John James McLaughlin

  General Information:

In the last half of the 19th century, Canadians and Americans were becoming aware of the need for healthier diets and temperance in alcoholic consumption. Carbonated water flavoured with fruit syrups was considered just the ticket to a healthier - and more reputable- lifestyle. John James McLaughlin, the Ontario College of Pharmacy's gold medal winner in 1885, disregarding his father's wish to join him in the McLaughlin Carriage Company, established himself in the wholesale soda fountain business in Toronto. He manufactured as well as imported mineral waters, syrups, creams, cordials, extracts and soda fountain supplies. By the time he incorporated as J.J. McLaughlin, Manufacturing Chemists in October 1905 he had already applied for a patent on his own formula for ginger ale, a popular drink first associated with Belfast, Ireland. It was his wife, Maude, who coined the marketing phrase "the champagne of ginger ales" for his Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale. When J.J. McLaughlin died in 1914 at age 48 his two brothers, George and Sam, continued to run the business. In 1923, they sold J.J. McLaughlin Company to P.D. Saylor for one million dollars.

  Research Information:

John James founded Canada Dry - The "Champagne of Ginger Ale". He was a chemist by trade.