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The love for this chilled sensation continued to escalate, with the invention of mechanical ice cream machines in the 1840s streamlining the process and democratizing access to ice cream. The rise of Italian immigrants further enriched American ice cream culture, introducing gelato and street vendors known as Hokey Pokey men who popularized affordable frozen treats.
Celebrating Ice Cream in Society
The role of ice cream evolved throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, with social gatherings and parties becoming synonymous with this delightful dessert. It transcended social classes, beginning as a luxury reserved for the affluent but eventually becoming a staple in American society, especially during Prohibition when many breweries pivoted to ice cream production.