Do you remember the iconic Soda Fountain of the 1950s? This was the hippest hangout spot for teens and young adults of that era.
History of the Soda Fountain
The Drugstore Soda Fountain, or Malt Shop, has a long history. It dates back to the early 1800s. At the time, drinking mineral water was a popular health trend. This fad prompted the advent of the machine that added carbonation to the mineral water.
In May 1886, Dr. John Stith Pemberton, a local pharmacist, created the syrup for Coca-Cola. He took a jug of the new product to Jacobs’ Pharmacy to be sampled.
The syrup was declared “excellent” and offered for sale at five cents a glass as a soda fountain drink. (Click here for reference). Adding the “Coke Syrup” to the carbonated water created this new Coca-Cola as we know it today.
Drugstores at the end of the 19th century began to change. They added a counter and stools to the pharmacy. Part of the pharmacy was transformed into a soda fountain.
They realized people wanted lunch options. Therefore, they added sandwiches to the counter menu.
In 1919, at the beginning of prohibition (1919-1933), soda fountains naturally became more popular as bars were now illegal. Some of them became bootleggers, which gave them a poor reputation. However, when prohibition ended, the soda fountains regained their good standing.
Features of the 1950s Soda Fountain
Drugstore soda fountains sold fountain sodas, of course. Other popular items included ice cream sodas, milkshakes, egg creams, chocolate malts, ice cream sundaes, cones, and a limited sandwich menu.
The person who waited on customers and made the ice cream confections was called a Soda Jerk. My father-in-law has fond memories of being a soda jerk in the early 1950s.
Soda Fountains also were found in stand-alone stores, not just the long counter of a drugstore. They developed a larger menu with burgers and fries as well as sandwiches and other diner-type foods.
Soda Fountains were popular places for teenagers and young adults to socialize after school and on weekends. Therefore, jukeboxes were introduced so they could listen to the most popular records while they were there. They could be with friends or on a date while they enjoyed the music.
Downfall of the Soda Fountain
In the 1960s with the rise in Fast Food restaurants came the fall of soda fountains. Bottled sodas and packaged ice cream in grocery stores added to its detriment as well.
But there was so much nostalgia in the Soda Fountains of yesteryear that there are some throwback ones around today. Have you ever been to Johnny Rockets?
This popular restaurant has employees dressed as Soda Jerks that dance to 50s classics by Elvis that play on the jukebox. They serve chili dogs, hamburgers, malts, and milkshakes. It is a fun experience if you get a chance.
