History is an important subject to teach children to ensure that they understand how society has progressed over the years. Although history is a popular subject in textbooks, literature, media and museums, it can also be experienced in a more direct way. Most locations have sites that are considered historic because they have been in operation for several decades. Although many historical locations are used as museums or restoration villages, some continue to function just as they did when they first opened. Eddie’s Sweet Shop in New York City is an example of just such a place.
New York City has a rich history and Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills is among one of the hidden gems in the city’s history. According to Patch.com, Eddie’s Sweet Shop is “one of few countrywide that are family-owned, and remain in continuous operation in a virtually unaltered, ornate state since its earliest days.” Since 1909, the ice cream shop has been in operation, first called “Witt’s” and as “Eddie’s,” due to renaming by new owners in 1967. The interior of the shop is visually beautiful thanks to the skillful craftsmen who designed the ice cream parlor with wooden and marble features, mosaic tile floor, and ornate rose designs embedded in the ceiling. About 20 flavors of homemade ice cream are prepared in the basement of the sweet shop and the whipped cream is served fresh. Candy can also be purchased at the shop and prices are extremely reasonable. For more information about Eddie’s Sweet Shop see here: http://foresthills.patch.com/articles/eddies-sweet-shop#photo-5522802
Eddie’s Sweet Shop is located at 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills. They are closed on Monday but operate from 1:00pm-11:30pm on Tuesday-Friday and 12:00pm-11:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. They can be reached at 1-(718)-520-8514.
History can be a daunting subject for students to learn because of its often complicated nature and the outdated circumstances that surrounded past events. Yet some things—such as peoples love for ice cream—transcend generations. While enjoying an ice cream at Eddie’s observe the décor on the walls and ceiling and use it as an opportunity to discuss past styles. Ponder what the lives of the first customers must have been like, at a time without the Internet or even television. Discuss how the making of ice cream—and the food world in general—has changed as technology advanced. From a single observation about one’s surroundings, an entire discussion about the past can be started.
Giving children the opportunity to have fun in a historical location helps to spark their interest about the past. Thus, parents who homeschool should be particularly mindful of the usefulness of field trips as learning tools and a visit to Eddie’s Sweet Shop would certainly be one way to achieve a fun and educational (and delicious) day trip.
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