Henry P. Roth started a drug store in Ackley in 1909 on the south side of Main Street, installing a soda fountain in 1911. He died in 1915 and his brother, Charles P. Roth, took over the business. In 1931, Roth Drug Store opened on the corner at 701 Park Avenue. Eventually Chuck and Eleanor Roth were proprietors, and their daughter, Charlene served as pharmacist.

On Saturday night, Main Street was a busy place -- grocery shopping, viewing a movie at the Strand Theater, visiting local taverns, and bringing the family or significant other to the drug store soda fountain for some ice cream. Sometimes a family enjoyed just sitting in their car, eating an ice cream cone and watching the action.

The menu at the Heritage Museum & Soda Shop represents some of what the "good old days" were like. The soda fountain was the social center of many communities, and its cheery, friendly atmosphere, combined with service, put you at ease. You now can choose from a variety of ice cream desserts, including malts and shakes, floats, sodas, sundaes and cones. And for those of you who remember, wet your whistle with a Cherry Coke or a Green River.

The Museum & Gift Shop