A Coca-Cola Pre-Mix Soda Fountain Counter Dispenser

In the 1960s Coca-Cola and other soft drink manufacturers put a lot of emphasis on making their beverage available at popular venues like bowling alleys, restaurants and drive-ins. Soft drinks were now dispensed premixed and cold as a result of advances in technology.

The Cornelius Co. has now been in business for almost 70 years making coolers and beverage dispensers. They manufactured the Diplomat for the Coca-Cola Company from 1962 to 1969. It is classified as an electric, self-contained, over-the-counter soft drink dispenser. This catalog page states that the “Crisp, clean lines and a bold, lighted sign on each side give the Diplomat styling that attracts costumers, adds prestige to any location!” It also adds the promise of “ice cold refreshment” due to the “Cornelius Ice-O-Matic design”. The cooling device was self-contained within the machine, so there was no need to add ice. The design and illuminated logo served as point of sale advertising and as an enticement to have some refreshment.

The dispensing unit could be mounted on a counter or bar, taking up a minimum amount of space. The dispenser could serve as many as 4 different products and up to 150 cold drinks, figuring on 6 drinks dispensed per minute. There was a cooling recovery rate of 1 drink per minute.

Manufactured by:
The Cornelius Company
2727 North Ferry Street
Anoka, MN 55303

Weight: 110 lbs.
Dimensions: 24 ¾”H x 18”W x 22 ¼”D