The Hamtramck ice cream trucks are just one of the many reasons this 2.2 square-mile city is such an
interesting little place.
Excerpt:
But that hardly matters, because it's so delightful to listen to "Do
Your Ears Hang Low?" again and again that such trifles as needing to
pull one's car out would hardly matter. Besides, you get a better look
at the truck, appreciating its hand-painted charm. No two are alike,
and there are even a few old New York City-area Mr. Softee trucks in
the fleet, all creatively decorated and patched up like it's Havana.
Watch long enough, and you may even see an unusual ice cream motorcycle
putter along — complete with sidecar and rear-mounted freezer case.
You'll certainly be tempted to snap a photo or record the delicate
warble of the prerecorded ditty, if you can hear it clearly. Sometimes
it will be drowned out by motor noise, as all of the trucks seem to use
the very latest in loud-engine technology to keep the ice cream cool.
Once the vehicle stops, the driver and the excited young children
begin their gentle negotiations. You might worry that the driver will
cut off the music or switch the coolers over to battery power for a
couple minutes, but, thankfully, he's sure to keep everything running,
not wanting to spoil anybody's pleasure. Over the din, you'll often
hear at least one of the children ask, "Hey, you won't make a deal?"
over and over again before the calorie-jitney finally buzzes off.
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