History of Soda Fountains
Today we bring you a little history about The soda fountains, also known as soda shops, were counters or bars inside pharmacies or drugstores, where carbonated drinks with syrup and soda water were offered. The staff, who were generally young, were known as "Soda Jerks." Initially, these drinks had medical purposes, since the custom of consuming carbonated water dates back to ancient beliefs that held that bathing and drinking mineral water had various health benefits.
In Europe, “Soda Machines” were patented to produce carbonated water or soda and, by 1806, they reached the United States.
When rock stayed in these years, the "singing cafes", fashionable spaces where young people could smoke, dance, socialize and listen to their favorite music in the classics jukeboxes, were undoubtedly refuges for young people seeking freedom of expression and action.
The first soda fountains in New York soon opened. The popularity of non-alcoholic beverages increased in 1877, when it was estimated that 200 glasses of soda were consumed a day in New York.
The 1950s mark the golden age of soda fountains. These establishments went from being drugstores/pharmacies to what are known as "Bars." Here young people enjoyed ice cream, milkshakes and desserts, in addition to pharmacy bars. Finally, with the opening of restaurants and drive-thru food points. The popularity of these establishments decreased and little by little they disappeared.
Now, soda fountains emerge with a more elegant and urban style. These are the new American Diner, where you remember the typical bar counter with rotating stools, milkshakes and good times.
Visiting an American Diner is always a great option, have you seen one?