Frank Epperson, 1905

This weeks young inventor focus of the week is Frank Epperson. Sometimes ideas come by pure luck or by accident. But it is what you do next that is important. In 1905, an eleven year old Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle. Frank was from San Francisco California where the young boy wanted something cold. According to the Popsicle Company he left a mixture of soda water with a stir stick outside and it froze. Years later he served his ice lollipops at a Fireman’s Ball and they were a huge hit. Shortly after he filed for a patent for a "frozen confectionery" which he named the Epsicle Ice Pop. He began producing it in different fruit flavors on birch wood sticks. He later sold the idea for a royalty agreement. The brand has grown over the years and became the Popsicle Corporation including other frozen treats the Twin Popsicle, Fudgsicle, Creamsicle, and the Dreamsicle. The Popsicle brand today belongs to Unilever’s Good Humor division, having been owned by a number of companies since its inception. Two billion Popsicle ice pops are consumed every year. Sometimes we have to be reminded that just because something is simple doesn't mean that its use can’t become hugely popular. Who hasn't had one of these before? Everyone. Never disregard any of your child's ideas no matter how complicated or simple they may be. This idea was not only simple but has stood the test of time!