Charles Alderton

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Charles Alderton
Charles Alderton
Born
Charles Courtice Alderton

June 21, 1857
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedMay 29, 1941
Waco, Texas, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPharmacist
Known forInventing 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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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