Unusual Jobs: Exploring 10 Vanished Professions from History

8. Soda Jerk: Crafting Fizzy Delights at the Counter

The role of the soda jerk was a popular occupation in the early to mid-20th century. Found behind the counters of soda fountains, soda jerks were responsible for serving a variety of beverages, including ice cream sodas, milkshakes, and flavored carbonated drinks. Their signature skill was “jerking” the soda fountain handle to dispense carbonated water and create the fizzy base for these drinks. Soda jerks also interacted with customers, took orders, operated cash registers, and maintained cleanliness in their establishments. The decline of soda fountains ultimately led to a reduction in demand for this profession, but the term “soda jerk” continues to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.

September 10, 2023 | 5:07 pm