Dozens of former Girl Scouts and cookie enthusiasts gathered in Philadelphia on March 9, 2024, to celebrate the origins of the first public Girl Scout cookie sale. This event, part of Historic Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” initiative, took place at PECO’s headquarters at 23rd and Market streets. Attendees sampled cookies, voted on their favorite flavors, and learned about the significant role the Girl Scouts have played in the city’s history.
Honoring a Sweet Legacy
The first public sale of Girl Scout cookies occurred in 1932, when Girl Scouts baked cookies using “demonstration ovens” and sold them from PECO’s original Broad Street location. Nicole Levine, PECO’s chief operating officer and board chair of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of this tradition. “We’re honored the Girl Scouts are being recognized for one of [Philadelphia’s] firsts today,” Levine, who is a former Girl Scout herself, stated during the event.
Levine credited the Girl Scouts for equipping her with leadership skills, which she now applies as PECO’s first female COO. Attendees had the chance to enjoy storytelling from Once Upon a Nation, a program supported by the Historic District of Philadelphia. They also admired a newly unveiled sculpture celebrating the historic cookie sale.
Kim Fraites, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, expressed excitement about the event. “It’s a big year for the country, and obviously for Philadelphia,” she commented, highlighting the significance of the celebrations as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
A Tribute to Community and History
The sculpture, crafted by Carol Cannon-Nesco, a native Philadelphian and former top cookie seller, will be installed at the corner of 23rd and Market streets. Cannon-Nesco reflected on her project with enthusiasm, saying, “It was the funnest project I ever did. I was so happy to be a part of this project and to represent the Girl Scouts.” Her design incorporates important themes of the Girl Scouts, including cookies and camping.
Richard Powell, attending the event in honor of his mother, who was one of the original cookie bakers, shared his family’s connection to this tradition. “Their uncle used to come to the window and make faces and try to make them laugh,” Powell recalled, noting that his family has remained involved with both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America.
Attendees had the opportunity to purchase cookies from troop members and cast their votes for favorite flavors. While Phylicia Epps, head of Philadelphia strategy and partnerships for GSEPA, expressed her fondness for Adventurefuls, Powell identified himself as a fan of peanut butter cookies. Ultimately, the enduring favorite, Thin Mints, won the popular vote.
Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, emphasized the importance of the “52 Firsts” initiative. “What’s more synonymous with America than the Girl Scouts? That was one of those lesser-known stories that I think most of us had no idea about,” he remarked, underscoring the event’s role in educating the public about Philadelphia’s rich history.
During her remarks, Fraites highlighted that Girl Scout cookie season, which has been extended through March 22, 2024, is about much more than just cookies. “When a Girl Scout sells cookies, she’s learning how to set a plan, speak with confidence, handle challenges, and see the impact of her work,” she explained. “Generation after generation, this program has helped girls build courage, confidence, and character.”
As Philadelphia continues to celebrate its historical milestones, the Firstival event served as a joyful reminder of the Girl Scouts’ lasting impact on the community and the nation.
