In the Summer of 1932 Filippo "Pop" Italiano began selling frozen treats from a pushcart in his South Philadelphia neighborhood. These treats long popular in his native Italy were known as "Water Ice" or "Italian Ice". Today at Pop's, we are committed to that same kind of quality and fast, friendly service that has made us the benchmark for excellence in the Italian Ice business.
A History of Italian Water Ice (101)

It all began way back in ancient Rome when, on the hottest of days, the emperors sent the fastest runners high into the mountains to retrive snow in pouches. The snow then would be mixed with seasonal fruits and honey. This was the beginnings of a fabulous Summertime treat.