Ice cream research at the University of Missouri didn't begin with Buck's Ice Cream Place re-opening in 1989. Since the days that the Veterinary School was home to Dairy Research beginning as early as 1920, the Ag Department has worked hand-in-hand with them to produce and research ice cream right here on Mizzou's campus. But, Tiger Stripe, Buck's signature flavor, was developed by Professor Marshall in the late 80's and has been a symbol of school spirit since the first bite was served.
Special thanks to Kris Anstine at University Archives, Randy Mertens with CAFNR Public Relations, and Missouri Alumnus for their help obtaining historical photos.
Keep reading for detailed descriptions of photo featured in the slideshow!
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| Before it was merely a patch of grass for students to lounge on, the patch in front of Eckles Hall was known as “Dairy Lawn” and was home to dairy cows at the University of Missouri-Columbia as they produced milk to be used in the research and production of ice cream nearby on campus. |
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| Carlota Pontiac, affectionately called "Carlota Cow," arguably MU's most famous dairy cow, earned 2nd place in the Guiness Book of World Records for producing over 26,000 gallons of milk as a staple of the University of Missouri dairy research plant in the 1920's. |
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| Things weren’t much different in 1929. Employees manually added ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar to machines in the back of the research lab in the old Agriculture Building, creating ice cream mixes to test and serve to the public. |
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| Dale Chapman, employee and ice cream researcher at MU, serves up a treat circa 1963. Not far from Old Ag Pond was University Dairy, where students and townsfolk enjoyed made-on-the-spot ice cream at bargain rates; a scoop went for a nickel back in the 1930’s. |
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| Since 1940, MU has been home to extensive ice cream research and production. A facility exists adjacent to Eckles Hall where staff and faculty now make ice cream at the rate of 30 gallons an hour and also conduct sophisticated research on frozen desserts. |
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| Known as "Mr. Ice Cream," Wendell Arbuckle brought back ice cream at Mizzou in 1989 after a 17-year hiatus, with his generous endownment and support for continued ice cream research at the University. |
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| Since the reopening in 1989, Buck's Ice Cream Place has seen business fluctuate depending on what season of the year, but always sees increased sales during the summer months, early fall, and during Homecoming, Rick Linhardt, manager of Buck's, said. |
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| A sign hung on the glass door at Buck's Ice Cream Parlor announces, with a smiley face, when they are open for business. Summer hours are Monday-Saturday from noon to 5pm. |
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Robert Marshall, professor emeritus of food science, became the first Arbuckle Professor for Ice Cream Research in 1989, when he created Tiger Stripe ice cream, rich French vanilla with stripes of dark chocolate. |
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Tiger Stripe remains the most popular of all 16 flavors produced at Buck's Ice Cream Place. Testing on other flavors, such as "grass" and "sweet potato" hasn't seen such a positive reaction to the Black and Gold dessert.
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A scoop of the famous Tiger Stripe ice cream sits piled high in styrofoam cup, waiting to be devoured.
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Rick Linhardt, MU Alumni and manager of Buck's for the past 19 years, says he "loves getting to know all the people he works with" in the research lab and production facility in Eckles Hall.
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| In the parlor in Eckles Hall, 14 flavors are kept in stock for patrons to purchase by the scoop or by the gallon each day from noon to five. Cookies and Cream and Strawberry are popular summer flavors second only to Tiger Stripe, according to employee Grace Larose. |
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2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the reopening of Buck's Ice Cream Place, with a celebration involving Truman and other campus celebrities such as the Chancellor and professors retired from the department.
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| MU graduate student Mike Roberts purchases a scoop of his favorite, Tiger Stripe ice cream, from Buck's employee Grace Larose on a warm summer afternoon. |
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| Several Columbia eateries feature the French vanilla and Dutch chocolate treat from Buck’s Ice Cream Place (located inside Eckles Hall), including Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, Hu Hot Mongolian Grill and Hot Box Cookies. |
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The staff at Buck’s Ice Cream serves the cool treat, which also makes the rounds at special events, including the Missouri State Fair and Tiger Walk where revelers consume 6,000 servings a year. |
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| Eckles Hall sits on the Southeast corner of MU's campus, home to a group of grazing dairy cows circa 1935. |
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| The cows (and their descendants) would be pleased to know that Eckles Hall is more than a quiet research facility in 2011. As home to Buck's Ice Cream Place and Tiger Stripe ice cream, it has become a staple of school spirit for Mizzou students, alumni, and Columbia residents alike. |
