Few People Know That Latrobe Near Pittsburgh Is The Birthplace Of The Banana Split

Fair warning, ice cream fans. If you love a scrumptious banana split, you’ll probably suffer from a mad craving for the popular ice cream treat in just a few minutes. Most of us already know that Latrobe is the hometown of our beloved Mister Rogers. However, did you know it’s also the birthplace of the banana split? Yep, and the charming town celebrates its birth every year.

A classic banana split always hits the spot, whether it’s a simmering hot summer day or a blustery winter afternoon. We all owe that delicious treat to a fellow Western Pennsylvanian.

David Strickler was just 23 during the summer of 1904, working behind the counter at Tassell Pharmacy in Latrobe, when inspiration struck.

He grabbed a banana, sliced it straight down the middle, filling the inside with three hearty scoops of ice cream - chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Then he topped the ice cream and banana with syrup and other delicious goodies, naming it the banana split sundae. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, you can get a banana split at just about any ice cream shop you visit. However, you’ll pay a bit more than the 10 cents it originally cost.

Strickler’s creation is so well-respected that Latrobe celebrates every year with The Great American Banana Split Celebration.

The annual celebration boasts a full menu of fun activities – from a coloring contest to a pie eating contest. Of course, there’s a whole lot of eating banana splits, too.

Learn more about the annual Great American Banana Split Celebration on its official website. Or, go here for Facebook.

On a side note, did you know that bananas contain tryptophan, the same amino acid in turkey? If you feel unexpectedly relaxed or sleepy after that banana split, you’ll know why.

Did you know that Latrobe was the birthplace of the banana split? Have you ever visited for a banana split? Join the conversation in the comments! If you’re craving ice cream right about now, head over to Dave & Andy’s in Oakland.