The circa 1940 ice cream fountain
Once upon a time Anderson’s Ice cream fountain was the place to go in the summertime. Today that spot is our Post office, and also is where everyone goes just about every day. But back when it was an Ice Cream Parlor, there were marble topped tables with twisted iron legs and chairs to match.
Soda dispensers arch over the counter.
The soda bar was topped with marble and faced with oak. Every dish had a special use, and each topping was clearly displayed for all to see. The tall flaring soda glasses were in metal containers with handles. Silver plated tear-drop shaped spoons, long for sodas, short for ice cream were in a glass container on the counter.
There were two scoops for ice cream, one for the five-cent size and the other for the ten-cent size. It was Mrs. Anderson’s pride and joy.
Ancient Soda Fountain found
This vision was in my mind recently when I ran across an ancient soda fountain that needed a home. Its origins are uncertain, although it may have come from Merveau’s drug store in Northport which was, until about 1960, located where Dolls and More is now.
The syrup dispensers feature Strawberry, Raspberry, chocolate, and pineapple labels.
It is not fancy like the Anderson’s soda fountain was in 1890, but it has similarities. The knobs dispense Raspberry, Chocolate, Pineapple and Strawberry syrup. There are two containers to hold the ice cream scoops, one for the large, one for the smaller one.
The soda fountains are arching above the counter for all to see. And who knows what tear-drop spoons or dishes of toppings for ice cream might have been displayed on top once. At 5’ long, it was too large for the local museums to display. Can anyone see a future for this old piece of history?
Thanks to Omena Historical Society and Idyll Farms
Gorden Solle, Elsie and Genvea Putnam Smith at the counter in Anderson’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1935. This was where currently the Omena Post Office is. Photo Courtesy of Sally Viskochil and Omena Historical Society