Bastian-Blessing Superior Soda Fountains
The Bastian-Blessing Company was started by Charles Bastian and Lewis Blessing. They were employees of the Liquid Carbonic Company that had been founded by Jacob Baur in 1888. Liquid Carbonic had been the first midwestern company that produced liquefied carbon dioxide for making soft drinks. Bastian and Blessing left the Liquid Carbonic Company in 1908 and started their own company where they manufactured soda fountains.
The Bastian-Blessing corporate offices and factory were based in Chicago, Illinois. A second factory was located in Grand Haven, Michigan from 1910 until 1988. In addition, they had a showroom that was located in NYC. They started a new division called RegO in 1918 that manufactured gas-welding equipment. Today Bastian-Blessing operates under the RegO name. But in its heyday, Bastian-Blessing was not only one of the earliest manufacturers of soda fountains, but the finest.
The following photos are from a vintage 1940 company brochure featuring the “Superior Fountain” product line. These soda fountains were made of solid steel construction. They had completely mechanical refrigeration, eliminating brine and water baths that were used on earlier models to keep the ice cream and drinks cold. The brochure claimed these units were “sanitary” and were designed to help you “reap greater profits than ever before”. These soda fountains were also very beautiful.
The first brochure page we feature here shows an installment in the Rainbow Restaurant in Portland Oregon. The clean, wood finish of the soda fountain fits in very well with the Art Deco design of the Restaurant’s exterior. And note the Dole Junior soda dispenser on the counter. The next brochure page shows the Superior Fountain at S. H. Kress & Co. in San Antonio, Texas. The stools are covered in red Spanish leather and on the walls are scenes depicting historic San Antonio. There’s also an architectural drawing showing the floor plan and layout of the soda fountain.
The next two pages show samples of the marbles tops available for the soda fountain counters. The sleek, modern style of these fixtures is an art form of a bygone era.
Here are more styles available in wood or porcelain on steel. They vary from Art Deco, to Neoclassical to Native American and they are all striking.
The next two pages of the brochure illustrate the different backbar options for the soda fountains. With the mirrors and glass they make quite an overall statement.
Many shops with soda fountains today advertise as having an original Bastian-Blessing counter. It would be worth trying to find an example in your area. Brochure pages not shown in this blog are available in the RetroPlanet PDF Library. Please take a look at them and blog-in with your comments.
How do I find out about buying a soda fountain
we have a bastian-blessing soda machine we will be selling on november 10 2008.at auction please e-mail me for info
I have a 1924 marble soda fountain for sale. please email for info. twodogtrade@yahoo.com
Anyone Interested? I have a 1938 Fischman Ice Cream Soda Fountain Counter (aprox. 10 ft. by 42 inches by 3 feet), the real thing from a drug store in Rhode Island originally. Has 10 dual sided ice cream wells and about 12 syrup dispensers. Made of shiny stainless steel and ceramic / marble… swan neck soda dispensers. Beautiful and surprisingly nice condition.
We are restoring an old small town pharmacy in Maryland and I would like to know more information about your counter.
I’m in the market right now for a fully operational, old fashioned soda fountain. Any sellers?
Mary, do you still have your fountain for sale? Please reply @ aelzarif@gmail.com. Thanks!!!
mary,
I’m interested
Mary please let me know if you are still looking to sell. Anyone for that matter, I am searching for a vintage soda fountain.
I have a 1953 (4) draft arm soda machine. It is approx. 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. tall (excluding draft arms). It makes its own carbonated water and has its own refrigeration unit. Three of the draft arms dispense a carbonated mix, while the fourth is a water mix (grape Nehi etc.) We have used that arm for Margeritas actually! Of course you can also dispense plain water or carbonated water separately. The unit unit must weigh over 500 lbs. and I have been trying to find a value for it, and an interested buyer. If any of you could direct me to either, I would be most appreciative.\
Thanks, Dave Foster df3532@sbcglobal.net
I am designing a tenant improvement soda fountain for some people in Custer, SD. Interested in what is out there as far as historical pieces & parts or even full operational assemblies. Phone number available upon request.
Hello everyone,
I just bought a house and there is an old soda fountain in the basement that I was going to keep, but I need the space for a bar fridge. I have photos if anyone wants. They are posted on an antique forum: http://www.antique-shop.com/forums/index.php?topic=4460.0
I’m not sure of how much it is worth or anything, but if anyone can offer some help, I would greatly appreciate it. It does need some restoration, but it doesn’t look like too much.
Thanks everyone!!!
HI,
I am opening a ice cream and gift shop. I need to find a vintage soda fountain. Any sellers?
I have a circa 1950, 6 stool soda fountain with 1920’s Mahogony back bar containing a large center mirror. This unit was in daily use up to 1995 when my family’s New Hampshire pharmacy moved to smaller quarters. I am interested in selling the fountain and back bar after a qualified appraisal is done. Glassware, utensils, soda machine etc. Please, if anyone could suggest an appraiser well versed in vintage soda fountains and/or pharmacy antiques I would greatly appreciate the help ASAP. Thank you
I have a 1950’s Bastian Blessings Soda Fountain (Cherekee) 8 stool and a carbonatin machine I would like to sell. Fountain came out of a Rexall drug store in North Georgia. It is currently in my horse trailer and I need it out ASAP. I know a approx. value but will entertain any offers.
Hi Roman,
I’m interested in buying an old soda fountain for an old fashioned candy shop and soda fountain I’m opening in Montana. Can you send me photos and how much you are asking for yours?
Thanks!
I have tried to put my email on here ,but it has not let me. I will try again outdoorpawn at AOL
Hello please send me some pics about the soda fountain. and what size and whats wrong. and a price and where you are I am very interested Thansk Stan
I am searching for a vintage soda fountain Please email me Thanks
For soda fountain inquiries
Contact Roman
I am restoring a 1930’s drug store in Texas and am in need of a soda fountain. I can (if necessary) construct the counter and back-bar but would prefer a complete set. I would appreciate any leads.
Thanks.
Don email me Thanks Stan
William and Nancy do you still have your fountain ? How can I get in touch with you
Thanks
Keith
I own an ice cream soda fountain that I will be selling soon. It was built for a drug store in Sioux City back in 1910. The front and back bar are a matching set. Both pieces are made of “quarter sawn” oak. The counter top is 2″ thick marble. It has the original draft arms with alabaster knobs as well as all of the porcelain syrup and topping containers. This set is absolutely beautiful. It is 8ft tall and only takes 8ft x 8ft of floor space. Contact me for more information.
I have a liquid stainless steel soda fountain bar for sale. It needs a good cleaning. Compressor is included but not installed. I have been told the compressor can be rebuilt, I don’t know. It has ceramic inserts. Anyone interested give me a call at 573-474-7686
I too am looking for an antique soda fountain. Please email me at b1ginnings@yahoo.com if anyone is selling. Thanks
I’ve got an 8′ stainless steel soda fountain and the 12′ black and white marble bar that surrounded it for sale. I personally removed it from the drugstore when it closed down in the mid-70’s. email me at rlm@5x-op.us