Eskimo pie is part of new historical exhibit

A frozen treat with roots in western Iowa is featured in the new exhibit which opens soon at the State Historical Building. The exhibit is entitled “A Few of Our Favorite Things” and curator Jack Lufkin must have a sweet tooth. He’s put the “Eskimo Pie” on his list of “100 Creations of the 20th Century.” The treat was invented in western Iowa.Ice cream vendor Christian Nelson of Onawa, Iowa, had a child come in who wanted ice cream and a chocolate bar. Nelson thought it would be nice if he could sell the two, together, as one product.Nelson and Omaha candy-maker Russell Stover worked on the idea, and perfected it in 1921. A year later, one million Eskimo Pies were sold every day in this country.