Charles E. Hires: The Mastermind Behind America's Adored Root Beer

Charles Elmer Hires, an enterprising visionary, laid the foundation for one of America's most cherished beverages well before Coca-Cola's iconic debut in 1886. Born on a modest farm near Roadstover, New Jersey, on August 19, 1851, Hires showcased his entrepreneurial flair from an early age. At a mere sixteen years old, armed with just fifty cents and a drive for success, he journeyed to Philadelphia, where he secured employment with a physician druggist, setting the stage for his future ventures.

It was during a vacation in New Jersey with his wife that Hires stumbled upon the inspiration for his now-renowned root beer. Presented with a blend of sassafras bark and herbs by their landlady, Hires was entranced by the flavors and resolved to recreate it upon returning to Philadelphia. Following extensive experimentation, he honed his recipe, birthing Hires Root Beer.

Without delay, Hires unveiled his creation to the public. At the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, he proudly unveiled his root beer as "the Greatest Health-Giving Beverage in the World," a testament to his unwavering confidence in its quality and potential. By 1884, Hires had broadened production to encompass liquid extracts and concentrates, catering to the burgeoning soda fountain market.

Unsatisfied with merely revolutionizing the beverage sector, Hires diversified his pursuits by spearheading the production of condensed milk. Over the subsequent two decades, he established numerous condensed milk plants across dairy regions in Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, Michigan, and Canada, leaving an enduring impact on the dairy industry.

Charles E. Hires' legacy endures as a tribute to the potency of innovation and entrepreneurship. His commitment to excellence and ingenuity paved the way for the sustained triumph of Hires Root Beer and left an indelible impression on American culinary heritage. He passed away on July 31, 1937, in Haverford, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire generations.
Charles E. Hires: The Mastermind Behind America's Adored Root Beer

Hires, Charles Elmer (August 19,1851 – July 31, 1937)

Ten years before Coca-Cola’s inventions in 1886, Charles E. Hires began manufacturing his root beer syrup. He was born on a farm near Roadstover, New Jersey son of John Dane Hires and Mary Williams.

At sixteen he went to Philadelphia, arriving with fifty cents in his pocket. He found employment with a physician druggist.

In 1875, while he and his wife vacationing in New Jersey, the landlady of a boarding house where they had stopped served them a drink which she had compounded of sassafras bark and herbs. He tasted the one of the superb family recipes.

When he returned to Philadelphia, he experimented with the idea of sassafras and other ingredients and finally produced Hires Root Beer.

Originally intended for the domestic market, the Hires Company quickly made its syrup available to drug stores in a distinctive ‘log cabin’ style fountain dispenser.

He introduced his root beer at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition as ‘the Greatest Health-Giving Beverage in the World’.

In 1884, Hires began producing a liquid extract and a concentrate for use at soda fountains. In the 1890s, Hires began packaging root beer in small bottles which were promoted as a convenience for people on the go.

Hires was also a pioneer in the production of condensed milk. Beginning in Pennsylvania in 1896, over the next twenty years he organized a half dozen companies operating 21 condensed milk plants in the dairy regions of Vermont, New York, Michigan and Canada. Hires died at Haverford, Pennsylvania.
Hires, Charles Elmer (August 19,1851 – July 31, 1937)