Soda jerk

Soda jerks were relatively common in the United States from the 1920s until the late 1950s; due to economic and social trends, the occupation essentially no longer exists.

It was inspired by the "jerking" action the server would implement to drive the fountain handle back and forth when adding soda.

Since most drinks required carbonated water, the tap handle was built large to accommodate frequent use of the fountain.

Michael Karl Witzel describes an archetypal soda jerk as "[a] consummate showman, innovator and freelance linguist ... the pop culture star of the Gilded Age".

[4] The proliferation of ice cream parlors declined as drive-ins and walk-up fast food stands grew in popularity, and grill and fry cooks replaced soda jerks.