[Magdalen] From the Historical Society.

[M J [Mike] Logsdon]

Old news most likely to many if not all, but it gave me a slight giggle on this otherwise drab weekday morn.

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Episcopal and Pepsi-Cola

A recipient of The Clearinghouse sent an item of interest. Pepsi-Cola was first made in New Bern, North Carolina in the early 1890's by pharmacist Caleb Bradham. On August 28, 1898, "Brad's drink" was changed to "Pepsi-Cola" and trademarked June 16, 1903.

One theory on the origin of the word "Pepsi" is that "Pepsi-Cola" is an anagram for "Episcopal" as Christ Episcopal Church is located across the street. A plaque at the site of the original drugstore documents this, though PepsiCo has refuted this theory.

What the truth really is will likely never be known. However it should be pointed out that Caleb was a Presbyterian. 
_________________________________________
"O perplexed discomposition, O riddling
distemper, O miserable condition of man!"
- The Rev Mr John Donne
(in a not-so-chipper moment)