James Vernor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Vernor
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | April 11, 1843 Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 29, 1927 (aged 84) Grosse Ile Township, Michigan, U.S. |
| Buried |
Woodmere Cemetery
|
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank |  Second lieutenant |
| Unit | 4th Michigan Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Vernor, Sr. (April 11, 1843 – October 29, 1927) was an American pharmacist. He is best known for creating the popular Vernors brand ginger ale. He started selling this special drink in 1880.
Contents
Life and the Creation of Vernors
Early Life and War Service
James Vernor was born in Albany, New York. When he was young, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. He worked at a drug store in Detroit, where he began to experiment with making ginger ale.
When the American Civil War began, James Vernor joined the army. He served with the 4th Michigan Cavalry from 1862 to 1865. During his time in the army, he became a Second Lieutenant.
The Story of Vernors Ginger Ale
There's a fun story about how Vernors ginger ale was created. The legend says that when James Vernor left for the war, he stored his ginger ale syrup in an oak barrel. Four years later, after returning from the war, he opened the barrel. The drink inside had changed because it had aged. He supposedly said it was "Deliciously different," which became the drink's famous motto.
However, this story is mostly a legend. James Vernor's son later explained that his father actually developed the special Vernors Ginger Ale recipe after the war ended. Records show that Vernors ginger ale officially started being sold around 1880.
Growing the Business
In 1896, James Vernor and his son, James Vernor II, closed their drug store. Together, they opened a soda fountain on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. They also set up a manufacturing plant to make the ginger ale.
By 1915, their business had grown even more. They started a bottling company. This allowed them to make and sell Vernor's Ginger Ale to many more people.
Community Service
James Vernor was also an important person in his community. He was one of the first members of the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, which was created in 1887. This board helps make sure medicines are safe and properly used. He even held License No. 1 for his entire career!
Besides his work with pharmacy, Vernor also served on the Detroit City Council. He was a council member for 25 years, helping to make important decisions for the city of Detroit.
Later Life
James Vernor passed away in Grosse Ile, Michigan, on October 29, 1927. He was 84 years old. He is buried at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
