumpkin Ice Cream and Pumpkin Pies through Thanksgiving. Place your order in advance for fresh homemade pies and ice cream to go-with for the holiday!
HOT CHOCOLATE MENU
Friday October 31st will witness Hallow’een and the entrance of our “Hot Menu” for Winter, in addition to our regular Ice Cream offerings.
European Drinking Chocolate accompanied by homemade marshmallows, Wilbur’s Hot Cocoa floating with whipped cream, Hot Milkshakes (a FF original) and a variety of Hot Sodas will warm your soul and make the chilly walk down Market Street all worthwhile. If you’re not in a drinking mood and looking instead for a healthy meal, try a piece of any of our house-made fruit pies, a la mode with a side of ice cream for dessert. Warm up to The Franklin Fountain in the Winter!PRESS
The first ever "infomercial" was conducted of The Franklin Fountain, free-of-charge, by Comcast On-Demand. Check out the Get Local-Kids & Family section of On-Demand to view our 5 minute spot!
Following Saturday Night Live on NBC, November 15th, The Franklin Fountain will be featured on the TV program "1st Look" on Philadelphia and How to be a Kid Again. The program will also be available for viewing beginning the same day on www.lxtv.com/1stlookphiladelphia/
MISCELLANEA
Thanks to Mother Berley and her antique picture frames, The Franklin Fountain office has updated furnishings with inspiring soda fountain imagery lining our walls, old broadsides and rare ice cream truck photos.
And finally, now to the Phillies. Ryan, Eric and their parents attended Game No.4 and saw Philadelphia's finest wallop the Floridians 10-2 on a gorgeous October evening. HIP HURRAH FOR PHILADELPHIA!
