Alfred L. Cralle
An American Inventor ~ the ice cream scoop man
The Man
Born September 4th, 1866, in Kenbridge, Lunenburg County, Virginia, not long after the American Civil War, Alfred L. Cralle was a black American businessman and inventor. Alfred received patent #576,395 on February 2nd, 1897, for inventing his "Ice Cream Mold and Disher" an ice cream scoop with a built-in scraper for one-handed operation. Alfred's functional design is reflected in modern ice cream scoops.
As a young man Alfred worked with his father in the carpentry industry which sparked his interest in mechanics. Alfred would eventually settle in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he served as a porter at a hotel and drug store. At this time, Alfred noticed servers at the hotel had trouble sticking ice cream to their serving spoons, leading to him developing an ice cream scoop.
Alfred didn't get famous for his invention, but he was a known successful businessman and promoter in Pittsburgh. Alfred was selected as assistant manager after local black investors created the Afro-American Financial, Accumulating, Merchandise, and Business Association in Pittsburgh.
Quick Facts
Attended Wayland Seminary, one of many schools founded by the American Baptist Home Mission Society to help educate black Americans after the American Civil War.
He was known as a successful businessman and promoter in Pittsburgh.
On June 10th, 1896, Alfred applied for a patent. He was awarded patent #576,395 on February 2nd, 1897.
Sources
"Afro-American Notes." The Pittsburgh Press. February 14th, 1897. Retrieved May 28th, 2018.
"History of Ices & Ice Cream." What's Cooking America? Retrieved May 28th, 2018.
"A. L. Cralle Ice Cream Mold and Disher Patent Number 576395". U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved May 28th, 2018.Thank you for reading! Please share this publication with someone you care about.