Dozens of former Girl Scouts and cookie enthusiasts gathered in Philadelphia on Saturday to celebrate the origins of the Girl Scout cookie sales at the “Firstival” event. This gathering marked the fifth week of Historic Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” initiative, which honors significant milestones in the city’s history. The event took place at PECO’s headquarters, located at 23rd and Market streets, and showcased the enduring partnership between the Girl Scouts of the USA and PECO.
Attendees had the chance to sample and purchase a variety of cookies, vote on their favorite flavors, and learn about the historical significance of the Girl Scouts in Philadelphia. The first public sale of Girl Scout cookies occurred in 1932, when scouts used “demonstration ovens” to bake cookies that were sold from the windows of PECO’s original Broad Street headquarters. 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, a story that’s shared with us at PECO and has grown into a lasting national tradition,” Levine, a former Girl Scout herself, stated to the assembled crowd. She highlighted how the experience shaped her leadership skills in her current role.
A Celebration of Community and History
The event featured storytelling by a representative from Once Upon a Nation, a program supported by the Historic District of Philadelphia, which recounted the tale of the inaugural cookie sale. Attendees also admired a sculpture created to commemorate this historic “first.” Kim Fraites, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, expressed excitement about the recognition.
“It’s a big year for the country, and obviously for Philadelphia,” she noted. Phylicia Epps, GSEPA’s head of Philadelphia strategy and partnerships, reflected on her personal connection as a former Girl Scout, sharing her joy in being part of the city’s celebrations.
The Firstival initiative features unique sculptures at various locations throughout Philadelphia, each commemorating a significant historical event. Previous installations honored milestones such as America’s first balloon flight and the first professional basketball league.
The sculpture honoring the Girl Scouts was designed by Carol Cannon-Nesco, a native Philadelphian and former top cookie seller. “It was the funnest project I ever did,” she said, expressing pride in representing the Girl Scouts through her artwork. The sculpture will be installed at the corner of 23rd and Market streets once weather permits.
Richard Powell, a participant at the event, shared a personal family connection to the cookie sales, recalling how his mother was one of the original bakers in the 1930s. “They took the bus to the PECO building, which had lots of windows and a functioning kitchen. In that kitchen, they baked Girl Scout cookies for sale,” he said, reminiscing about the fond memories of his childhood.
More Than Just Cookies
In addition to the festivities, attendees had the opportunity to purchase cookies from local Girl Scout troops and cast their votes for their favorite varieties. Epps expressed her preference for Adventurefuls, while Powell declared himself a “peanut butter guy.” Ultimately, the perennial favorite, Thin Mints, emerged as the top cookie in the voting.
Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, noted that the “52 Firsts” initiative aims to celebrate Philadelphia’s rich history as part of the semiquincentennial commemoration. He remarked, “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, maybe including many Girl Scouts today.”
In her remarks, Fraites emphasized that the cookie sales represent much more than just a fundraising effort. “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 said. “Generation after generation, this program has helped girls build courage, confidence, and character, proving that something that starts with a cookie can help shape future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.”
The Girl Scout cookie season has been extended through March 22, 2024, due to recent cold temperatures affecting the Philadelphia area, providing more opportunities for community engagement. As Philadelphia embraces its legacy, events like the Firstival serve to connect past traditions with future aspirations.
