Soda Fountains: Prohibition

Soda fountains benefited considerably during the late nineteenth century, when the temperance movement was gaining ground. As the temperance movement grew, it became obvious that there was a need for an alternative to the saloon. This initially posed a dilemma for some fountain operators since a number of their shakes, flips, and sodas contained alcohol. Trade journals began urging operators to eliminate the use of alcohol in their concoctions and began publishing articles on how to attract former saloon customers. They promoted rich drinks, like egg drinks and malted milk beverages, that would appeal to men. Hires Root Beer, Coca-Cola, and Moxie had advertising campaigns promoting their beverages as healthful temperance drinks.