Clubb's Fountain
By Phylis Badgley
"Meet me at Clubb's Fountain" was a
salutation often heard in 1940 era in Baker.
Clubb's Fountain was a well know ice cream parlor located in the
2000 block on East side of Main Street.
The Confectionery was owned and operated by Kenneth Clubb, wife
Martha, and Floyd Clubb, wife Mary and younger brother, Jack Club.
Clubb's Fountain was "THE" place to gather for young and old alike.
Quality ice cream was produced on the premises by master ice cream
maker, Floyd Clubb.
Crowds of patrons frequented the business especially after Showtime
at local theatres. Although the building frontage was narrow, the
interior was wide enough to accommodate a serving counter and
stools, plus several painted wooden booths. Yes, there were juke box
outlets in each booth! Place a nickel in the slot to hear selections
of Wabash Cannonball, String of Pearls, Far Away Places, or other
popular tunes. When the juke box malfunctioned, the proprietor would
insert a nickel from the till. It was marked with a small dot of red
fingernail polish. When the Amusement Company representative came
later to empty the container, the marked nickels were returned to
the manager.
The atmosphere at Clubb's Fountain was jovial with plenty of noise,
which at times overpowered conversation. That was seasoned with
laughter, however, when a paper straw was intermittently blown
through the air.
Kenneth Clubb, crew manager, artistically painted the menu in large
letters, which were displayed on the south wall.
Customer bought .10 ice cream cones or paid .15 for a double dip.
Large, thick milkshakes were .30 Who could resist the .10 hot dog?
Or the "chili dog" for additional .15.
No wonder the .35 banana split was popular. Attractively served in
an elongated dish, a sliced banana held 3 flavored scoops of ice
cream, with topping and nuts added. Don't forget the maraschino
cherry on top.
An all time favorite of the High School crowd was Floyd's special
malt ice cream. Assorted syrups were offered that circled the malt
in a tall serving glass. A long handled spoon accompanied the treat.
Mischievous lads were many times in the customer line-up. They found
delight in inverting a glass of water onto a paper napkin, then
leaving the booth. Waitresses dealt with the situation by scooting
the water and napkin to the edge of the table. Allowing it to fall
into a container.
The writer was one of the waitresses. Several High school classmates
were also employed at Clubb's Fountain. We had recently obtained a
Social Security number which served as a passport to this first
employment opportunity. We found .35 an hour wages were quite
attractive at the time. Some of us were eager to work a hurried
half-hour shift during lunch time. When school dismissal bell rang
at noon, we dashed from the High school building on Washington
street to Clubb's Fountain.
We worked from 12:15-12:45, before returning to class.
Evening shift at Clubb's was from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Aprons were quickly fashioned using clean dish towels tied firmly
around the waist.
At closing time, all white enameled booths were washed with
disinfectant solution, (required by State Health Office.) After
finishing this task, we were allowed to choose an ice cream treat.
Hog fudge sundae was my choice. Smooth, rich fudge was so thick it
had to be spooned from the heated container. To this day, my search
continues for hot fudge flavor that duplicates the 1942 product.
After a few years, Kenneth and Floyd Clubb sought a change of
occupation. They closed the fountain and purchased Monarch Maytag
agency which opened in 2100 block of Main Street. (present location
of the Sycamore Tree.) Their elderly Dad, known affectionately as
"Pop" Clubb joined the venture.
Today, the mere mention of Clubb's Fountain to any long-term
Bakerite, stirs pleasant memories of the 1940s.
