Soviet Soda Fountains: April 16, 19322 photos

The soda fountain was invented as early as 1783. A cup of unsweetened soda water cost just one kopeck, while a cup with syrup could be enjoyed for three kopecks. Despite no security measures, theft was extremely rare. Even alcoholics would take it to drink with their alcohol, ensuring it was returned afterward. Various tricks were used to cheat the machines; some people used strings to drop coins, or threw in steel balls of the right weight and size. Many could also successfully trick the machine into dispensing free water by hitting it just right with a fist. There was even a special model for free distribution at hot factories and fire stations, which lacked a coin acceptor and only had three buttons: “water”, “soda water”, and “salt dose” – adding a small amount of salt to help replenish lost sodium through sweat.

During the collapse of the USSR, selling and maintaining these machines became unprofitable. Today, it’s almost impossible to find a soda fountain vending machine.