Uncommon Grounds

by Mike Pendergrast
Coffee prices climbed slowly but steadily after they were finally freed from price ontrols in 1946. By 1947 roasted coffee retailed for more than 50 cents a pound; yet economists and pundits expected a postwar recession any minute. "The popularity of the five-cent cup of coffee has made it an established institution that's here to stay," declared one newspaper prophet. The next year, when many restaurants began charging 7 cents, angry patron broke mugs, stole silverware, and dumped cream and sugar on countertops in protest. some coffee firms began to advertise that their brand required less grounds to brew a strong cup. One disgruntled coffee man concluded facetiously that if prices continue to rise, "we may yet see coffee so trong you won't have to use any at all to get a delisious aromatic, flavorsome cup."