Waco’s sweet legacy: Dr. Pepper

If you get the chance to go to Waco to see Chip and Joanna Gaines complex at Magnolia Table and Silos Baking company, you may also want to check out the Dr. Pepper Museum!  I do enjoy a cold diet Dr. Pepper on occasion and I thought our readers might enjoy the story of this Texas born beverage.

Long before the era of mass-produced sodas, a unique flavor was born in the heart of Central Texas. Keurig Dr. Pepper, the company behind the iconic beverage, proudly proclaims its status as the oldest major manufacturer of soft drink concentrates and syrups in the United States, with the creation of Dr. Pepper in 1885.

The story begins at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, where pharmacist Charles Alderton, seeking to capture the aromatic blend of fruit syrups permeating his workplace, concocted a novel drink. Alderton’s experiments, meticulously recorded in his journal, culminated in a distinct blend of 23 fruit flavors.

Initially dubbed “Waco” by soda fountain patrons, the drink was eventually christened “Dr. Pepper” by store owner Morrison, though the name’s precise origin remains shrouded in mystery. The period in the name was dropped in the 1950s.

The drink’s popularity quickly outgrew the drug store’s capacity. Recognizing the potential, beverage chemist Robert S. Lazenby, along with Morrison, established the Artesian Mfg. & Bottling Company in 1891, later becoming the Dr Pepper Company. Alderton, focused on his pharmaceutical pursuits, relinquished his interest in the burgeoning beverage.

In 1923, Lazenby and his son-in-law, J.B. O’Hara relocated the company to Dallas, expanding its reach.  The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair proved a pivotal moment, introducing Dr Pepper to an estimated 20 million attendees, alongside other iconic American culinary debuts like the hamburger and ice cream cone.

Throughout its history, Dr. Pepper has cultivated a rich tapestry of iconic slogans and imagery. From the early 20th century’s “King of Beverages” to the “Old Doc” character and the famous “Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2, and 4” campaign, the brand has consistently resonated with evolving cultural landscapes.

The “friendly Pepper-Upper” of the 1950s transitioned into the rock-and-roll era, featuring on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” The 1970s saw the emergence of “the most original soft drink ever in the whole wide world” and the iconic “Be a Pepper” campaign.  That is the one I remember most.  I’m sorry but the “little sweet” character was just kind of annoying!  Excuse me, while I finish my Dr. Pepper, it’s already 10:30.  Happy Collecting!