Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wednesday Elf. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Wait Till Next Year - A Book Review

 By Doris Kearns Goodwin


This is a memoir of a childhood time during the 1950s in the suburbs of New York City. It was a magical time of neighborhood rivalries when the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees all called New York home. 


Ebbets Field - Dodger Stadium - Brooklyn, NY
Ebbets Field Postcard (Source: Wikipedia Commons)


Doris Kearns Goodwin was a very young girl as the 1950s began, and shared a deep love for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team with her father, who taught her early on how to keep score. This was a time before night games began, so daytime baseball games were the norm. Doris would listen to the afternoon Dodgers game on the radio, faithfully filling out the scorecards in the little red score book her father had given her, then describe the narrative of the game to her dad each evening when he returned from work. From this humble beginning came the start of her coming-of-age story related in the memoir “Wait Till Next Year”


Synopsis of the Memoir


Wait Till Next Year - A MemoirWait Till Next Year - A MemoirCheck Price

Doris’ stories as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, peopled by Jackie Robinson (her favorite player), Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider and Pee Wee Reese, also included her recollections of her family, neighborhood and childhood friends. She describes what it was like to grow up in Rockville Centre, Long Island in a time when neighbors were extended family; a time defined by post-war suburban growth, early television broadcasts and Cold War anxiety.


A delightful memoir of a girl, an era and a game! A growing-up time which came to a close for Doris with the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn in 1957 (along with the Giants) and the death of her mother. 


Author Doris Helen Kearns Goodwin


Goodwin is an American historian, biographer and political commentator who specializes in US presidents. She worked as a fellow under Lyndon B. Johnson, which inspired her writing as a presidential historian. Her Wikipedia story is here


Summary 


Ebbets Field Sign - Home of the Brooklyn Dodgers

I was given this book by a friend who knew what a huge baseball fan I am. The gift came from a recent evening at the Kansas City Royals ballpark where, between innings, we had a discussion about the many baseball-related books we’ve each read. 


In addition to enjoying the book from a baseball-fan standpoint, I really enjoyed it from the fact that Doris Kearns Goodwin is just three years younger than I am and her descriptions of her life in the 1950s and the baseball teams and players she talks about were SO familiar to me, growing up in New York State in the 1950s. It was like she was describing MY childhood days! 


Personal Photo of review author in her NYY Hat
Plus, I was mostly a NY Yankees fan (still am), but also followed the Brooklyn Dodgers during their time as a New York team. I never forgave them (just like a lot of other Dodger fans) for leaving Brooklyn and never cheered for them again. Doris Kearns ended up moving to Massachusetts as an adult and gave up on the Dodgers; becoming a Boston Red Sox fan! 


Wait Till Next Year is very well written, well worth reading by anyone. It will especially appeal to fans of Baseball, and people who were young in the 1950s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have passed it along to my brother, another huge baseball fan! 


*Book review of “Wait Till Next Year” was written by Wednesday Elf 





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, August 15, 2026

Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Middle Part


Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Midpoint


MIDDLE STATES OF ROUTE 66: Oklahoma, Texas


Route 66 in Oklahoma and Texas


If you have ever wondered how Route 66 acquired the nickname “The Mother Road”, here is the backstory!


The nickname came from author John Steinbeck. He coined the term in his 1939 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath, to describe the highway as a primary lifeline for Dust Bowl refugees migrating west to California.


OKLAHOMA: 432 miles - The State with the Longest Stretch of Route 66


Route 66 in Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma has the longest continuous stretch of the Mother Road of any of the 8 states it passes through. The route enters the state in the northeast corner near Quapaw, runs southwest through Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and exits near Texola.


A few of the landmarks to visit as you travel on your Route 66 road trip include:


  • Blue Whale of Catoosa: This is a quirky, iconic roadside attraction built in the 1970s. It is perfect for photos. It is located just east of Tulsa at Catoosa, Ok. The attraction is quite literally a ‘blue whale’ built of concrete and iron. This waterfront structure has become one of the most recognizable attractions on old Route 66.
  • The Golden Driller in Tulsa is a 76-foot statue of an oil worker. It was originally erected for the 1953 International Petroleum Exposition. The statue depicts an oil worker leaning on an oil derrick. It is the seventh-tallest statue in the United States. 
  • The Arcadia (OK) Round Barn was built by a local farmer in 1896 and has become one of the landmark tourist attractions along the stretch of Route 66 in Oklahoma near Oklahoma City. . It has a unique architecture. 
  • National Route 66 Museum Complex in Elk City, OK features exhibits, classic cars, and a peek into the golden age of American road trips. Another interesting tourist stop on your Oklahoma Route 66 road trip.


TEXAS - 186 Miles - The State with the Midpoint of Route 66


Adrian,Texas, the Midpoint of Route 66

Route 66 across Texas generally parallels Interstate 40. The route features quirky art installations, ghost towns, and classic diners, with Amarillo serving as the major hub along the way.

Start by visiting the restored Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock. Then on to McClean, Texas to see the Devil's Rope Museum, which showcases a massive, quirky collection of barbed wire, and the first Phillips 66 station in Texas.

MIDPOINT: The official geo-mathematical midpoint of historic Route 66 is located in Adrian, Texas, at exactly 1,139 miles from both Chicago and Los Angeles.

In Amarillo you will find 13 blocks of vintage architecture, as well as antique shops and local dining. Don’t miss the infamous Cadillac Ranch, then treat yourself to a massive steak at The Big Texan Steak Ranch.


Summary


Having finished the middle section of your road trip of Route 66, you will next enter the last stretch of the three western states, taking you to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica.

Related Links:


*This Travel Review was written by Wednesday Elf 


**All photos are courtesy of Pixabay & Wikipedia


Sightseeing along Route 66 in Oklahoma and Texas:


ROUTE 66 AND OKLAHOMA PARKS ADVENTURE GUIDEROUTE 66 AND OKLAHOMA PARKS ADVENTURE GUIDECheck PriceRoute 66 - 20 Points of Interest in TEXASRoute 66 - 20 Points of Interest in TEXASCheck PriceRoute 66 in Texas (Images of America)Route 66 in Texas (Images of America)Check Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, August 8, 2026

The Friend of the Family by Dean Koontz

 

Unlike his contemporary fiction, Dean Koontz writes this story from a historical viewpoint. The story’s timeframe begins in 1930 and continues through most of the 1930s decade and into the early days of World War II. 


Book Cover of 'The Friend of the Family' by Dean Koontz


Synopsis of this Novel


The Friend of the FamilyThe Friend of the FamilyCheck Price

Alida is born with an oddity and her family rejects her, selling her,  as a very small child, to the owner of a traveling carnival. There she is put on display in the sideshow of the “Museum of the Strange”. Her only recourse to ignoring people staring at her all day was to lose herself in books.  


After years with the carnival, the owner, Forest Farnam, sells out and moves his best ‘oddity’, Alida, to the speakeasies circuit. 

Adida has resigned herself to this lonely life of being exploited as she doesn’t know there could be more to life for her. Then she is rescued by two compassionate strangers, Franklin and Loretta Fairchild.

The Fairchild’s are movie makers who do well for themselves due to people needing movies as an escape in this Depression-era time.  They see Alida as a gifted and extremely well-read girl in need of a loving touch and a family. Alida finds the love and family she has always dreamed about, but never thought she would find, with this loving couple and their three very precocious and imaginative children. 

Despite everyone in the family being very generous and accepting, Alida knows she is still a very different kind of girl. She begins having dreams that are unsettling to say the least, and often feel threatening. She fears these vivid dreams are also warnings and she feels that it is the Fairchilds who may need rescuing. 

Alida will do anything to keep her newfound family safe. How she goes about this gives us an ending that is definitely Koontz! 


Synopsis


This is an historical novel that will give you a look at life in 1930s America from a different perspective. It also gives you a story about an unusual girl who discovers her mysterious purpose in life surrounding family, sacrifice and love. 


For More Dean Koontz Book Reviews, Click Here

For More Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com 


*Book Review of “The Friend of the Family” was written by Dean  Koontz






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, August 1, 2026

Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning

There is a legendary highway in the United States known as the “Mother Road”. It was established in 1926 and stretches 2,448 miles from its beginning in Chicago, Illinois to its end at the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. This iconic highway is best known as “Route 66”. 


Route 66 - "The Mother Road"


This highway was built to serve as a primary route for westward migration and tourism. While officially decommissioned in 1985,  its popularity continues as a popular route for tourists and visitors. 

Now, in 2026, we are celebrating the route’s Centennial, with events and celebrations occurring throughout the eight states Route 66 covers. The celebrations include local town festivals, museum exhibitions and many other events.

This page is the beginning, with the middle and the end to follow in subsequent pages.


Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning

Illinois, Missouri, Kansas


The beginning of Route 66 - Illinois, Missouri, Kansas


Driving the first three states of Historic Route 66 takes you from the bustling streets of Chicago through the rolling Ozarks of Missouri, and into the brief but beautifully preserved vintage stretch of Kansas.

The original beginning of Route 66 was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, right by Grant Park. Now, in 2026, the Centennial celebration for Route 66 has designated the Navy Pier as Chicago’s Pier-to-Pier Start, a symbolic launch point for Route 66's 100th anniversary. The extension creates a scenic "pier-to-pier" journey linking Lake Michigan directly to California's Santa Monica Pier.


ILLINOIS - 301 Miles - Historic Points


Iconic restaurant  on Route 66
Iconic restaurant on Route 66

Illinois has many points of interest along Route 66. They include the historic Old Log Cabin Inn in Pontiac, which is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants  on the Mother Road.

Pontiac also has the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum which features classic cars, memorabilia, and the largest collection of Route 66 artifacts in the country. It is listed on the National  Register of Historic Places.

The Gemini Giant at Wilmington, IL is a famous 30-foot-tall fiberglass "Muffler Man" in a space suit, a much photographed statue on the road.

Springfield, Illinois has the Shea’s Gas Station Museum, offering a massive collection of vintage neon signs and petroliana.

Classic highway memorabilia, along with old VW bugs, can be seen at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (along with real rabbits!). 


MISSOURI - 317 Miles - Iconic Points on Route 66


Chain of Rocks Bridge
Chain of Rocks Bridge

Historic Route 66 leaves Illinois and enters Missouri by crossing the Mississippi River. The iconic crossing for the Mother Road is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which connects Madison, Illinois, directly to the northern edge of St. Louis, Missouri.

Residents of St. Louis, Missouri regularly travel along portions of Route 66 in their daily commutes as it passes through the city.

Missouri has often been called the "Birthplace of Route 66" because its official name was conceived in Springfield in 1926. There are multiple places to visit along this iconic highway, including the historic Ozark attractions,the Meramec Caverns in Stanton and the Wagon wheel Motel in Cuba, MO, which is the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66. 


KANSAS - 13 Miles - Short, But With Much to See


Eisler's in Riverton, Kansas
Eisler's in Riverton, Kansas

Kansas has just a tiny portion of Route 66, just 13 miles long ~ the shortest route of the eight states. It stretches across the SE corner of Cherokee County.  While short, there is a must-see stop in Galena where you will find a restored 1923 Kan-O-Tex service station featuring the International Harvester boom truck that inspired the character "Mater" from Disney's Cars. 


You can also stop by the Old Riverton Store (established in 1925), known as one of the longest continuously operating grocery stores on the entire route, or check out the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum to dive into local history and outlaw lore.


Summary


Route 66 Beginning - Navy Pier, Chicago

From The Navy Pier (beginning) in Chicago, Route 66 travels through Illinois, Missouri and a short stretch of Kansas. Continue your journey along “The Main Street of America” with the links below. 


Related Links:


  • Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Middle Part
  • The End-of-the-Road on Route 66

*Part 1 of the Route 66 Centennial story was written and compiled by Wednesday Elf (July, 2026)


Travel Guides to Route 66 in Illinois, Missouri & Kansas:



Route 66: Centennial Travel Guide to the Mother RoadRoute 66: Centennial Travel Guide to the Mother RoadCheck PriceIllinois Bucket List: Explore 150 Epic AdventuresIllinois Bucket List: Explore 150 Epic AdventuresCheck PriceRoute 66 - 30 Points of Interest in MISSOURI and KANSASRoute 66 - 30 Points of Interest in MISSOURI and KANSASCheck PriceRoute 66 in Kansas (Images of America)Route 66 in Kansas (Images of America)Check Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, July 25, 2026

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

 Review of a novel by Stephen King


Image of a girl hiking a trail


Cast of Characters:


Trisha McFarland. Age nine. Main Character


Tom Gordon.  Closer. Pitcher, number 36, for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. 


Time Sequence: June, 1998


Synopsis of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon


The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon : A NovelThe Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon : A NovelCheck Price

The story begins at ten o’clock on a June Saturday morning in Maine. Trisha is in the family car on her way, with her divorced mother and older brother, for a short hike along the Maine/New Hampshire branch of the Appalachian Trail. At ten thirty, she was lost in the woods!


Trisha had not meant to get lost. During the hike, she was trailing behind her mother & brother who were arguing again over the brother wanting to go back to Boston and live with his dad. Trisha got tired of listening to them, so when they reached a fork in the trail, she stepped off to the lessor trail to go to the bathroom. When done, she thought she could just cut across through the woods to rejoin the main trail. Instead, she got confused and ended up walking in the wrong direction.


The story occurs over the space of a week, with Trisha’s wanderings and poor choices of direction getting her more & more lost, including way beyond the search areas where search & rescue teams were looking for her. 


To keep from being too frightened, especially the first night alone in the dark, she uses her Walkman to listen to a game on the radio of her favorite baseball team (The Boston Red Sox), with her favorite player, Tom Gordon. 


Trisha also began to conserve her small store of food meant originally for lunch on the day hike. This included one tuna sandwich, some chips, celery sticks and Ding-Dongs, plus water and one other drink! 


As the days go by, Trisha keeps walking, first following a stream because she heard that streams usually end somewhere near civilization. When the first stream peters out, she follows another. She mentally replays conversations with her dad on weekend visits, especially those about the Red Sox and Tom Gordon, also her dad’s favorite team. In one conversation, Trisha remembers dad saying: 


“I believe Tom Gordon can save 40 games this year (1998). I believe right now he’s the best Closer in the major leagues — that if he stays healthy and the Sox hitting holds up, he could be pitching in the World Series come October!”  


Eventually, as days pass, the batteries in the Walkman die. So, Trisha begins to keep her mind occupied with imaginary conversations with her hero, Tom Gordon. 


Summary


The entire story (with a few side lines from minor characters) is narrated by and involves mainly Trisha McFarland (and, of course, her baseball hero, Tom Gordon). How she copes when she runs out of food and water and later becomes ill, is a testimony to the endurance of youth and the belief that things will work out. 


Stephen King does a marvelous job keeping you riveted to each section of Trisha’s journey alone in deep woods. Only, Trisha doesn’t believe she’s alone; she’s convinced Tom Gordon is with her, encouraging her to keep going.


The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a bit of a departure for Stephen King. Rather than a true horror story, (which is a genre I definitely stay away from; thereby seldom reading books by King), it is more a psychological thriller. And, since it involved baseball, and the fact that it is a fiction story involving a real-life baseball player from the 1990s, (whom I had just recently read about), I found myself drawn to it. I am glad I did, as I really enjoyed it.


Summary


Tom Gordon is best remembered in Boston for his dominant 1998 season out of the bullpen, where he set a then-major league record of 43 consecutive saves and a franchise record of 46 saves. Thereby, bringing Trisha’s dad’s earlier statement of 40+ games into focus.


Tom ‘Flash’ Gordon played for the Red Sox from 1996 through 1999. Find his stats and career information and how he acquired the nickname ‘Flash’ here.  He is currently the radio color commentator for the Boston Red Sox.


*Family Note: Former Major League Baseball pitcher Tom "Flash" Gordon has three sons, two of whom followed in his footsteps to play in the major leagues. 


*Book Review of "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" was written by Wednesday Elf


For more Book Reviews,

Click on ReviewThisBooks.com







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, July 18, 2026

Sewing Stories from the Crafting Journey of Wednesday Elf

A Craft Review


Image of a sewing machine used for a review about sewing


Let Me 'Sew you a Stitch' About My Crafting Adventures 


My hobby of choice is fiber crafting and has been since I was a youngster. My crafting journey has led me through the field of fiber arts in many different areas.

As a child I began with embroidery. I also learned the basics of knitting and enough about sewing to sew simple things, but never became an expert. As the years went by, my primary focus became working with yarn, primarily in crochet and needlework.


Sewing - The First Hobby of my Fiber Arts Journey


Image of a selection of sewing supplies


My wonderful grandmother, who was an expert seamstress and quilter, taught me to sew. She made most of our clothes when we were children, but I never acquired sewing skills even close to hers. I did manage to make quite a few simple dresses and such for myself, and later dozens of outfits for my children when they were very small.

The summer before my daughter started kindergarten, I found a bunch of one yard/one-half yard pieces of fabric on sale (it doesn't take a lot of fabric for a tiny 5-year-old) and she was the 'best-dressed' little girl in school, with about 3 dozen outfits to choose from. Since I ended up with 2 boys and only one girl, it was great fun sewing for her.


Daughter Kimberly Modeling Raggedy Ann Dress


My  daughter Kim at age six modeling her Raggedly Ann Dress
The sewn outfit I was proudest of was a dress with pinafore decorated with a Raggedy Ann applique (shown in this picture of Kimberly when she was 6), as well as a duplicate dress for her 6-year-old cousin as a Christmas gift that year. 

I saved that dress for years, hoping to pass it on to a granddaughter, but I ended up with 5 grandsons instead. :-)


Buttons and patches and the cold wind blowing,

The days pass quickly when I am sewing.

~Author Unknown


You, Too, Can Learn to Sew


If you don't have a talented grandmother or other relative to teach you to sew, a beginner's guide to the basics of sewing can be a tremendous help. To begin learning the art of sewing, start with the basics.


Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 PatternsSew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 PatternsCheck Price

 

Sew Everything Workshop: The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, including 10 Patterns.

Written in the language of today's creators, this hold-your-hand beginners sewing guide teaches you everything you need to know from winding a bobbin to sewing a dart to customizing a pattern. Currently in the top 10 in beginner sewing books.

 

First Step to Sewing.... - You Need a Sewing Machine


My sewing machine is a Brother I have had for more than 40 years. This new model has so much more than my old 'basic' sewing machine, and is currently on a terrific sale!

Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, 70 Built-in Stitches, LCD DisplayBrother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine, 70 Built-in Stitches, LCD DisplayCheck Price

 


The Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with 10 sewing feet plus a quilt guide. It includes a wide table for larger projects such as quilts. 


Summary


If you love to sew as your craft of choice, come tell me your stories in the comments. I love hearing from fellow crafters. 


Related Sewing Reviews:


*My Sewing Journey Story was written by (c) Wednesday-Elf


**This post was originally published on November 1, 2014 on another site no longer in existence.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, July 11, 2026

Shattered Mirror by Iris Johansen - Book Review

Author Iris Johansen is a prolific writer of over 100 books. She began with romance novels in the early 1980s and eventually moved to suspense/thriller novels.  Many of her books are standalone thrillers and historical romance novels, which include quite a few short series (two or three books). 


Image of a shattered mirror as background for this book title by the same name.


Johansen is best known for her Eve Duncan forensic thriller series which, to date, includes 31 books. The series began in 1998 with The Face of Deception. Her main character, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan, reconstructs faces to solve crimes, especially those involving missing children. The book, Shattered Mirror, is Book #23 in the 31-book series, and was published in 2018.


Genre: Murder/Thriller:  Includes romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal.

Place Setting: The action primarily takes place near Atlanta, Georgia, with side scenes in New York City and New Orleans.

Main Character:  Eve Duncan, Forensic Sculptor

Secondary Characters: All of her family (husband, son, adopted daughter, their Scottish friend who has been featured in several earlier Eve Duncan novels), plus several additional characters, some likable, some not.


Synopsis of Shattered Mirror


Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan Book 23)Shattered Mirror (Eve Duncan Book 23)Check Price

As the story begins, Eve Duncan receives a beautifully-wrapped package which contains a skull and a two-sided mirror with one side broken. Eve feels compelled to reconstruct this skull and uncover the person’s identity in hopes of learning why the skull was given to her with no explanation, and what purpose the scattered mirror holds. 

As she finishes, she discovers the skull is that of a beautiful woman, but her identity remains unknown.  Shortly thereafter, her adopted daughter arrives from college for a visit, bringing her roommate home with her. Shockingly, the visiting roommate is an exact match to the newly reconstructed skull and it turns out that the roommate is her identical twin. 

Searching for answers, Eve and her family have  to work quickly to discover who is behind the murder of the twin, particularly because more of Eve’s family is now threatened by the killer who is willing to destroy anyone who gets in the way of him reaching a goal that involves avenging the death of his own twin.

The lethal chase involves several locations, beginning at their home near Atlanta, Georgia and ending in New Orleans.


Summary


This explosive and high-stakes thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as Eve, her Atlanta police detective husband, Joe, their Scottish friend, their adopted daughter and the daughter’s roommate, and even Eve & Joe’s 6-year-old son, all have roles to play to prevent the deadly danger the family faces.


For More Iris Johansen Book Reviews, Click Here.


For More Book Review, Check out ReviewThisBooks.com 


*Book Review of “Shattered Mirror” is written by Wednesday Elf


From the Eve Duncan Series of books:

Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen Complete 24 Book Set [see title legend in description]Eve Duncan Series by Iris Johansen Complete 24 Book Set [see title legend in description]Check PriceIris Johansen 3 Book Set (Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller Series: Taking Eve, Hunting Eve, Silencing Eve)Iris Johansen 3 Book Set (Eve Duncan Forensics Thriller Series: Taking Eve, Hunting Eve, Silencing Eve)Check Price11 volumes of Eve Duncan Series set11 volumes of Eve Duncan Series setCheck Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, July 4, 2026

National Ice Cream Sundae Day Review

This delicious food holiday is held each year on July 8th. 


Image of ice cream sundaes


National Ice Cream Sundae Day


This is a sweet celebration that happens on July 8 every year. It is called ‘Ice Cream Sundae Day’


Ice Cream Sundaes are the most popular ice cream dessert in America. The top favorite Sundae flavors are chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, and strawberry. These concoctions of cold, creamy sweetness are seemingly loved by everyone. They consist of one or more scoops of ice cream, favorite flavors of syrup, then topped with your preferred fruits, maraschino, cherries, nuts, and whipped cream!  Kids also love various ‘sprinkles’ on their sundaes!


History of National Ice Cream Sundae Day


The first ice cream sundae dessert was a scoop of vanilla ice cream with strawberry-flavored syrup drizzled over it and topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. It was served in a tulip-shaped glass vase which was given the name “sundae glass”.  Over the years, sundaes began to come in many forms and shapes and have become one of  the most popular desserts today! 


The origin of the sundae has several versions, with Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Ithaca, New York and Evanston & Plainfield, Illinois each claiming that they served it first.  Two Rivers, Wisconsin is now believed to be the original site of the ice cream sundae. It was invented in 1881 by Edward C. Berner, owner of Berners’ Soda Fountain located in Two Rivers, WI.


How Do You Make a Regular Sundae?


Hot Fudge Sundae

Put scoops of ice cream in a bowl, pour on your favorite syrup (mine is chocolate fudge), then top with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top! 


The banana split dessert is a classic sundae loaded with vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, syrup, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries. It is a perfect summer sundae.


*Personal Notes: As a child, my Uncle Bud frequently came over on summertime Saturdays to take my brother and I out to our local soda fountain for a sundae treat. Mine was always a Hot Fudge Sundae; my brother always had a  Banana Split. Such fun (and delicious) childhood memories.


Why We Love National Ice Cream Sundae Day


Image of a Banana Split

Besides being a delicious food holiday, it reminds us of joyful times where we shared moments together, such as mine with Uncle Bud and the Saturday Sundaes. It is the simplest things that feel special when looking back. Those fun trips down memory lane become the important times.


So spread a little joy with your friends, family, and children on July 8 by treating yourselves to an Ice Cream Sundae!


*National Ice Cream Sundae Day Review was written by Wednesday Elf.


Make your own ice cream sundae with these handy supplies added to scoops of your favorite ice cream: 


Smuckers Sundae Syrup Chocolate, Caramel, Butterscotch, and Strawberry (Variety Pack of 4)Smuckers Sundae Syrup Chocolate, Caramel, Butterscotch, and Strawberry (Variety Pack of 4)Check PriceHeated Ice Cream Scoop Rechargeable, Electric Warming Ice Cream Scooper with LED Display, Heats to 158°F for Hard Ice CreamHeated Ice Cream Scoop Rechargeable, Electric Warming Ice Cream Scooper with LED Display, Heats to 158°F for Hard Ice CreamCheck Price50ct 8oz Plastic Dessert Cups with Spoons, Clear Flower shaped Ice Cream Bowls, Party Sundae Serving Bowls50ct 8oz Plastic Dessert Cups with Spoons, Clear Flower shaped Ice Cream Bowls, Party Sundae Serving BowlsCheck PriceSet of 4 Reusable Banana Split Boats with Color Matching Spoons Use as Desert Dish, Ice Cream SundaeSet of 4 Reusable Banana Split Boats with Color Matching Spoons Use as Desert Dish, Ice Cream SundaeCheck Price

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


The Review This Reviews Contributors



SylvestermouseSylvestermouseDawn Rae BDawn Rae BMbgPhotoMbgPhotoBrite-IdeasBrite-IdeasWednesday ElfWednesday ElfOlivia MorrisOlivia MorrisTreasures by BrendaTreasures by BrendaThe Savvy AgeThe Savvy AgeMargaret SchindelMargaret SchindelRaintree AnnieRaintree AnnieLou16Lou16Sam MonacoSam MonacoTracey BoyerTracey BoyerCheryl Paton Cheryl PatonRenaissance WomanRenaissance WomanBarbRadBarbRadBev OwensBev OwensBuckHawkBuckHawkDecorating for EventsDecorating for EventsHeather426Heather426Coletta TeskeColetta TeskeMissMerFaeryMissMerFaeryMickie_GMickie_G

 


Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





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