The History of the ‘Bubbler’

Bubbler is popular in the smokers. However, many people don't know why "bubbler" is called "bubbler".The original of bubbler is interesting. I think you should know it. The twist is that – with bubblers – it just happened to be good regional branding. Back in 1889, a man named Harlan Huckleby designed the very first bubbler. I know, the name Harlan Huckleby sounds made up, but it was 1889 and that’s what names were like.

There were certainly other types of drinking fountains in existence, but Huckleby’s design was unique. It had a spout that shot a little stream of water about an inch in the air so people could slurp it up.

The device was picked up and patented by what was then called Kohler Water Works and today is the plumbing fixture giant Kohler Company of Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler also gave the new product its name and The Bubbler was born.

The original version was modified after several years to shoot water in an arc instead of straight up. One of the problems with the early bubbler was public health concern. Germs from people’s mouths, bugs and bird doo-doo could fall inside the water supply. But some of the original Bubbler designs still exist. You can find some near the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison. If you like living on the edge – go ahead and take a sip.

People really liked drinking out of these newfangled faucets, and soon copycats emerged. However, those competitors needed to come up with different names because Kohler had trademarked The Bubbler. There was “The Gurgler” and “The Gusher.” But none of those names stuck in the cultural lexicon like The Bubbler did here in Wisconsin. Kohler still makes and markets The Bubbler.

Many years have passed, almost 125 years, When we look back the history, may be we will a little embrassed. But we stil think should let more and more young people to experience the moment.