Daily Archive

Back in the day Ice Cream trucks used relatively primitive techniques. First, they only sold ice cream and no other condiments. Refrigeration was done by large blocks of dry ice so the motor was always turned off when the van was stopped for sales. The chimes were operated by a hand driven crank or a take-off from the motor, so they were not heard as often as they are today.

1965 Ice Cream Truck

Today’s upgraded ice cream trucks use commercial cold plate freezers that plug in overnight and when unplugged maintain the cold for at least 12 hours. Music systems are mechanical or more commonly digital devices that have no tape or other moving parts. Each “Music Box” has as few as 1 or as many tunes as one can have programmed onto the chip. The opening on the side that drivers serve from is commonly referred to as a serving window and will usually have a serving counter. Awnings can be attached to trucks over the serving window. Safety equipment usually comes in the form of an electric or vacuum swing out sign which may resemble a stop sign or a triangular shape, as well as vinyl lettering or decals that advise others to use caution.

Ice Cream Scooper