Isenman’s Ice Cream
By John Marks, Curator of Collections
Door to Isenman’s Ice Cream from 150 Castle Street.
We recently received a door from Isenman’s ice cream and confectionary store at 150 Castle Street. Steve Davoli, the building owner, asked if we’d like it and we did. Isenman’s was a local fixture from 1901 to 1957.
Lewis Charles Isenman (1867-1933) began his business in Seneca Falls. A later advertisement claimed Isenman’s Ice Cream was known since 1888. His name appeared in the Geneva newspapers as caterer for numerous late-night balls, often serving supper around midnight. (I’m convinced folks had a better social life 130 years ago. Dances started at 9 pm, had a supper break, then continued until 3 or 4 am.)
1901 advertisement for Isenman’s Ice Cream
Isenman’s first appears in the 1901 Geneva City Directory with this ad. He was in the Guard Building on the corner of Linden and Seneca Streets until 1917. Then, the business disappears from the directories until 1923.
In 1923 Isenman’s re-opened at 150 Castle Street in the Dilman Block. His partner was Harold Bloodgood. The 1926 advertisement in the city directory, shown here, listed the business as Isenman & Bloodgood, although later years it was just Isenman’s.
1926 advertisement for Isenman &Bloodgood Ice Cream and Candies.
Mr. Bloodgood left the business around 1930, and C. Clinton Tills was a partner by 1931. The door we received dates from 1923 because Mr. Bloodgood’s name was painted over for Mr. Tills. Mr. Isenman retired in 1932 and died the following year. Mr. Bloodgood must have left the business on good terms, for he, his wife, and son were all named in Mr. Isenman’s will. Mr. Tills continued the business, making candy, with a partner who made the ice cream.
Isenman’s was a favorite with all ages but especially with school youth. Many young men worked there in high school and college. One recalled that Mr. Tills fired him 12 times – every time the young man did something wrong, then hired him back again. He also remembered that DeSales High School kids hung out at Isenman’s while Geneva High School students went to Woodworth’s a few doors up on Castle Street.
Mr. Tills operated Isenman’s until 1956 when it was bought by Leo Fenner. It closed the following year. In 1975 the American Legion held an “Isenman’s Night” party with items and memorabilia from the shop, and many former employees. Dessert was Mexican sundaes, an Isenman’s specialty, served by the store alumni.
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John Great Article!
Thanks, John.
Like always, interesting blogs appear when you get some memorabilia or hear something from the past.
Isenman’s was where my parents met in the winter of 1940-41. They both graduated from Geneva High and my late dad’s albums include a menu from Isenman’s and photos of friends there in 1935. My dad had just gotten back from the US Navy in late 1940. Mom and Dad walked to their homes on Cherry and Oak Streets together after that first meeting and stayed together for 58 years. until my Dad’s death.