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Fairchild-Martindale Library (FML) is consistently one of the most utilized spots on campus for so many reasons. With the plenty of computers, multiple floors to utilize, along with the delicious “Grind Cafe”, FML is at the top of places to study on Lehigh’s campus.

The front of The Cup is pictured moments before opening on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021. The shop opens every day at 1:00 pm.

A bright LED lit “OPEN” sign shines in front of The Cup in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021. The owner has turned the sign on and is ready to serve.

34-year-old Mark Ingram walks into the store on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. He is the first customer of the day.

39-year-old Nancy Butler watches on as Ingram enters the store on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. She is ready to serve and excited for a great day at The Cup.

The fan-favorite flavor “Cookie Monster” is pictured next to the “Birthday Cake” and vanilla flavors on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Despite it running low, there is more than enough “Cookie Monster” left for Mark if he chose it.

The different kinds of cones available are pictured on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Everything from the plain waffle to the rainbow sprinkled cone is available.

Nancy Butler patiently waits as Mark Ingram considers the different flavors available on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Nancy knows it usually takes a moment for the customer to decide.

Nancy Butler scoops the Cookie Monster ice cream into the rainbow-sprinkled-cone on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. It is no surprise that Mark opted for this popular flavor.

Nancy Butler tops off the rest of the cone on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Cones like this one require two large scoops.

Nancy Butler hands off the finished ice cream cone to Mark Ingram on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Mark has been craving ice cream all day and is excited to try it.

Mark Ingram takes the first bite of ice cream on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Mark couldn’t help but try it the moment he received the cone.

After paying, Nancy Butler hands Mark Ingram his change on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2021 in Bethlehem, Pa. Mark plans on coming back to the Cup tomorrow for a different flavor.

The Bethlehem Dairy Store. The Dairy Store. Mowrer’s. The Cup. Whatever people choose to call it, it means the same thing to all: a locally owned and operated business that has been serving up homemade ice cream and memories to Bethlehem residents and visitors since the 1930s.

The Bethlehem Dairy Store, originally owned by the Mowrer family, first opened on Linden Street in the 1930s. Those first few generations knew the shop as “The Dairy Store” or “Mowrer’s,” after the store’s owners. However, the shop’s giant milkshake-cup shape led to its more current nickname “The Cup.”

“We don’t care what they call it, as long as they keep coming,” long-time employee Nancy Butler said.

The Cup and the university bookstore are the only two spots that have held residency since the opening of Farrington Square. Butler discussed that the shop sees a lot of business from both students and area families.

She said that during the school year the majority of customers come from Lehigh students, while families will visit more readily during the summer months. However, both times of year see a broad demographic. The only time the shop closes is during Lehigh’s winter break, as most students aren’t on campus and fewer area families are going out for ice cream.

“You tend to get to know people by name sometimes, you just talk to them and get to know them,” Butler said of visitors who frequently come to the store.

For some people The Cup is a special-occasion visit, while for others, like 34-year-old Mark Ingram, it is a frequent occurrence.

“I probably come here about 10 times per month. It’s kind of my spot,” Ingram said.

Ingram said he usually switches up his order, but that “Cookie Monster” has become his favorite. “(Cookie Monster) has sort of become my go-to,” Mark said. “I feel like it’s the most consistently tasty flavor no matter the day I come.”

With all ice cream being homemade at the store, and regularly replenished, Butler also commented on the shop’s most popular flavors, citing mint chocolate chip, peanut butter cookie and moose tracks, among others, as other fan favorites.

“Personally, I love the black and white milkshake,” Butler said. “It reminds me of my mom’s milkshakes.”

Butler said the shop usually offers seasonal flavors such as fall’s pumpkin cheesecake, winter’s peppermint stick, and a variety of summary, fruity flavors.

“Time flies at The Cup,” Butler said. “You get a good cup of ice cream, a good laugh, and some great memories.”