Vernor's Ginger Ale
Woodward Avenue Cultural Heritage Tour
— Downtown Detroit, Michigan —
Before the conflict began, James Vernor, a pharmacist, had concocted a new drink. It was a mix of 19 ingredients including ginger and vanilla.
When Vernor was called off to war in 1862, he stored the secret mixture in an oak cask in his pharmacy. After returning four years later, he opened the wooden keg and found the drink inside had been transformed by the aging process. It was like nothing else he had ever tasted. It was Vernor's.
For years, the only place one could buy a Vernor's was from the fountain in James Vernor's pharmacy on Woodward near Clifford in downtown Detroit. Demand continue to grow, and soon soda fountains throughout the city began selling Vernor's Ginger Ale.*
Today Vernor's Ginger Ale is sold widely throughout the country.
*from Cadbury Schweppes website: www.dpsu.com
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 42° 20.078′ N, 83° 2.958′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. Marker is at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Clifford Street, on the left when traveling north on Woodward Avenue. Touch for map.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Parker's Alley (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Theater District (about 400 feet away); Kresge Korner (about 500 feet away); L.B. King and Company Building (about 500 feet away); David Whitney Building (about 500 feet away); The Kern Clock (about 600 feet away); Statue of Abraham Lincoln (about 600 feet away); Finney Barn (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 20, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
