Charles Alderton

Charles Alderton

Charles Alderton
Born	Charles Courtice Alderton June 21, 1857 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	May 29, 1941 Waco, Texas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Pharmacist
Known for	Inventing Dr Pepper

Charles Courtice Alderton (June 21, 1857 – May 29, 1941) was an American pharmacist and the inventor of the soft drink Dr Pepper.

Early Life

Charles Alderton was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 21, 1857. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, but he did not complete his degree. Instead, he pursued a career in pharmacy.

Career

Alderton moved to Waco, Texas, where he worked as a pharmacist at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store. It was here that he began experimenting with various soda fountain flavors. In 1885, Alderton created a unique blend of 23 flavors, which he initially called a "Waco." This drink would later become known as Dr Pepper.

Invention of Dr Pepper

While working at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store, Alderton noticed that customers were becoming bored with the standard flavors of soda. He decided to create a new flavor by mixing various fruit syrups. After numerous experiments, he finally arrived at a distinctive blend of 23 flavors. The drink became very popular among the store's customers, and it was eventually named Dr Pepper by the store owner, Wade Morrison.

Later Life and Legacy

After inventing Dr Pepper, Alderton continued to work as a pharmacist in Waco. He did not seek to commercialize the drink himself, leaving that task to Morrison and other business partners. Alderton passed away on May 29, 1941, in Waco, Texas.

Today, Dr Pepper is one of the most popular soft drinks in the United States and around the world. Charles Alderton's contribution to the beverage industry is remembered and celebrated, particularly in Waco, where the Dr Pepper Museum is located.

See Also

• Dr Pepper
• Soft drink
• Pharmacist
• Waco, Texas