Soda fountains gained popularity during the 1850s when the community drugstore was the one stop shop and local hang out spot. During those times fountain drinks were laced with drugs and then sweetened with syrups, so drinking soda was viewed as a cure for illness, or meant to boost health. Many fountain drinks were concocted with drugs or herbs, the most commonly known were cocaine and caffeine, though in its heyday, soda fountains were often personalized concoctions invented from the local pharmacist.
It wasn’t until 1914, when the Harrison Act became law, that cocaine and opiates were banned from over the counter consumption. Before that year, it was perfectly legally to sell cocaine concoctions to the public. Now for a soda fountain machine Los Angeles has many options for caffeinated but safe beverages.
- Here are some interesting facts about America’s favorite beverage through the years:
- In 1798 carbonated water was termed: soda water.
- In 1810, the first U.S. patent was issued for the mass manufacture of imitation mineral waters to inventors, Simons and Rundell of Charleston, South Carolina.
- In 1819 Samuel Fahnestock received the first soda fountain dispenser patent.
- On January 25, 1870, the first modern form of the soda fountain was patented by Gustavus Dows.
- In October of 1874, one of America’s favorite summer time treats – the ice cream soda – was created by Robert Green.
- In 1903, Los Angeles soda fountains were completely re-designed and a front service fountain was patented by Doctor Heisinger.
- 1886 was a big year for soda brands: Coca Cola, Hires Root Beer and Dr. Pepper were all introduced within months of each other.
- Americans love their soft drinks. The proof? We drink over 13 billion gallons of soft drinks each year.
- Soda is an effective cleaning agent. To clean a toilet:
- Pour a can of soda into the toilet bowl.
- Let the soda sit for one hour, then flush clean.
- The citric acid removes stains from vitreous china.
- No scrubbing, no sweat - guaranteed. - Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola companies controlled 75% of the carbonated soft drink market in 2005, selling over 7.6 billion cases of soda.
In Los Angeles beverage equipment continues to grow in popularity as America’s thirst for soda beverages continues at a steadily increasing rate.
