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Our
History |
| Indiana's
Oldest Family Owned & Operated Drive-In
For four generations, the
Kirkhoff-Lodde family has been serving the finest frozen desserts in Indiana. The
Frozen Custard Igloo was started in 1932 across from Columbian Park by Charles and
Florence Kirkhoff. Previously he had been the General Manager and Mix Master of the
Frankfort Ice Cream Company. Vanilla was the only flavor sold that first year with
chocolate and strawberry added the following year. Since the original lease forbade
carbonated drinks, Fruit Drink was developed and was originally called "Hawaiian
Frozen Drink." Our Grandparents soon bought the property and started serving
Coca-Cola thus making the Frozen Custard one of Coke's oldest accounts. During World
War II, cream was rationed, so sherbets were added. Quarts of frozen custard were
rationed to one per family. |
In 1949 the current art deco building was constructed. In
the fifties, the awning was added to provide additional outside seating. Our
Grandparents forged a unique partnership for the day: she having the business
mind and he for his creativity and imagination to develop the frozen custard treats still
popular today. With our Grand Father's death in 1969, our parents, Dick and Charlene
Lodde, purchased the Frozen Custard from her mother. Soon seasonal flavors appeared
on the menu such as Pumpkin, Penuche (Maple-Walnut), and Cinnamon to name just a
few. During one Christmas, Eggnog Custard was made for their friends. Unfortunately
it wouldn't freeze because the "two cooks" unbeknownst to each other, added a
bottle of rum to the custard mix. Luckily, nobody complained; some graciously
offered to take the "excess off our hands!"
In 1979, the Lodde's purchased the former Frisch's on Teal Road and renamed it the
Four Boys Manner specializing in family dining. The restaurant was extensively
remodeled in 1981 with the Cone Room and patio added. Over this winter, the building
will be gutted and a new restaurant concept will be introduced for Lafayette's dining
pleasure.
With their father's sudden death in 1986, the Lodde Brothers took over the
operation of the family business. In 1989, the building at the Original Frozen
Custard was renovated with the new patio and awning area as well as a complete revamping
of the interior and the addition of a production room.
Contrary to popular belief, the "old lady at the cone window" is not a
relative. Elinor and her husband were hired by our Grandparents around 1960.
She is a special person to the customers she serves as well as the family. She has
been the continuity between generations. She is 96 years young and runs circles
around Kirk who tries to keep up with her. |
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After
years of planning, the West Lafayette store, the Snowbear Frozen Custard was opened.
Built as a prototype, Snowbear offers a specialized menu of sandwiches, salads and soups
as well as all the favorite custard treats. Many aspects of the store were Dick's
ideas. |
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Currently
the fourth generation is working in the business just as the preceding two generations:
learning the business dip-by-dip. There are three great-granddaughters and three
great-grandsons of Florence and Charlie Kirkhoff to carry on the family tradition. |
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In
remembrance of our Grandparents, we encourage young people to read through the Tippecanoe
County and West Lafayette Libraries reading programs. The participants are rewarded
with a cone of their favorite frozen custard flavor after reaching their reading
goal. In the past six years over 24,000 readers have claimed their cones. |
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We thank
Lafayette for the many years of letting us serve you the best in premium ice creams:
Frozen Custard.
Rick, Kirk, Bill, and Tom Lodde |
If you have
any questions or comments please send mail to:
rick@snowbear.us |
