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.