History of Waffle Cones

The waffle cone was invented in 1904.

There are many types of ice cream cones, including sugar cones, wafer cones and cake cups. But the one that started it all is the waffle cone, invented by chance at the 1904 World's Fair.

Precursors

In 1896, Italo Marchiony sold ice cream encased inside edible containers at more than 40 ice cream stands across New York City. In 1902, Antonio Valvona of Manchester, England, obtained a patent for producing edible biscuit cups. Both of these inventions had flat bottoms and tapered sides.

1904 World's Fair

The 1904 World's Fair, held in St. Louis, Missouri, is the birthplace of the waffle cone. When ice cream vendor Arnold Fornachou ran out of paper dishes, Ernest Hamwi, a Syrian immigrant, rolled up some of his zalabia, a waffle-like pastry, and gave it to Fornachou to use. This new way to eat ice cream quickly became popular throughout the entire fair.

Commercial Operations

After the World's Fair, Hamwi partnered with J.P. Heckle and started the Cornucopia Waffle Company. In 1910, Hamwi began his own company, the Missouri Cone Company. It was then that the name "ice cream cone" was first used.

References

• The Great Idea Finder: Ice Cream Cone