In the beginning...
Over 25 years ago, not quite ready for retirement, Jim and Sharon McMillen were searching for a job that would allow them to work together. For most of their 56 year marriage, Jim had worked over the road in construction and Sharon stayed at home to raise 4 children. Now that the children were grown and working construction was not an option for Jim, they were excited when they heard they could drive an Ice Cream truck together and still get out and about like Jim had been used to.
They started driving for another Ice Cream Truck Company in St. Louis. They were given the "worst" route and the most broken down truck. Even with this type of adversity and the little support they received, Jim and Sharon made the most of what they were given. Jim brought home the old broken down ice cream truck and spent hours upon hours rebuilding, reworking, rewiring, and remodeling the inside and outside of this truck until #58 was ready for business.
Much to Everyone's surprise, when #58 pulled onto the lot at the ice cream truck company no one would believe that this was the same truck they were given just a short time ago. All decked out in lights, and American flags, Jim and Sharon drove their ice cream truck day in and day out through their North St. Louis and North St. Louis county neighborhoods much to the delight of them and the many children who were now getting to experience the joy of buying a frosty treat from an "original" ice cream man! "Here comes Grandma & Grandpa Ice Cream!" , the children would call out as they heard the bell and music of the ice cream truck. And sure enough with only $ .25 the children would be able to buy a bright red and icy Torpedo Pop!
Over time, the children and parents in these neighborhoods came to know Jim and Sharon, or "Grandma & Grandpa Ice Cream" as the kids (and parents) called them. Jim and Sharon began handing out FREE ICE CREAM when the various school children brought out their A's on their report cards or when other children showed off their D.A.R.E. tee-shirts. They also began working with the police and firemen in the neighborhoods to provide a neighborhood watch among other services to begin keeping the streets a little safer.
After a while, and after seeing the business of their own that they had developed, they broke free from the other ice cream company and began Happy Time Ice Cream Trucks. They used their family van and turned it into an Ice Cream Truck and decorated it just like they had the original #58, only with more lights, more American flags, and more smile faces and bright colors. They decided to number this ice cream truck also with #58 to remind them of where they started. They also kept driving in their original neighborhoods handing out even better ice cream and now throwing Mardi Gras necklaces to parents and children.
Parents began asking them to hand out ice cream at birthday parties, inviting them to their company picnics and telling other friends about this unique ice cream truck in their neighborhood. Soon, Happy Time Ice Cream Truck and Jim and Sharon McMillen became a St. Louis icon. Local news channels began running stories on this Grandma and Grandpa and they even got a cover story in the St. Louis Post Dispatch magazine! But don't worry, none of this fame has gone to their head...oh no! They are still offering their kids on their route special treats for good grades, incentives for staying off drugs, and coupons for showing good citizenship and American pride.
Now we celebrate the 2nd Generation of Happy Time Ice Cream Trucks, LLC!!!
Cheryll Rosencrans, the oldest daughter of Jim and Sharon McMillen, is now the President and owner of Happy Time Ice Cream Trucks, LLC. Due to the death of Sharon McMillen in June of 2011, the torch has been passed from Jim to Cheryll. Cheryll has been actively helping for a few years now and working with her parents on the routes and specials, so she was more than ready to take over the business!
Cheryll is excited to keep providing the same top-quality customer service that the clients and customers of Happy Time Ice Cream have come to expect.
If you would like this special ice cream truck to come to your event or birthday party, fill out our event registration form or call 314.426.6767 today!