Editing Bassetts Ice Cream (section)

== History ==

=== Founding (1861) ===

'''Lewis Dubois Bassett''' founded the company in '''1861''':

'''Origins:'''
* Philadelphia schoolteacher
* Began making ice cream as a side business
* Used a hand-crank freezer
* Sold from a pushcart

The Civil War was beginning as Bassett started his business.

=== Early Growth ===

Bassetts built its reputation through quality:

'''1860s-1890s:'''
* Expanded production
* Sold to hotels and restaurants
* Built loyal customer base
* Philadelphia institution

=== Reading Terminal Market (1893) ===

When [[Reading Terminal Market]] opened in '''1893''', Bassetts was an original vendor:

'''The partnership:'''
* Prime location in the market
* Same spot for over 130 years
* Continuous operation
* Central to market identity

Bassetts and Reading Terminal Market have grown together.

=== Multi-Generational Business ===

The Bassett family has operated the company for six generations:

'''Family succession:'''
* '''Lewis Dubois Bassett''': Founder
* Five subsequent generations
* '''Over 160 years''' of family ownership
* Current family members active in business

=== America's Oldest ===

Bassetts claims the title of '''America's oldest ice cream company''':

* Founded 1861
* Continuous operation
* Family-owned throughout
* Never sold outside family