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Vernors' ginger ale soda is called "Detroit's drink."
There are some things that are quintessentially Michigan: Coney Island hot dogs, Faygo and the snappy taste of Vernors ginger ale.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Vernors, there will be celebrations this week around Detroit, including a bus tour and an anniversary party at the Detroit Historical Museum on Saturday. Some Detroit restaurants, including Batch Brewing Co., Broderick Grille, Cass Cafe, Ottava Via, Republic, Chartreuse, Mercury Burger Bar and Union Street, will also prepare dishes using the bubbly drink.
The Detroit Historical Society has teamed up with the Vernors Collector's Club to coordinate events this week.
Although the company is now based in Plano, Texas, Vernors has a rich history in Detroit since its creation here in 1866, according to information from the Vernors Collector's Club.
There are two conflicting stories about the drink's creation.
Some say James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, began experimenting with a formula before heading off to fight in the Civil War. Upon returning home, he found his drink had fermented in a wooden cask, creating the unique flavor. Others say Vernor began experimenting with flavors after the war.
The former bottling plant at 239 Woodward Ave. in what is now called Midtown Detroit, was a hub of activity in the 1940s and 1950s. Locals bought drinks at a soda fountain in the plant, including the popular Boston Cooler made from Vernors and vanilla ice cream.
Elsewhere, local drugstores installed dispensers to serve Vernors.
On milestone birthdays over the years, the company opened its doors and served free Vernors to Detroiters, media relations director for the Detroit Historical Society, Sarah Murphy, told Deadline Detroit.
When the Vernors Collector's Club approached Murphy about planning a celebration together for the 150th birthday, she said the museum was glad to get involved.
The Fillmore on Woodward Avenue in Detroit salutes Vernors.
"We're happy to be a part of carrying on that tradition," Murphy said.
The main sesquicentennial celebration on Saturday, June 11, will be at the museum on Woodward in the Cultural Center. Attractions include:
- A Vernors-themed scavenger hunt around town ,11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- An 11 a.m. screening of "Detroit Remember When: Made in the Motor City," followed by a chat with filmmaker Bill Kubota will follow.
- The Vernors Gnome signs autographs from noon-5 p.m.
- A Vernors history presentation,1-2 p.m.
- A book signing for Vernor’
- s Ginger Ale by author Keith Wunderlich, 2 p.m.
- A presentation on James Vernor from 2:15-2:45 p.m.
- A toast by James Vernor V and James Vernor VI, great-great-grandson and great-great-great grandson of James Vernor,t 4 p.m.
- A world record attempt for the most Vernors drinkers, 4:30 p.m.
The museum will serve Vernors floats and Boston Coolers, with proceeds going toward the purchase of a historic marker for Vernors.
To honor the iconic soda pop, marquees at Cobo Center, the Detroit Opera House and other downtown buildings will be lit with green and yellow lights to match the the brand's classic packaging.
The Detroit Mercantile Co. at 3434 Russell St. in Eastern Market will also have a celebration Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
