Entitled: "Soda jerk passing ice cream soda between two soda fountains." A soda jerk or soda jerker is a person who operates the soda fountain in a drugstore, often for the purpose of preparing and serving flavored soda water or an ice cream soda. The jerking motion the fountain attendant made when pulling the soda draft arm coined the phrase "soda jerk." The origin and date of the phrase are unknown, but became very popular in the 20's, 30?s and into the 50?s. The Soda Jerk was similar to a bartender, serving-up phosphates, rickeys, and fancy sundaes. The depression and the years that followed were hard times for Americans. Soda fountains were a place where hard working Americans could take a break and enjoy their favorite soda or ice cream. It was also a great focal point for family gatherings. The practice of operating a soda fountain in a drugstore reached its peak popularity in the 1940s. Photographed for the New York World-Telegram and the Sun by Alan Fisher, December 19, 1936.