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"The invention of the soda fountain has not only sweetened our palates but has also stirred a lively effervescence in the hearts of people, uniting them in moments of shared delight." - John Matthews
In 1824, John Matthews arrived in New York City from Cheshire, England, where he had grown up drinking the region's natural sparkling waters.
An inventor at heart, Matthews saw potential in America's growing soda fountain industry.
He focused on building a better carbonation machine to transform how people consumed fizzy drinks.
From 1833 to 1836, Matthews worked in his London workshop to develop a new carbonation system.
He studied the steam engines in local factories, adapting their principles to force carbon dioxide into water more effectively.
His final machine produced carbonated water with ten times the pressure of existing devices, creating a consistent flow of bubbles that improved soda production.
In 1836, Matthews patented his soda fountain, the "Genuine Matthews Apparatus."
His invention used glass globes, steam power, and a system of tubes to mix water with carbon dioxide, producing exceptionally pure carbonated water.
The machine's quality set it apart from existing options, attracting businesses nationwide.
Matthews responded to growing demand by founding the John Matthews Soda Fountain Company to manufacture and distribute his invention.
By the 1850s, the "Genuine Matthews Apparatus" produced pristine sparkling water through brass fixtures, becoming standard equipment in drugstores and saloons nationwide.
Matthews' device shaped the modern soda fountain's essential features: marble counters, spinning stools, and trained servers preparing drinks.
The machine's reliable carbonation system helped transform casual refreshment stops into social hubs.
As his carbonation technology spread, Matthews expanded into flavored syrups.
His company offered cherry, lemon, and other concentrates that, when mixed with the sparkling water from his machines, created the first standardized soft drinks in America.
By the late 1800s, John Matthews had transformed soda fountains from novelties into cornerstones of American social life.
His Genuine Matthews Apparatus standardized carbonation technology and made fizzy drinks accessible across the country.
Though Matthews died in 1870, his company continued to shape the industry through precise engineering and reliable equipment.
While less recognized than Schweppe or Priestley, Matthews' technical innovations in carbonation fundamentally changed how Americans consumed soft drinks.
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