May 8
COKE DAY
Dr. John S. Pemberton first sold his secret elixir on this day in 1886. It was originally used for medicinal purposes. So Dr. Pemberton went to the right place to sell his new product: Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, GA.
Three years later, Dr. Pemberton figured that his secret formula had been enough of a success for him to sell out. He did just that, for $2,300. Even in 1889 dollars, $2,300 was a mere drop in the bucket for what the still very classified, secret formula would be worth. That formula is now used in a product that sells about 350 million cans and bottles a day in nearly 200 countries. That’s enough secret elixir for every man, woman and child on earth to consume -- 25 times a year.
Dr. Pemberton’s medicine was sold to make people feel better. It’s “the pause that refreshes.” It’s “the real thing.” It’s Coca-Cola. Have a Coke in honor of Dr. Pemberton, today.
Those Were the Days, the Today in History service from 440 International
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