A Nostalgic Journey: The History of Soda Fountains and Their Timeless Treats at UNION Bar & Soda Fountain
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
Welcome to the blog of UNION Bar & Soda Fountain, your go-to spot in Old Town Fort Collins for a blend of retro charm and modern flair. Nestled at 250 Jefferson Street, we're more than just a restaurant—we're a family-friendly haven where classic American diner vibes meet craft cocktails, house-made sodas, and elevated comfort food. Whether you're grabbing a burger on our award-winning patio or sipping a boozy milkshake inside our Mid-century modern interior, UNION captures the essence of those beloved soda fountain days.
Today, let's dive into the fizzy history of soda fountains and spotlight some of the era's most iconic foods and drinks that inspired our menu.
The Fizzy Origins: How Soda Fountains Bubbled Up
Soda fountains trace their roots back to the late 18th century, when scientists like Joseph Priestley pioneered ways to infuse water with carbon dioxide in 1767, creating artificially carbonated water. (artofdrink.com) This innovation laid the groundwork for what would become a staple in pharmacies across Europe and America. By the early 19th century, these "mineral waters" were touted as health tonics, often mixed with flavored syrups to treat ailments like headaches and indigestion. (pharmacytimes.com) In the United States, the first patented soda fountain appeared in 1819, invented by physician Samuel Fahnestock—a simple barrel with a pump and spigot for dispensing fizzy drinks. (scbeverage.com)
Pharmacists, or "druggists," quickly adopted them, blending carbonated water with extracts like cocaine and caffeine for medicinal purposes. (pharmacytimes.com) Yale professor Benjamin Silliman helped popularize them by opening soda fountains in New Haven, New York City, and Baltimore around 1806. (en.wikipedia.org) By the 1830s, inventors like John Matthews made production more efficient, spreading fountains to individual shops. (scbeverage.com) The golden age hit in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during Prohibition, when soda fountains became social hubs as bars closed. (thoughtco.com) Often housed in drugstores or candy shops, they featured ornate marble counters and "soda jerks" who skillfully mixed drinks. (en.wikipedia.org) Gustavus D. Dows patented the first marble soda fountain with an ice shaver in 1863, adding to the visual appeal. (thoughtco.com) Major manufacturers like Tuft’s Arctic Soda Fountain and A.D. Puffer & Sons dominated the market, forming the American Soda Fountain Company in 1891. (thoughtco.com) Peaking in the 1940s and 1950s, soda fountains were everywhere—from small-town luncheonettes to big-city drugstores like Walgreens. (en.wikipedia.org)
But by the 1970s, they fizzled out due to the rise of self-service drugstores, bottled sodas, fast food chains, car culture, and suburban sprawl. (en.wikipedia.org) Today, places like UNION keep the spirit alive with a modern twist. (mashed.com)
Classic Sips and Bites: Foods and Drinks of the Soda Fountain Era
Soda fountains weren't just about the bubbles—they offered a delightful array of sweet and savory treats that made them community gathering spots. Here's a roundup of some favorites from the era, many of which echo in our menu at UNION.
Iconic Drinks
Ice Cream Sodas: A scoop of vanilla ice cream floating in flavored soda water—think root beer or chocolate. These evolved from medicinal tonics to fun indulgences.
Phosphates: Fizzy, tangy drinks made with acid phosphate and flavors like cherry, lemon, or chocolate. Popular in the early 1900s, they added a zesty kick.
Egg Creams: Despite the name, no eggs or cream—just chocolate syrup, milk, and seltzer. A New York staple that's creamy and refreshing.
Lime Rickeys: Lime juice, syrup, and soda water for a tart, bubbly treat—perfect for hot days.
Root Beer Floats: Root beer poured over vanilla ice cream, creating a frothy delight. Still a crowd-pleaser today!
Chocolate or Vanilla Coke: Classic Coca-Cola mixed with chocolate or vanilla syrup, often topped with ice cream.
Green River: A bright green lime-flavored soda, iconic in the Midwest.
Hot Sodas (Winter Specials): In colder months, options like hot eggnog, hot mint juleps, or even a "Reeking Smatch" (clam juice, cream, and ginger) kept things cozy.
Beloved Foods
Soda fountains often doubled as luncheonettes, serving simple, comforting fare alongside the drinks.
Sandwiches: Tuna fish, egg salad, BLTs, and grilled cheese were staples, perfect for a quick lunch.
Soups: Chicken noodle, tomato, and clam chowder provided warm, hearty options.
Milkshakes and Malts: Thick blends of milk, ice cream, and flavors like strawberry or chocolate—sometimes boozy in modern spots like ours.
Sundaes and Banana Splits: Layers of ice cream, syrups, nuts, and whipped cream; banana splits were a 39-cent treat at places like Woolworth's.
Pies: Apple or berry pie topped with melted cheese was a quirky favorite in the 1940s.
Burgers and Fries: Classic diner grub that paired perfectly with a fizzy soda.
At UNION, we honor these traditions with our house-made sodas, vegan and gluten-free options, and creative spins like boozy milkshakes. Our bar program puts a fun twist on timeless recipes, just like the soda jerks of old.
Relive the Magic at UNION
The soda fountain era may have faded, but its legacy lives on in places that celebrate nostalgia with a fresh perspective. At UNION Bar & Soda Fountain, we're proud to blend that vintage charm with contemporary comforts—whether it's a craft cocktail on the patio or a classic root beer float with friends. Swing by daily from 11am (10am on weekends) and taste a piece of history. Got a favorite soda fountain memory? Share it with us on social media @unionfortcollins!
