An interesting profession in 1905

2old4that

A lot of the old, original forms of soft drinks were originally infused with a number of ingredients that might classify them as "patent medicines" that were meant to be consumed recreationally. Adult men were far less likely back then to consume sweet drinks, so that pretty much left women, young and old, something socially acceptable to drink instead of tea and such and, of course, children. Not unlike the tobacco companies, they followed the maxim of "hook 'em young and you'll have 'em for life" as a customer.

The Coca-Cola company, in particular, doesn't want to admit it, but the original drink contained an extract of cocaine for many years before they phased it out.