The history of the soda fountain is fascinating. Originally, they were most often found in drug stores because it was pharmacists who used their chemistry knowledge to mix carbonated beverages, even inventing Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper.
They were favorite hangouts for teens and adults alike, especially during Prohibition, and eventually, many also served simple food and snacks in a diner-like atmosphere.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane with these vintage soda fountain photos.
Drug Store Soda Fountain, 1920s
Drug stores used to be the place to hang out, sipping on soda and eating ice cream, believe it or not. You can see items for sale at this one, with a very bar-like soda fountain on the right.
Beach Front Soda Fountain, 1940s
If you’re spending the day at the beach, you’re going to need refreshment. We love the perfectly coiffed curls of these ladies — and the old 7-Up sign in the window.
Teenagers at a Soda Fountain, 1940s
Teenagers looking for a place to congregate often ended up at the soda fountain. These girls look stylish in their feathered hats.
Banana Split, 1950s
Sundaes got pretty fancy over the years at soda fountains. This banana split being delivered to a young lady’s table looks picture perfect.
Flappers at a Soda Fountain, 1926
These four women enjoying their milkshakes are wearing quintessential flapper fashion, right down to the pin curls in their hair.
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Lunch Counter and Soda Fountain Workers, 1940s
These two fountain workers are having fun, but we’re more taken by the owl mirror on the wall and the “seltzer for headaches” sign on the soda fountain.
A Soda Jerk, 1936
Soda jerks, like this dapper gentleman, were called that because they had to jerk the handle of the soda water dispenser back and forth to fill a cup.
Miller and Shoemaker Soda Fountain, 1899
On the menu of this ornate 19th century soda fountain is a flavor called “Don’t Care.” That was made up of whatever leftover flavored syrups were left mixed together, so it was always a surprise what it tasted like.
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Los Angeles Soda Fountain, 1916
The advertisements all over this photo are fascinating, from the Havana Cigars calendar to the Carnation Milk. In the foreground is a huge barrel for holding Dr. Swett’s root beer.
Soda Fountain Girls, 1945
This photo shows just how soda fountains really were fixtures in retail stores. There’s everything from magazines to beauty items for sale right behind them while they eat their ice cream cones.
Biggest Soda Fountain in Battle Creek, MI, 1911
Can you imagine being handed your root beer float across this beautiful marble bar?
Crowded Drugstore Counter, 1920s
It’s weird to think that in the 1920s, you’d go to the pharmacy, pick up a prescription, then sit right down and order an ice cream soda. This is clearly a popular spot to do just that, though.
Coca-Cola Soda Fountain, 1930
This fully-mirrored, Coke branded Art Deco bar is absolutely stunning, full stop.
Dixie Soda Fountain Co., Washington, D.C., 1928
This feels like a middle class, utilitarian soda fountain, without many frilly decorations. The soda jerks are still standing by with a smile on their faces, though.
Horluck’s Ice Cream Soda Fountain, 1930
With older men sitting at this soda fountain in Seattle during Prohibition, do you think there’s a secret back room offering customers something a little stronger?
Soda Jerk, 1953
We get a behind-the-scenes look at a soda jerk’s job in this photo. There’s all kinds of pumps for sauces and ingredients, plus old glass milk bottles.
Dittmer’s Mission Pharmacy, 1905
The boy sitting at this Orange, California soda fountain seems much more interested in his drink than the camera. We love the huge Hires root beer tap on the counter.
Thirsty? Thankfully, there are still some surviving soda fountains still open across America.
