Photographer: J. Griffis Smith

A fountain drink mixed in The Old Corner Drug Store in the 1880s was dubbed a "Waco" by early patrons because it could not be found outside the city of Waco. It later acquired the name Dr Pepper. Dr. Charles Alderton, Waco beverage chemist and patron of the drug store, became interested in the new drink and began extensive research. In 1885, after some two years of testing, blending, and processing, the new flavor was originated and put on sale commercially. So perfect was Dr. Alderton's work that the formula has remained basically unchanged. Museum housed in original 1906 bottling plant, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features restored operating soda fountain along with other Dr Pepper memorabilia with inter-active audio visual display. Admission fee.