Klondikes, Chipped Ham, & Skyscraper Cones: The Story of Isaly's [Paperback]

Brian Butko (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001

"A sweet reading treat." --Helen Frangoulis, Playboy

"Brian Butko has written the definitive story of Isaly's with all its ups and downs, and he's sprinkled it with nostalgic anecdotes and interviews from longtime employees." --David Newell, "Mr. McFeely" on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

"A regional tradition becomes America's favorite ice cream treat. A must-read book for all ice cream lovers." --Ed Marks, founder of Ice Screamers

The Klondike bar is America's favorite ice cream novelty. This book traces its history and the rise and fall of its creator company, Isaly's Dairy, which evolved from one milk wagon to a dozen plants that supplied its 400 delis and dairies by the 1950s. The family company thrived on sound business practices and good customer relations and was known for its famous chipped ham and ice cream novelties-the Skyscraper cone and the Klondike. The author shows how changing consumer habits weakened the family enterprise but led them to take the Klondike national. Filled with photos and vintage ads. (20010501)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A regional tradition becomes America's favorite ice cream treat. A must-read book for all ice cream lovers." (Ed Marks, founder of Ice Screamers 20010501)

"A sweet reading treat." (Helen Frangoulis Playboy )

"Brian Butko has written the definitive story of Isaly's with all its ups and downs, and he's sprinkled it with nostalgic anecdotes and interviews from longtime employees." (David Newell, "Mr. McFeely" on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood )

About the Author

Brian Butko is editor of Western Pennsylvania History magazine, he was the associate producer of the award-winning documentary Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants, and he is considered a leading authority on the Lincoln Highway.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811728447
• ISBN-13: 978-0811728447
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a writer and editor -- and always dreaming of being on the road. I write books about traveling the old highways and the cool places you'll find along them.

In addition to the books I've written, I was also project manager or editor of:

* The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History (2012)
* Maz, You're Up!
* Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era
* Clash of Empires: The British French & Indian War, 1754-1763
* Pittsburgh's Strip District: Around the World in a Neighborhood
* Industry and Infantry: The Civil War in Western Pennsylvania (with Nicholas Ciotola)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another fine work by Mr. Butko, October 11, 2001

By 

Gregory G Young (Womelsdorf, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Klondikes, Chipped Ham, & Skyscraper Cones: The Story of Isaly's (Paperback)

A must read for anyone who grew up in Western Pennsylvania or Eastern Ohio who remembers Isaly's Dairy Stores. While not from that region, I have eaten a few Klondike Bars in my time and enjoy Mr. Butko's work on the Lincoln Highway and Diners. This is well researched looking at company records and interviews with Isaly family and coworkers. The book is filled with excellent photographs from the start of Isaly Dairy's to today. Great gift idea for family or friends who enjoyed a Skyscraper Cone, Chipped Ham, or a Klondike.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!, June 20, 2001

By 

Shari D-P - See all my reviews

This review is from: Klondikes, Chipped Ham, & Skyscraper Cones: The Story of Isaly's (Paperback)

Brian Butko is a brilliant writer whose love of a subject comes alive in his books. I have never read a book that more comprehensively and eloquently relates the ethos of a region and its people. This book is a great read for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of these wonderful eateries. It also provides an incredibly insightful glimpse into the world of small business management. I grew up on Isaly's products, and this fascinating book takes me back to my youth.

5.0 out of 5 stars Klondikes Chipped Ham & Skyscraper Cones, June 26, 2011

By 

Rosemary B. Rosenthal "peke148" (oklahoma) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Klondikes, Chipped Ham, & Skyscraper Cones: The Story of Isaly's (Paperback)

I you like history of Pittsburgh you will enjoy this book. Isaly's was a big part of it. Lived on Fifth Ave. & Craft and use to walk to what we called Big Isaly's what a treat ist was and so is this book. Well done!