While a common myth ties the history of ice cream to explorer Marco Polo, actual evidence of ice cream has been found dating as far back as the First Persian Empire.
In British Columbia, mentions of ice cream being sold are found as far back as the 1860s. In North Vancouver, one of earliest ice cream shops was The Grotto Tea Room, pictured above in 1912 with manager William Bert Campbell out front.
The shop was located at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue and sold “First Quality Ice Cream” for 25 cents per pint. It closed in 1913.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open by appointment only. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
