The Fountain That Started It All

Growing up in Oswald’s Pharmacy, I spent a lot of time staring at the old black-and-white photos that lined the walls and storage rooms—images that felt like time capsules from a Naperville long gone. One of my favorites is of Grandpa Oswald, proudly standing next to his brand-new carbonator in the early days of our soda fountain. Another, dated 1917, shows the shiny fountain itself, freshly installed and ready to serve up cold drinks to neighbors and passersby. That fountain wasn’t just a cool feature—it was a gathering place, a piece of the community’s daily rhythm.

But in 1960, the tides of the pharmacy industry changed. Grandpa Kester—“Pampy” to us—made the decision to remove the soda fountain and expand our cosmetics department instead. Practical? Sure. Heartbreaking to a nostalgic kid like me? Absolutely.

So today, in honor of those fizzy memories and the legacy of our founders, I’m beyond excited to introduce our brand-new Oswald’s Soda Line. Sweet, classic, and made to make you smile—just like the originals.

Introducing Oswald’s Classic Fountain Soda Line

Root Beer – This one’s the real deal. A full-bodied blast of sassafras, wintergreen, and vanilla that’ll take you straight back to the golden age of soda jerks and checkerboard floors. It’s bold, bubbly, and built for float-making.

Orange Soda – Orange you glad we didn’t hold back? Bursting with sweet citrus flavor and that iconic electric color, this soda is sunshine in a bottle—and it tastes exactly like childhood.

Cream Soda – Vanilla-forward, smooth as butter, and sugary in all the right ways. This is the kind of soda you sip slow—or gulp fast—depending on your mood. Either way, it hits every time.

Grape Soda – Loud, purple, and proud. This one packs a juicy punch with that unmistakable grape flavor that’s made it a classic for generations. It’s basically liquid candy—and we’re not ashamed to say it.

Raspberry Lime Rickey – My personal favorite. Bright, tangy lime meets juicy raspberry for a refreshing kick that’s equal parts sweet and tart. It’s a soda with personality—and probably the first one I’d take to a desert island (as long as there’s a fridge).

Independent Pharmacies and Fizzy Pit Stops

Whenever I travel, especially for work, I make a point to stop at other independent pharmacies—especially if they have a soda fountain still kicking. One of my absolute favorites is The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain in Knoxville, Tennessee. I make a pilgrimage every year during the Big Ears Festival, and on my last trip, I ordered a classic Lime Rickey right at the counter. Next time, I may just have to tell them to toss in some raspberry and bring a little Oswald’s flair to Tennessee.

Come grab a bottle and taste a little piece of history—sugar, fizz, and all. After 150 years in Naperville, we figured it was time to bring the bubbles back.