The soda fountain may have been invented in the the 1800's, but it wasn't until the joining of the drug store and the soda fountain in the early 1900's, that it began its near 70 year reign in the hearts of Americans.

By the 1920's, the soda fountain had made its way into nearly every drug store in America.

The most logical reason for this was the introduction of prohibition in 1919. When all the bars closed, there was a social void and a restless public with no outlet for social interaction

The thirsty public wasn't about to be without something to drink, leaving the trusted pharmacist with the task of filling that prescription. Pharmacists had for many years made some drinks with cocaine for medicinal reasons, but the Harrison Act of 1914 banned the use of opiates in over the counter products. This in turn brought about the name "Soft Drink". The introduction of prohibition made these Non-alcholic "Soft Drinks" socially acceptable.

In order to make their beverages, the Druggist had to take on the rather difficult and dangerous task of making their own Co2. Jacob Buar, an enterprising young pharmacist, saw a need for a more convienant way to get Co2 and he created the Liquid Cabonic Company to fill that need.

Liquid Carbonic Co. began in 1888 as a Co2 supplier and eventually evolved into the largest supplier of Co2, and all things needed to operate a soda fountain. By 1899 they had moved into the manufacture of soda fountains. It was said Liquid Carbonic Co. provided everything from the fountain to the hat- all that was missing was the Soda Jerk! In 1908 Charles Bastien, an engineer for Liquid Carbonic Co. subsequently lost his eyesight and was terminated. He and Lewis Blessing a salesman for Liquid Carbonic Co. opened Bastien and Blessing. They continued to manufacture soda fountains until their close in 1983.

American Soda Fountain in Chicago Il. still repairs and supplies parts for just about any major fountain today. This family owned business has ties to the original Liquid Carbonic Company