Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Soda Fountains From The Sixties

The soda fountain was the center for socializing in the '60s.


Carbonated water was once believed to contain healing powers and was sold over a counter pharmacies staring in the 1800s. Soon flavors were added and developed into what we know as soda pop. During the 1920s, prohibition and the invention of refrigeration gave the soft drink industry a boost. Soda fountains grew into independent establishments opening their doors in most communities. The soda fountain remained the central place to meet for soft drinks, burgers and ice cream treats through the 1960s.


Meeting Place


Sweet hearts and friends would meet after shcool.


The local soda fountain was the place where kids liked to meet after school. Groups of friends and sweethearts would stop for a soda or snack and talk about the day's events. There was the excitement of seeing who would walk through the door, the music blaring from the juke box and a menu that appealed to kids.


Decor


The bright vinyl upholstery with chrome trim was the main decor at soda fountains.


Walking through the glass and wooden front doors, you were met with a black and white checkered linoleum floor. The main feature in the rooms was the soda fountain which usually featured a long counter covered with shiny laminate and edged with chrome. Tall chrome stools with padded seats lined the counter where you could sit and drop a nickle in the small juke-box at your place to play your favorite song. Booths would line the walls and small chrome and laminate tables filled the room, along with backed chairs that matched. The color scheme was apt to be red with black, pink with black, turquoise or orange.


Menu


A milkshake with two straws was a favorite.


The after-school crowd had colas, root beer and an array of ice cream dishes on the menu from which to choose. Sodas, milkshakes and floats were made behind the counter and served in tall, heavy glasses with two straws. Sundaes and banana splits were featured items. For the lunch crowd there were hamburgers, french fries and onion rings. Soup and grilled sandwiches were offered along with chef salads.


End of an Era


The soda fountain gave way to fast food chains.


The soda fountain gradually gave way to the fast food places that had started dotting the landscape with increasing favor. It became easier and faster to get your milkshakes, hamburgers and fries at the drive through window. Malls also sprang up and became a new place for the kids to gather and socialize after school.









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