Okay, it can't all be serious, part 2

AP reported on Thursday on a momentous occasion: the 100th anniversary of the banana split.

Ice cream aficionados believe David E. Strickler, a 1906 graduate of [the University of Pittsburgh]'s School of Pharmacy, created the first banana split in 1904 when he was an apprentice at Tassell Pharmacy in Latrobe. ...

As with any first, restaurant and pharmacy owners around the nation have disputed Strickler's story. But the National Ice Cream Retailers Association recently honored Latrobe as the dessert's birthplace.

There's convincing evidence that supports Strickler's claim, said Greubel, who co-wrote "Ice Cream Joe: The Valley Dairy Story and America's Love Affair with Ice Cream."

Strickler in 1905 asked the Westmoreland Glass Co. in Grapeville to make "banana boat" dishes. The order form still exists and is on display at Latrobe's historical center, Greubel said.

The University celebrated by declaring Wednesday "Banana Split Day" and serving about 4,000 ice cream cones to students, family members, and others returning to campus for the new school year.