May 3, 2023 – Theme Week Day 3

We’re halfway through our theme week on Odd Jobs that Don’t Exist Anymore. Today, we’re talking about the soda jerk, who was responsible for operating the soda fountain in a drugstore. They would prepare and serve soda drinks and ice cream sodas, while also socializing with and entertaining their customers. Soda jerks were pretty common in the U.S. from the 1920s to the late 1950s, with around half a million employed in the 1930s and 40s. The term “soda jerk” was a play on “soda clerk”, which was their formal job title. It was inspired by the jerking motion of pulling the handle to add soda to the drinks. Over time, soda fountains became less popular as drive-ins and walk-up fast food stands took over. Learn more here.