Mapleton Township in West Fargo in Cass County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Bjerklie Drugstore
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025
1. Bjerklie Drugstore Marker
Soda fountains provided a sweet solution to terrible tasting hand-crafted remedies. Visitors to the store stopped at the fountain to have their prescriptions mixed with sweet syrup and soda water that helped it go down. The clerks who operated soda fountains were referred to as soda jerks. This name was inspired by the jerking motion necessary to swing the fountain handle back and forth when adding soda water. Elvin "Gov" Bjerklie, served soda for 10 cents from the old-fashioned soda fountain. Sodas soon became more of a sweet and creamy treat for special occasions, but the history of soda fountains began inside drugstores as a cure for bad tasting medicine.
(Captions)
Left: Article on Elvin "Gov" Bjerklie The Bismark Tribune
this page online
Below: 1920 Gilby Township Census listing Lars Bjerke.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 46° 52.543′ N, 96° 55.736′ W. Marker is in West Fargo, North Dakota, in Cass County. It is in Mapleton Township. It can be reached from Main Avenue West (U.S. 10) east of 21st Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker is to the left of the building housing Drug Store, which is part of Bonanzaville USA Historic Museum and Pioneer Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1351 Main Avenue W, West Fargo ND 58078, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Red River Valley and in Greater Fargo Area. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025
2. Bjerklie Drugstore building. Marker is to the left of the building
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cass-Clay Creamery (a few steps from this marker); Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Cook Car (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Fire Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Moum Ag Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harness Shop (about 300 feet away); Site Where Generals Grant & Sheridan Stopped (about 300 feet away); Embden Depot (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Fargo.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025
3. Bjerklie Drugstore interior
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025
4. Bjerklie Drugstore interior
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025
5. Soda Fountain counter
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
