Charles Elmer Hires facts for kids
Charles Elmer Hires (born August 19, 1851 – died July 31, 1937) was an American pharmacist. He is famous for helping to make root beer popular. He started the Charles E. Hires Co., which made and sold Hires Root Beer.
Contents
The Life of Charles Hires
Early Years and Learning
Charles Hires was born on August 19, 1851. His family lived in Salem County, New Jersey. When he was only 12 years old, Charles started working. He became an apprentice at a drugstore owned by his relatives.
At 16, he moved to Philadelphia. There, he continued to work in a pharmacy. Charles saved his money carefully. Soon, he had enough to open his very own drugstore.
How Root Beer Began
Charles Hires learned about root beer on his honeymoon in New Jersey. The hotel owner there served a special "root tea." It was made from different roots and herbs.
A friend named Russell Conwell suggested a better name. He thought "root beer" would sound more appealing. Especially for working people. At first, Hires sold a dry mix in boxes. People had to add water, sugar, and yeast to make the drink.
Making Root Beer Popular
The drink was not an instant hit. But Russell Conwell convinced Hires to show his product. This was at the 1876 U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. To make it stand out, Hires called it "the temperance drink." He also said it was "the greatest health-giving beverage in the world."
Soon, his business grew quickly. Hires opened a factory in Philadelphia. He wanted root beer to be a healthy choice. He marketed it as a good alternative to alcohol.
However, some people thought root beer had alcohol. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union even boycotted his product. Hires had his root beer tested. He then advertised that it had very little alcohol. It was about the same amount as in half a loaf of bread!
Family Life
Charles Hires married Clara Kate Smith in 1875. After she passed away in 1910, he married Emma Waln. Charles Hires died on July 31, 1937. He was 85 years old.
