Awarded by the Bartholomew County Historical Society and the Columbus Area Chamber of National Landmark in 2000, for completing 100 years in business, the ‘Zaharakos’ Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in Columbus Indiana, is a worth visiting place at least once in a lifetime. Apart from the very famous ‘Gom’ sandwich, delicious ice- creams and the Green River soda, this place has much more to offer.
Serving people since October 20th, 1900, this ice-cream parlor is a rare historical landmark. Though renovated in 2007, it still gives you the feel of 1920’s. Now owned by Sir Tony Moravec, this parlor was founded by three Greek brothers ‘Zaharako’. In 2007, Sir Tony Moravec bought a next door building and extended the parlor. He added the museum and the gift shop to it. Situated in downtown Columbus in the famous Washington Street, the place is open from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This museum is very famous for its early 19th century collection. You cannot call it a visit until and unless you listen to the music played by the ‘Welte Orchestrion’- a self playing organ. It’s dated 1908 and was brought from Germany. The music is played through its 184 pipes. They are made of wood, brass and tin and contain a triangle, a bass drum, a snare drum and a cymbal. The Orchestrion was sold off in 2006 but was bought again in 2007.
In the parlor a large collection of pre 19th century soda fountains made out of marble is kept for display. One of them is from 1850s. And a Mexican Onyx soda fountain is from 1904 world’s fair. The beautiful bars with shiny mirrors framed by light bulbs of globe shape create a catchy background. The counter for these soda fountains is also that of marble made in Italian style. Tiffany style stained glass and marble lamp dated 1905, are yet another worth –watching attractions.
The recently built new museum features are also from 18th century. The syrup dispensers, extensive syrup jar collection, chandeliers, smaller Welte, small fountains, antique cash register, old time popcorn machine, tin ceiling panels, brass and wood ornament, wall clocks, the old photo of Zaharako brothers and other souvenirs in the museum attract people from all corners of Indiana. There are posters of the people connected with the ice-cream parlor in past and a video clip tells about the restoration and the renovation.
The ice-cream parlor, which in itself is a museum, is a place to be enjoyed at for the people of all age groups. Through a century, it has been a shining star adding to the glory of the city Columbus in Indiana.
