Soda Fountains and Ice Cream Parlors

It was the Main Street hangout for the teenagers of its day. For a nickel they could dream as they heard the jukebox play! Wispy white metal chairs surrounded tables topped with glass. (There were secluded booths where lads could woo their lass!) From the tin covered ceiling hung a fan with its whirring blade, And arrayed along the soda fountain were the tools of the trade. Symmetric white and black tiles covered the spotless floor. A gleaming steel and marble counter completed its bright decor! Presiding over all was a guy oddly named the "soda jerk." Clad in impeccable white, he took great pride in his work. He was a wizard at his craft and when his sorcery was done, He'd whipped up a heavenly treat that couldn't be outdone! A Hamilton mixer, scoops and ladles were the tools of his trade. In a trice he'd make a root beer float or some tasty lemonade, Hot fudge sundae, banana split, soda or strawberry shake, Cherry coke or any such concoction you'd ask him to make! The "soda jerk" did his duties with consummate skill and grace, Always with a ready quip and a contented smile upon his face. Fast food joints or drive-ins today do not have that elegant flair, That yesteryear's soda fountains and ice cream parlors had to share! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)