New Book Reveals the Tasty History of Isaly’s
From chipped ham to ice cream and all the delicious details in between, the Senator John Heinz History Center’s newest book, “Isaly’s Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter” by award-winning author Brian Butko, explores how Isaly’s grew from horse-drawn milk wagons to become the world’s largest dairy store chain.
The 148-page book, which features more than 400 historic images and illustrations, is now available for purchase at the History Center Museum Shop and online store.
When the business moved to Western Pennsylvania in 1931, Isaly’s shiny art deco white storefronts became synonymous with quality dairy and deli foods. One of the keys to Isaly’s success was operating both the dairy plants and their own retail stores that sold everything from ice cream and milk to bread and lunch meats. Pittsburghers fell in love with Isaly’s Skyscraper Cones, thin-sliced Chipped Ham, and (of course) the famous Klondike Bar.
“Isaly’s Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter” takes readers on a nostalgic ride through the fascinating history of these products and more.
Named Pittsburgh’s “Best Writer” three times by readers of the Pittsburgh City Paper, Butko has researched and penned books on the history of Kennywood, Luna Park, the Lincoln Highway, and other popular history that chronicles Pittsburgh and beyond. Butko serves as the History Center’s director of publications and the editor of its Western Pennsylvania History magazine.
Buy the Isaly’s Book for Chance to Win a Year’s Worth of Ice Cream
To celebrate the launch of “Isaly’s Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter,” the first 500 people to purchase the new book will be automatically entered to win ONE YEAR of free ice cream, courtesy of Isaly’s!
The contest winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 3 and awarded with coupons good for 24 pints of Isaly’s ice cream, which includes delicious flavors such as Chocolate Marshmallow, Toasted Almond Fudge, and White House Cherry.
Books can be purchased inside the History Center Museum Shop (no admission required to shop) or online athttps://visithei.nz/isalys-book.