ice cream shop names in columbus ohio 1977

Lussy04

2 min read

·

22-01-2025

1

0

Share

Scooping Up the Past: Ice Cream Shop Names in Columbus, Ohio, 1977

This article delves into the delicious mystery of uncovering ice cream shop names in Columbus, Ohio, during the summer of 1977. Unfortunately, comprehensive, readily available business directories from that specific year are scarce online. However, we can explore some avenues to potentially find this information and discuss the methods involved.

The Challenges of Retro Research

Finding a complete list of ice cream shops operating in Columbus, Ohio, in 1977 presents a significant research challenge. Unlike today's readily accessible online databases, information from that era was primarily stored in physical archives:

• Local Newspapers: Columbus newspapers from 1977 (like The Columbus Dispatch) might contain advertisements or news articles mentioning ice cream parlors. Searching their online archives (if available) or visiting a local library with physical archives is crucial. Look for terms like "ice cream," "frozen custard," "dairy queen" (even if it wasn't strictly a local shop), "sweet shop," or "sundae."

• City Directories: These yearbooks listed businesses, often including addresses and sometimes even a brief description. Libraries or historical societies in Columbus might hold copies of the 1977 city directory.

• Phone Books: Similar to city directories, phone books from 1977 could yield results. These are likely to be found in libraries or historical archives. The Yellow Pages section would be the most relevant.

• Historical Societies & Archives: The Ohio Historical Society or local historical societies in Columbus might possess records or photographs depicting businesses from that era, potentially revealing ice cream shop names.

Methods for Unearthing the Names

The research process would involve a multi-pronged approach:

1. Keyword Searches: Utilize online search engines (like Google, Bing) with varied keywords. Try combinations like "Columbus Ohio ice cream shops 1977," "1977 Columbus businesses," "Columbus Ohio restaurants 1977," and so on. Include variations like "ice cream parlor," "soda fountain," etc.

2. Online Newspaper Archives: Explore online databases of historical newspapers (if subscription access is available). Many libraries offer free access to such resources. Remember to use a variety of keywords to increase your chances of finding relevant articles.

3. Library & Archive Visits: Spend time in the archives of Columbus libraries and historical societies. Search through physical copies of newspapers, city directories, and phone books.

4. Oral Histories: Reach out to long-time Columbus residents. They might remember names of ice cream shops from their childhoods, providing valuable leads. Social media groups dedicated to Columbus history could be helpful here.

Potential Names (Speculative)

While we cannot definitively list ice cream shop names from 1977 Columbus, we can speculate on potential naming conventions of the time:

• Simple, descriptive names: "The Ice Cream Shoppe," "Columbus Creamery," "Frosty Treat"
• Location-based names: "[Neighborhood] Ice Cream," e.g., "Clintonville Creamery"
• Family names: If the shops were family-owned, the names might have included the family name.
• Catchy names: Names that evoked feelings of fun and summer.

Conclusion

Uncovering the specific names of Columbus ice cream shops in 1977 requires dedicated archival research. This article provides a starting point for anyone interested in this intriguing historical culinary quest. The process involves utilizing various research methods, from online searches to physical archive visits. While a definitive list might be difficult to compile, the journey itself offers a fascinating glimpse into Columbus's past.