Page 91 - Experience Magazine Fall 2023

apparatus capable of producing contained drugs like cocaine contributed to their increasing
significant quantities. Soda and caffeine, used for headache popularity. Preservative-free soda
fountains continued to evolve and treatment. The Harrison Narcotics syrup, with flavors extracted from
were transformed into visually Tax Act of 1914 banned cocaine in natural fruits, created tastes like
appealing apparatuses, combining “over-the-counter” products. Orange Crush and Cherry Smash,
functionality with style. They During the same period, egg-based becoming common in local
became a crucial investment for beverages became highly popular drugstores. Syrup companies offered
every pharmacy. at soda fountains, particularly egg free syrup dispensers to pharmacists

In 1863, the first patent was issued phosphates, which were a favorite in exchange for advertising.
for a marble soda fountain and ice among customers. These creamy Additionally, major companies like
shaver. This eye-pleasing apparatus, drinks were created by combining Coca-Cola and Pepsi provided soda
made of white Italian marble, onyx soda water, raw egg, phosphate dispensers to pharmacies at no cost.
and glistening brass with large and flavored syrup, resulting in a While they were popular with all
mirrors, was housed in a miniature delightful concoction. Alongside Americans, teenagers frequented
cottage. By 1875, soda fountains had the egg phosphates, milkshakes soda fountains the most. The stars
become widespread across America, (originally made with carbonated of the show were soda jerks – so-
becoming integral to the culture. water, sweetened flavored milk named for the way they jerked the
The intense competition among and a raw egg) and ice cream handles used to extract fruit syrups
pharmacies and confectionary sodas (flavored soda water with a from the pumps – who held court
shops led to the creation of perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream) also behind the counter, making the
drinks at the lowest prices to attract gained popularity. sometimes-complicated creations
customers. During peak summers, By the early 1920s, soda fountains for the patrons – anything from
sales at individual shops sometimes were prevalent in almost every a Brown Cow (basically a root
reached over a thousand glasses of drugstore. The onset of prohibition beer float with chocolate syrup)
soda per day. in 1919 led to the closure of bars, to a Lime Rickey (a mix of lime
Interestingly, in the early days driving people to seek socialization juice, fruit or sugar syrup, as well
of soda fountains, drinks often at soda fountains, which as seltzer – a descendant of its
alcoholic forefather) to a Catawba
Flip (vanilla ice cream, egg, grape
juice and seltzer).
Soda fountains reached their
iconic look in the 1950s,
embracing streamlined designs
with stainless steel or marble
flat-tops. They featured distinctive
fixtures like checkered floors and
leather booths. To attract more
customers, especially teenagers,
jukeboxes playing rock ’n’ roll
music were added, making soda
fountains an edgier and more
appealing place to spend time.
At Barrett-Jackson’s automobilia
auctions, soda fountains are
celebrated for their nostalgia,
holding sentimental value for
those who remember their heyday.
SOLD! LAS VEGAS 2015 – 1960s BASTIAN BLESSING SODA FOUNTAIN – $18,975 Their unique and iconic design

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