Ice Cream

A quick trip to Petaluma Market changed everything. I was there for only one item: Clover Sweet Cream Vanilla Ice Cream. A walk amongst the many ice cream options however, brought up only one Clover flavor; and it was not vanilla. Upon inquiring, market management shook their heads and remarked that there was going to be no more Clover ice cream. I was aghast. I was horrified; but mostly I was sad. A quick call from home later that afternoon to the company netted only a voicemail, so I left my inquiry with them. After dinner that evening, I bemoaned the possibility – probability! – that this was indeed my last bowl of Clover ice cream.

Introduced in the May 19, 1966 Argus-Courier, this “refreshing OLD TIME flavor” came to the market after a long time and with ‘more than a little doing’. Delighting customers with the new easy to use ziptop opening and eight flavors, Clover was sure to have a winner.

July 27, 1966

One way to encourage our ice cream habit is to provide recipes. Published on August 24, 1966, this list of recipes were sure to brighten up a hot August afternoon:

Double Strawberry Dream

Mix together: 1 package frozen strawberries, slightly thawed
Mix together: 4 scoops Clover vanilla ice cream
Mix together: 1 cut up ripe banana
Add: 2 cups Clover milk and 1 tsp vanilla
Mix thoroughly
Enjoy!

1967 brought even more new improvements to the packaging with the introduction of a modern new look:

On February 19, 1971, a new “old-fashioned” style flavor appeared. Called “country style” this recipe was “just like “Grandmoo used to make.”

But news about Clover ice cream wasn’t only about changes in recipe or appearance. Clover ice cream became a part of our lives. Most of us remember the ice cream booth appearing at the county fair, parades, and other local events handing out mini ice cream cones.

On July 22, 1966, this article entices fairgoers to be sure to get their free sample of this new confection:

August 5, 1987

And because Clover is Clover… and they know how to have fun –in 2015 they introduced new flavors right in step with Petaluma happenings. “Petaluma Pothole”… an “ode to Rocky Road”… which might just as easily been an ode to Petaluma’s “rocky roads”.

A few days later.... confirmed . Don Frances of the Argus Courier, via Petaluma 360 on December 13, 2022.

And while we know that there are many other tasty contenders out there, we will indeed, miss Clover Ice Cream and all that came with it.