When the 18th Amendment went into effect in 1920, banning the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol, Americans didn’t suddenly become saints. They just shifted their cravings—and one of the biggest beneficiaries was ice cream.

As saloons shut down, many were converted into soda fountains, ice cream parlors, or “malt shops.” These offered a place for social gathering, just like bars—but with milkshakes, phosphates, and banana splits instead of beer and whiskey.

Temperance advocates encouraged the switch.  Some churches and social organizations even sponsored "ice cream socials" as wholesome alternatives to drunken parties.