Riverdale Park’s Mister Magic brings a side of nostalgia with every order of ice cream on the Route 1 corridor.

Owner Doug Jarman bought the vintage 1960 Boyertown ice cream truck from the vendor he used to see in his neighborhood as a child, keeping the large old-school light-up ice cream cones and red-and-white color scheme and repairing the truck himself in the winter.

The truck, with the license plate “MRMAGIC,” is adorned with old-fashioned Cola-Cola and Pepsi decals and slogans like “Memories of Yesterday” and “The Very Very Best.” Even the lighting on it is reminiscent of old-school fluorescent vintage tubing, adding to the whole 1960s aesthetic and creating a carnival-like feel.

The menu is old-fashioned too, featuring milkshakes, banana boats and strawberry sundaes with homemade jam using recipes from the 1950s.

Jarman, who named the ice cream truck for his prior work as a professional magician, will still sometimes do tricks for kids when they order, making sprinkles appear on an ice cream coin or a penny disappear.

Now in its 30th year in business, the Mister Magic truck can be seen cruising through neighborhoods and at community events in and around the corridor, though it’s more likely to be heard first due to its distinctive use of the “Popeye” theme song. It’s also available to rent for special events.

Earlier this week we spotted Jarman in his classic 1960 truck making a stop in Riverdale Park’s historic district adorned with an ice-cream themed sun hat. His stop immediately drew a line of people waiting to get a cold treat.

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