Gus & Yia Yia's cart joins Carnegie Science Center's railroad display
November isn’t traditionally a month to think about a refreshing ice ball.
That’s not stopping the Carnegie Science Center from honoring a traditional Pittsburgh favorite. It announced Wednesday that Gus & YiaYia’s Ice Ball Cart is the latest model to be added to the Miniature Railroad & Village.
The familiar bright orange cart with the rainbow-colored umbrella is a staple at West Park on the North Side since 1934.
The tiny replica will be unveiled to the media on Nov. 17. The exhibit, which is currently being refreshed, will open to the public on Nov. 18.
“Gus and YiaYia and the ice ball cart are known and beloved by people throughout Western Pennsylvania, and especially to those of us who work and live in the North Side community and have been lucky to have him so close for so many years,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl Jr. director of Carnegie Science Center, via email. “With all that his family has done for the community for the last 88 years, it is only fitting that he be a highlight of Pittsburgh’s history at the Miniature Railroad & Village.”
Drumroll please! ???? ???? ????
Getting too cold outside for you? Enjoy the best parts of summer all year round with our new Miniature Railroad & Village® model...
Gus & YiaYia’s Ice Ball Cart!
The Miniature Railroad & Village®️ is presented by Reach Cyber Charter School: pic.twitter.com/Yjgp9vRwJy
— Carnegie Science Center (@CarnegieSciCtr) November 3, 2021
The cart is still run by Gus Kalaris. It marked seven decades this summer. The business began with his parents, George and Pauline, who sold popcorn, peanuts, and “ice balls” — flavored shaved-ice treats.
Gus Kalaris and his late wife, Stella, took over the cart in 1951.
Their popularity grew to the point where Pittsburgh City Council declared April 25, 2012, as Gus & YiaYia Day.
The original YiaYia — a term for “grandmother” in Greek — was Gus’ mother Pauline, though the honorific was later given to Stella. Stella loved being around children so much that the family established the annual Stella Kalaris scholarship after her death in 2016.
Gus Kalaris turned 89 in January.
Kalaris, who lives in Brighton Heights, makes the flavors — a mix of simple syrup with food coloring and extract. The ice comes in 50-pound blocks from DiMartino Ice Co. in Jeannette.
Kalaris said his dad charged 3 cents for an ice ball so he could compete with Isaly’s. The cost today is $1.25.
Kalaris survived kidney cancer in 1998 and a quadruple heart bypass in 1999. He’s also had a knee replacement. He said he lost 45 days of business last year because of the pandemic. His wife, their children and grandchildren have worked with him. The couple had two daughters and four grandchildren. The first great-grandchild was born in July.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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