Harry Burt was an American confectioner who revolutionized the ice cream industry with his invention of the Good Humor bar, a chocolate-coated ice cream on a stick. But his life was cut short by a sudden illness that took him away from his family and business. What was the cause of his death and how did it affect his legacy?
A Sweet Idea
Harry Burt was born in 1875 in Youngstown, Ohio, where he operated an ice cream parlor and confectionery business. In 1920, he developed a smooth chocolate coating that was compatible with ice cream, but he faced a problem: the new combination was too messy to eat. His son, Harry Jr., suggested that he insert a wooden stick into the ice cream, making it easier to hold and enjoy. Burt liked the idea and named his creation the Jolly Boy Sucker, later changing it to the Good Humor bar. According to Wikipedia, he applied for patents for the process, the manufacturing equipment, and the product itself in 1922.
A Marketing Genius
Burt was not only an innovator in the ice cream industry, but also a pioneer in branding and marketing. He wanted to create a national product that would have the same quality and flavor in all markets. He also developed a novel way of delivering his product to customers: he introduced the Good Humor truck, which played a distinctive jingle and attracted children and adults alike. He hired uniformed drivers who were trained to be courteous and friendly. He also advertised his product in newspapers, magazines, and radio. He built a loyal customer base and a strong reputation for his brand.
A Legal Battle
Burt’s success did not go unnoticed by his competitors, who tried to copy his product and infringe on his patents. In 1925, he filed a lawsuit against the Citrus Products Company and the Popsicle Corporation, who were selling similar frozen confections on a stick. He claimed that they were violating his patents and demanded royalties and damages. However, the legal battle was not resolved in his lifetime, as he died the following year.
A Mysterious Illness
Burt’s cause of death is not widely known, but according to Find a Grave, he died of an accidental overdose of prescription medication in 1926. He was 51 years old. He had been suffering from a mysterious illness that had caused him to lose weight and strength. He had traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, to seek medical treatment, but he did not recover. He left behind his widow, Cora, and his four children, Harry Jr., Dorothy, Robert, and Ruth.
A Lasting Legacy
Burt’s widow sold the rights to the Good Humor brand to a group of investors led by Thomas J. Meehan, who continued to expand the business and fight the legal battles. In 1935, the court ruled in favor of Good Humor and granted them the exclusive right to sell ice cream on a stick. The Good Humor bar became a popular and iconic treat in America, especially during the summer months. The company was sold to Unilever in 1961, and the Good Humor trucks were phased out in the 1970s. However, the Good Humor bar is still available in stores and online, and remains a part of the American culture and nostalgia.
Burt’s son, Harry Jr., kept an Oklahoma franchise for Good Humor and went on to found the Malt-A-Plenty dairy drink. He also preserved his father’s original ice cream factory in Youngstown, which was honored by Parade magazine in 2006 as one of the places that helped shape America’s history and culture. The building is currently being transformed into a regional history center by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. Burt’s invention and vision have inspired generations of ice cream lovers and entrepreneurs, and his story is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance.
