Complex sentence: Biedenharn had been advised by his father to "go into the nickel business", meaning not the metal but to offer soft drinks for five cents each because prior to 1900 many people would hold on to a dime but spend a nickel for pleasure.
Split into simpler sentences: Biedenharn had been advised by his father to "go into the nickel business", meaning not the metal but to offer soft drinks for five cents each. Prior to 1900, many people would hold on to a dime but spend a nickel for pleasure.