In 1905, an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson inadvertently created the popsicle by mixing sugary soda powder with water, which froze overnight. After discovering the icy treat the next morning, he named it "Epsicle" and began selling it in his neighborhood. By 1923, Epperson expanded his business to Neptune Beach, an amusement park, where the treat gained popularity alongside other frozen snacks like snow cones.
Encouraged by this success, Epperson applied for a patent in 1924 to secure his invention, detailing the ideal features of his frozen dessert, including recommendations for the best types of wood for the stick. His children later inspired him to rename it "Popsicle." Despite this charming origin story, Epperson faced financial difficulties and ultimately sold the rights to his creation, a decision he later regretted as it left him in financial straits.