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The History of the Chugwater Soda Fountain The Oldest Operating Soda fountain in Wyoming

The Soda fountain is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Chugwater. The building was built in 1914, later, partially burned down, and was rebuilt in 1916. It has been a Doctor's office and a pharmacy. There was a small apartment in the back where the doctor and his family lived. The pharmacy drawers are still intact along one wall of the store.

The soda fountain bar was built in England and installed in a business in Rock Creek WY. when the Railroad went through in 1927, the town moved to Tock River. The owner was not interested in moving his business, so he sold his equipment to the owner of the pharmacy in Chugwater. The bar was broken aprt into three pieces - the main bar, the top(including the mirror), and the bottom cabinets. It was then packed into wagons and transported over the mountains to be installed in this building. The mirror and glass are all original; you can stand in the back and see the curve in the mirror.1

The pharmacy and soda fountain co-existed for some time, but eventually one of the owners no longer had a pharmacy license and the store became a soda fountain only. Ownership has changed hands many times, with different people making various changes.

The large elk overlooking the room is nicknamed "Wendall" for the man who shot him. He was shot near Jackson, WY in 1946 and has resided in the soda fountain since 1947. A town petition prevents Wendall from leaving, no matter who owns it.