In pursuit of greater opportunities, the English-born Matthews ventured across the Atlantic to the United States, arriving in New York City in 1832. At the time, New York was at the forefront of soda fountain development, a nascent industry that Matthews was eager to revolutionize. The city, known for its abundant taverns, inns, and pubs that predominantly served alcoholic beverages, was an ideal setting for Matthews to introduce a novel alternative: soda water.
Matthews quickly established a small-scale operation where he began manufacturing carbonating machinery and selling soda water to local retailers and drug stores. His enterprise didn't stop at producing soda water; he also sold full-sized soda fountains, expanding the reach and popularity of this refreshing beverage. Matthews' innovation lay in his reliable method for creating carbonated water, a process that leveraged the ample supply of marble chips from New York's many construction projects. By mixing sulphuric acid with these marble chips, he generated carbonic acid gas, an efficient and cost-effective technique that cemented his status as a soda water pioneer.
The success of Matthews' soda fountains didn't go unnoticed. By the end of the 19th century, several formidable competitors emerged in the soda fountain market, including John Lippincott of Philadelphia, A.D. Puffer of Boston, and James W. Tufts of Somerville, Massachusetts. Each brought their unique innovations and business acumen to the industry, challenging Matthews' dominance.
In a strategic move to consolidate their market positions, these leading figures in the soda fountain industry merged in 1891. John Matthews of New York, A.D. Puffer and Sons of Boston, Charles Lippincott of Philadelphia, and James W. Tufts' Arctic Soda Fountain Company combined to form the American Soda Fountain Company, with Tufts serving as president. This merger marked the culmination of Matthews' legacy, solidifying his impact on the soda fountain industry and ensuring the continued evolution and popularity of soda water.
Today, the soda fountain remains a beloved fixture in American culture, a testament to John Matthews' ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey from Bramah's apprentice to a pivotal figure in the soda fountain industry illustrates the profound impact of innovation and perseverance in shaping new markets and consumer experiences.
John Matthews: The Pioneer of the American Soda Fountain
