SIPPING SODA: A Quick History of Soda Fountains and Their Collectibility
August 9, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Nicole Ellan James
LAS VEGAS 2023 – 1950S STAINLESS-STEEL SODA FOUNTAIN IN COCA-COLA REGALIA – $80,500
Little known to many and an interesting fact: The origins of soda fountains can be traced back to pharmacies. Today when you think of soda fountains, a plethora of images rushes to mind: the colossal 44-ounce Big Gulp available at 7-Eleven, the drink dispenser at your cherished fast-food joint and perhaps gleaming stainless-steel counters with a ’50s diner vibe. Remarkably, from the early 20th century until the 1960s, both city dwellers and small-town residents relished carbonated beverages at local soda fountains found mainly inside drug stores.
LAS VEGAS 2015 – 1960s BASTIAN BLESSING SODA FOUNTAIN – $18,975
Soda’s origin is medicinal, stemming from naturally carbonated waters found in volcanic springs. Due to transportation challenges, only pharmacies initially stocked it. Its effervescent properties made it a prescribed remedy for stomach issues. Researchers, fascinated by its lack of side effects, explored and recreated the process of dissolving chemical compounds of gas bubbles in water, leading to the soda we know today.
The first application of creating man-made carbonated water can be traced back to 1767, when an Englishman discovered the process using yeast, though the term “soda water” was not coined until 1798. Over time, the imitation of carbonated mineral waters advanced, transitioning to a blend of sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid in water. To enhance the drink’s taste, fruit juices and artificial flavors were later incorporated.
In the quest for mass-producing artificially carbonated water, cost-effective methods remained elusive until 1832 when a British-born inventor introduced an apparatus capable of producing significant quantities. Soda fountains continued to evolve and were transformed into visually appealing apparatuses, combining functionality with style. They became a crucial investment for every pharmacy.
In 1863, the first patent was issued for a marble soda fountain and ice shaver. This eye-pleasing apparatus, made of white Italian marble, onyx and glistening brass with large mirrors, was housed in a miniature cottage. By 1875, soda fountains had become widespread across America, becoming integral to the culture. The intense competition among pharmacies and confectionary shops led to the creation of perfect drinks at the lowest prices to attract customers. During peak summers, sales at individual shops sometimes reached over a thousand glasses of soda per day.
Interestingly, in the early days of soda fountains, drinks often contained drugs like cocaine and caffeine, used for headache treatment. The Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914 banned cocaine in “over-the-counter” products.
SCOTTSDALE 2015 – 1950’s SODA FOUNTAIN BAR – $17,250
During the same period, egg-based beverages became highly popular at soda fountains, particularly egg phosphates, which were a favorite among customers. These creamy drinks were created by combining soda water, raw egg, phosphate and flavored syrup, resulting in a delightful concoction. Alongside the egg phosphates, milkshakes (originally made with carbonated water, sweetened flavored milk and a raw egg) and ice cream sodas (flavored soda water with a scoop of vanilla ice cream) also gained popularity.
By the early 1920s, soda fountains were prevalent in almost every drugstore. The onset of prohibition in 1919 led to the closure of bars, driving people to seek socialization at soda fountains, which contributed to their increasing popularity. Preservative-free soda syrup, with flavors extracted from natural fruits, created tastes like Orange Crush and Cherry Smash, becoming common in local drugstores. Syrup companies offered free syrup dispensers to pharmacists in exchange for advertising. Additionally, major companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi provided soda dispensers to pharmacies at no cost.
While they were popular with all Americans, teenagers frequented soda fountains the most. The stars of the show were soda jerks – so-named for the way they jerked the handles used to extract fruit syrups from the pumps – who held court behind the counter, making the sometimes-complicated creations for the patrons – anything from a Brown Cow (basically a root beer float with chocolate syrup) to a Lime Rickey (a mix of lime juice, fruit or sugar syrup, as well as seltzer – a descendent 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.
SCOTTSDALE 2012 – 1950’s SODA FOUNTAIN TRIPLE HEAD MULTI-MIXER – $3,136
At Barrett-Jackson’s automobilia auctions, soda fountains are celebrated for their nostalgia, holding sentimental value for those who remember their heyday. Their unique and iconic design makes them highly sought-after collectibles. During the 2023 Las Vegas Auction, a 1950s stainless-steel soda fountain in Coca-Cola regalia sold for $80,000. Other examples include a 1960’s Bastian Blessing Soda Fountain with custom-built bar for $18,975 and a beautifully restored 1950’s soda fountain bar fully equipped with all the period restored accessories for $17,250.
Soda fountains often come with branded items like glassware, signs, menus and syrup dispensers, adding to their appeal as a treasure trove of collectible memorabilia. Examples from past automobilia auctions include a fun 1950s Soda Fountain triple head Multi-Mixer for Malts/Shakes and a 1917 Hamilton Beach soda fountain malt mixer.
The soda fountain’s association with classic movies, TV shows and images from the past further enhances their iconic pop culture status. People sipped on strawberry sodas at the fountain in the play “Our Town,” it was a place of courtship in the 1919 movie “True Heart Susie,” and Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland flirted over sodas in the 1938 film “Love Finds Andy Hardy.” The soda fountain at Schwab’s Pharmacy in Hollywood (featured in the 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard,” among others) became legendary for attracting young stars-in-the-making hoping to get noticed by film industry executives. While the story goes that actress Lana Turner was “discovered” at Schwab’s soda fountain in 1937, that discovery actually occurred at another soda fountain down the street, across from Hollywood High School, where the 16-year-old was a student.
Without a doubt, soda fountains represent a significant part of American cultural history, serving as gathering places, social hubs and symbols of a bygone era. Each Barrett-Jackson Automobilia Auction offers items that conjure up images of the past with various soda fountain memorabilia.
SCOTTSDALE 2022 – 1917 HAMILTON BEACH SODA FOUNTAIN MALT MIXER – $2,070
Visitors to Barrett-Jackson’s inaugural New Orleans Auction in September can channel that old-time soda fountain vibe at the Jeri Nims Soda Shop, located within the National WWII Museum on the corner of Magazine Street and Andrew Higgins Drive. Providing a glimpse back in time with its retro charm, the soda shop offers breakfast, sandwiches and sweet treats and is a fitting complement to the fascinating museum.
Join Barrett-Jackson in New Orleans, September 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and register to bid today. Automobilia bidder registration is $50 and bidders registered to purchase vehicles are automatically enrolled to bid on automobilia with no additional registration fee.