50 Years of Best of Philly: A Look Back at the 1974 Winners
From Philadelphia Magazine:
Fifty years ago, we had an idea. Was it a good idea? No one knew. But it was an idea. So one editor and four interns put their heads together, and Best of Philly was born: 119 winners (and losers), ranging from hoagies and hot dogs to used car dealers and astrologers.
As soon as the May 1974 issue of Philadelphia magazine hit newsstands — and became the best-selling issue we’d ever had — we all agreed that it was in fact a very, very good idea.
Here, we take a look back at some of the original —and still-standing — winners and categories that continue to ring true today.
Bassetts Ice Cream
In the chronicles of American ice cream lore, one name reigns supreme: Bassetts. It’s America’s oldest ice cream company, the first business to sign a lease at Reading Terminal Market in 1892, and the only original merchant still standing.
Aside from its historic significance, every scoop of ultra-creamy, 16.5 percent-butterfat ice cream that passes over the original marble counter holds memories for generations of Philadelphians. It was the reward for being good while your parents went shopping in Center City and the dessert that cooled you and your high school friends down after a long summer walk around Chinatown. And whether you prefer the bold depth of chocolate or the sweet subtlety of vanilla, it’s still — always — the perfect ending to any meal at the market. 45 North 12th Street, Market East.
What a wonderful trip down memory lane! It's amazing to see how much Philadelphia's food culture and local businesses have evolved over the decades. Bassett's Ice Cream remains a memorable part of the city's history. It's also interesting how social attitudes toward topics like Cap Junky Strainhave changed since 1974. Thanks for sharing this nostalgic look at Philadelphia's past!
What a fantastic look back at Philadelphia's history! It's amazing how local businesses like Bassett's Ice Cream have maintained their reputation and brought happiness to generations of customers. Celebrating 50 years of memories, achievements, and community traditions is truly special. It's also interesting to see how lifestyle trends and cultural topics, including Candy Gas Strain and cannabis culture, have evolved over the decades. Thanks for sharing this nostalgic and enjoyable article!
What a nostalgic trip through Philly’s iconic food history—Bassetts Ice Cream truly stands the test of time. It’s amazing how traditions like a scoop from the original marble counter have stayed unchanged for generations. Speaking of precision and tradition, getting measurements just right matters whether you're crafting the perfect cone or converting units for a project—this mm to inches chart helped me stay accurate without slowing down.
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I had no idea Best of Philly started back in 1974 with 119 winners, and that the May issue became the magazine’s best-selling one ever. Bassetts being America’s oldest ice cream company and the first business to sign a lease at Reading Terminal Market in 1892 is such a perfect original winner. By the way, I keep a free AI tone and style rewriter I like to share: https://saymorph.com/