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

by Brian Butko

"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)

Genres: History

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

My 2024 resolution is to become more active on Goodreads! My most recent book is about Isaly’s Dairy and its Klondike bar. I’m also quite proud of “Luna: Pittsburgh’s Original Lost Kennywood” and “Kennywood: Behind the Screams.” Other books explore diners, roadside attractions, and the Lincoln Highway.

I’m working now on a book about the daring women and men of Bettis Airfield and other early Pittsburgh aviation stories. Big Kennywood book #3 is also underway, and I’m 95% finished with my first novel, a paranormal mystery inspired by a nearby quarry and surrounding woods.

Reviews

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting piece about an area company, Isaly's, which was popular and ubiquitous up until the 1980s in the Ohio, Pennsyvania, and West Virginia areas. Most (maybe all, this book is more than 20 years old) of the physical storefronts are gone, although Isaly's does have an online presence. As the title suggests, the company is best known for its chipped chopped ham and Klondike ice cream bars, which can still be purchased, and its Skyscraper cones. Isaly's was started by a Swiss cheesemaker in the early 1800s and at its peak had hundreds of stores and plants. It's an interesting look at what makes a business successful — and what can make a business fail. This short read is a close look at the rise, success, and fading of a family business. The book also includes numerous photos and several sidebar stories. A good read for local history buffs and for those looking to learn about business operations.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this at my library and checked it out to show my parents, who both worked at Isaly's as teenagers. My dad, after reading the section about skyscraper cones, had this to say: "God, those were a pain in the ass to make."

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Shall Always Love You" = ISALY

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in the shadow of the steel mills just outside of Pittsburgh, I have many fond memories of Isaly's. So get yourself a chipped ham sandwich or a Klondike bar and enjoy a good read.

[ReadaBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Favorite Place

This history of Isaly’s was fascinating for this senior citizen, who grew up eating Klondike’s and chipped ham, and actually worked at a Sweet Williams restaurant while in high school. I never knew Sweet Williams was part of the Isaly’s company until I read it in this book!
If you are a Pittsburgher, and have fond memories of the Klondike bar before it became a national ice cream treat, check out this book.
Love it.

[Barbara Biasiotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

a trip down memory lane..:)