To meet the need for carbonated soft drinks, the soda fountain was developed by a physician named Samuel Fahnestock in the United States in 1819. His invention pumped carbonated water from a pump and spigot. The barrel-shaped body of his device was designed so it could be concealed and hidden under a counter.
Over the course of the 19th century, the early soda fountain got a little more high-tech. The machine invented by John Matthews in 1832 made soda fountains much more cost-effective. As a result, their use spread to individual shops.
Throughout the mid-19th century, various innovations and recipes came along to add flavor. In 1903, the first iceless soda fountain machine was introduced.
Almost every drugstore had a soda fountain by the early 1920's. Due to prohibition, which began in 1919, bars were closing and people needed a place to socialize.
As soda fountains continued to evolve, they worked their way into everything from barbershops to restaurants. In many ways they became an iconic part of American culture and social behaviors.
History of soda fountain in United States
