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Washington, D.C., circa 1921. "People's Drug Store, 18th & Columbia Road. Soda fountain." An interior view of the store (now a McDonald's) seen earlier here. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size.
Tony's comment about Mr. Softee jogged my memory. As an early 20-something, I spent a summer as a Mr. Softee driver/sales person. What an experience that was! Most of the time was spent either washing down the rig or stocking it. The remainder of the time was an altogether boring rut of ennui -- up and down the streets of one suburb, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The only excitement was a battle with the Good Humor vendor to be the first on a street. If I won, the Good Humor guy lost his good humor. Then there was the resident who threatened to put the Mr. Softee jingle amplifier down my throat: "I work nights and sleep days. I don't want to hear you ever again, Buster!" Yikes, what fun, what memories!
I purchased a Stanley brand Thermos about three months ago. It looks almost exactly like these. Amazing how some styles never change.
I was in that McDonald's the other day...it's changed a bit on the inside from this photo. I'm not sure if it's changed for the better or worse.
How about that round radiator! Try to find one like that today.
Between this People's and the Weller establishment! Look at that floor! Amazing.
I wonder how many men went in for rubber goods and came out with a hot water bottle.
We had Laird & Dines drug store in Tempe when I was a kid (it is now a Hooters) and I can still remember the unique smell of all the soaps, perfumes and "behind the soda fountain" stuff.
It was a magical place.
I challenge any Baskin-Robbins or Friendly's to produce a "Banana Royal, with figs."
I'll take one since I haven't seen a Mr. Softee truck since I was a kid. No waiting either in this joint from the looks of it.
Wonder where all that marble ended up. Counter top and front all marble. Wow!
The soda jerk on the left surely reminds me of the only known surviving photo of Billy. (And I hope those are spots in the emulsion, not dirt on his outfit.)
Taken, I presume, around Easter, since they're flogging egg dye. And where can you get a Vermont Maple Nut soda these days? Probably not even in Vermont.
Love the Parthenon-like display just above the "Rubber Goods" sign. What, exactly, is in those boxes?
[Barnard's Razor-Aid. - Dave]
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