Dr Pepper, an iconic and uniquely flavored soft drink, holds a special place in the pantheon of American beverages. But have you ever stopped to wonder, “Who made Dr Pepper?” The answer to this question is deeply intertwined with the history of Waco, Texas, the city where this beloved soda had its humble beginnings. From its origins at a local drugstore to becoming a global phenomenon, Dr Pepper’s story is a testament to innovation and the enduring appeal of a truly original taste.
To understand who made Dr Pepper, we need to journey back to the late 19th century and step inside a bustling establishment known as The Old Corner Drug Store in Waco.
It was here, in 1885, a year before Coca-Cola emerged onto the scene, that a young and inquisitive pharmacist named Charles Alderton began his experiments. Alderton wasn’t just dispensing medicine; he was also captivated by the aromatic soda fountain within the drugstore. He spent his time behind the counter, not just serving up standard soda flavors, but meticulously blending different fruit syrups together, seeking to create something entirely new and exciting for the drugstore’s patrons.
His dedication and experimentation paid off. Alderton concocted a unique blend of flavors that was unlike anything Waco residents had tasted before. This new drink quickly became a favorite among the fountain’s regulars. Initially, it wasn’t even officially named; people simply started asking for “a Waco” when they came to the soda fountain, a nod to its city of origin and unique local appeal. From 1885 to approximately 1891, this special beverage, the precursor to Dr Pepper, remained exclusively available at soda fountains and drugstores. The syrup, Alderton’s secret recipe, was mixed fresh with carbonated water for each individual order, ensuring a delightful and effervescent treat.
The surging popularity of Alderton’s creation didn’t go unnoticed. Wade Morrison, the owner of The Old Corner Drug Store, and Robert S. Lazenby, the drugstore’s manager, recognized the immense potential of this local favorite. Driven by the beverage’s widespread appeal, they made a pivotal decision. In 1891, Morrison and Lazenby joined forces to establish the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company. This marked a crucial turning point, transforming Dr Pepper from a drugstore exclusive to a bottled beverage ready for wider distribution. This new venture aimed to bottle Alderton’s special concoction, making it accessible to a much larger audience beyond the confines of the soda fountain.
As Dr Pepper’s popularity continued to soar, the need for a dedicated production facility became apparent. In 1906, a significant step was taken with the construction of a three-story building specifically designed for bottling and shipping this increasingly sought-after drink. Located at the corner of Fifth Street and Mary Avenue in Waco, this new bottling plant became a symbol of Dr Pepper’s growing success and its deep roots in the city.
However, as Dr Pepper expanded its reach and ambitions, the operational headquarters shifted to Dallas in 1922 with the formal incorporation of the Dr Pepper Company. Despite this move, local bottling operations persevered at the Waco plant until around 1965, continuing to produce the beloved soda for the region. Eventually, production was consolidated into a more modern, larger facility, marking the end of an era for the original Waco bottling plant. The building was then entrusted to Baylor University, serving as a storage warehouse for the subsequent thirteen years.
The historic bottling plant faced an unexpected challenge on May 11, 1953, when a devastating F5 tornado ripped through downtown Waco. While the building miraculously avoided a direct hit, it still suffered damage, particularly on the Mary Street side. The scars of this natural disaster are still visible today, a reminder of the tornado’s impact. Interestingly, the robust construction of the bottling plant, boasting 18-inch thick brick walls, substantial timber supports, and a sturdy tile roof, is credited with minimizing the damage. Repairs were undertaken using lighter-colored bricks, leaving a visible patch, and remarkably, business resumed as usual until the eventual relocation in 1965.
In 1985, as Waco celebrated the centennial of Dr Pepper’s invention, the idea of establishing a museum dedicated to the soda’s rich history in Waco began to take shape. This vision culminated on May 11, 1991, the 38th anniversary of the Waco tornado, with the grand opening of the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute. Since its inception, the museum has welcomed countless visitors, offering an engaging and educational journey through the story of Dr Pepper and the broader soft drink industry, highlighting it as an exemplar of the free enterprise system. Featuring exhibits, a gift shop, a classic soda fountain, and meticulously restored building elements, the Dr Pepper Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of “a Waco” and its remarkable journey to becoming a global beverage icon.
To delve deeper into the captivating story of Dr Pepper and explore the museum firsthand, visit www.drpeppermuseum.com. Discover more about the people, the place, and the unique circumstances that gave rise to this truly original American soft drink.
