Bubbler
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Bubbler is a trademarked name that refers to what some may call a drinking fountain.
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[edit] History of device
The 'bubbler' was developed in 1888 by the then-small Kohler Water Works (now Kohler Company) in Kohler, Wisconsin, which was already well-known for its faucet production. While Harlan Huckleby is credited with the actual design, it was Kohler who patented it and trademarked the name. The original bubbler shot water one inch straight into the air, creating a bubbling texture, and the excess water ran back down over the sides of the nozzle. It was several years later before the bubbler adapted the arc projection, which allowed the drinker to partake more easily.
The bubbler concept took off and there were many copies. Since the name was trademarked, other companies named their fountains "The Gurgler" and "The Gusher".
Original working examples of the bubbler can be found today around the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.
 Citizen using an original Kohler bubbler at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. |
 Original bubbler in Madison, WI. |
[edit] Current usage of term
The term is still used in several regional dialects of the United States, originating in eastern Wisconsin and remaining well-known throughout the state. States in New England and Australia also use the term. Oregon is also known to be quite familiar with the term, specifically in the Portland region where in the late 1800s Simon Benson installed 20 fountains, which are now known in the Portland area as "Benson Bubblers".
[edit] External links
- The Kohler bubbler today
- Link to a catalogue picture of a bubbler in Sydney, NSW, Australia, poss. 1960s
- A City of Sydney reference to bubblers, including some historical photos
- Linguistic map of "bubbler" usage
- Dictionary of American Regional English "bubbler" entry and photo of the original bubbler
