“The Fountain” Menu, Frederick & Nelson, 1940s

Pacific Northwest Elegance on Every Page

Your menu from “The Fountain” at Frederick & Nelson in Seattle is an exquisite artifact from the 1940s, capturing the spirit and aesthetic pride of the Pacific Northwest at the height of American department store culture. With its metallic gold and shiny accents, the menu’s design is instantly striking—projecting an air of luxury while welcoming guests to a vibrant community gathering spot.

Distinctive Visual Motifs

• Totem Poles: A central visual, honoring the Native art traditions of the region and reflecting Seattle’s cultural roots.

• Mount Rainier: The majestic peak anchors the menu’s scenic illustration, symbolizing the city’s natural grandeur and identity.

• Covered Wagons: These evoke the pioneer history of Washington State and the spirit of westward migration, underscoring the city’s growth and promise.

• Pacific Northwest Borders & Patterns: The framing features zigzags and geometric designs reminiscent of indigenous weaving and local craftsmanship.

A Taste of the Era

Menu Offerings

• Classic Soda Fountain Fare:

  • Ice cream sodas, malted milk, sundaes, and sherbets, in flavors inspired by local fruits and American favorites.

  • Mixed drinks (non-alcoholic), such as root beer float, golden freeze, and seasonal fruit punches.

• Affordable Luncheon Favorites:

  • Hot dishes, from hearty chicken pie and beefsteak pie to the famed “baked beans” and “salmon salad sandwich.”

  • Light salads, cold meats with potato salad, and an array of freshly made sandwiches, including toasted ham and chicken.

  • Fresh juices and milk drinks, tailored to all ages.

• Pastries and Sweets:

  • Signature desserts like apple pie, coconut cake, fudge nut parfaits, and an assortment of nut sundaes and specialty cakes.

Accessible Pricing

• Most items are affordably priced at 10 to 35 cents, echoing the inclusiveness of department store dining in the 1940s.

• “Big Ice Cream Soda” for 15 cents and “Chicken Pie” for 35 cents reflect the menu’s emphasis on quality and value during challenging economic times.

The Experience

Dining at “The Fountain” combined efficiency and hospitality—guests enjoyed elegant service amidst décor that balanced local pride with cosmopolitan flair. The lunch counter’s menu, with its shining metallic finish and evocative local art, was designed to attract shoppers and families, offering a respite from downtown bustle with comforting, regionally inspired fare.

• Ambiance:
  Shiny metallic and golden accents, setting a cheerful, celebratory tone, while motifs reminded patrons of the grandeur and promise of the Pacific Northwest.

• Social Hub:
  “The Fountain” was not just a lunch spot—it was a social institution, popular with downtown workers, families, and out-of-town visitors alike.

Summary Table: Features of the 1940s “Fountain” Menu