A traditional Detroit drink is being celebrated in East Lansing.
The demolition of the former Byrnes Building in March uncovered an old Vernors advertisement, with a winking Spartan gnome and the words “Drink Vernor’s Ginger Ale,” on the building on the corner of M.A.C. and Grand River avenues.
While the advertisements will be covered up again by the City Center Project, a $30 million renovation to revitalize the downtown, the city of East Lansing and the East Lansing Historical Society have decided to celebrate the city’s heritage. With the help of Cadbury Beverages Inc., the Texas-based maker of Vernors; The Pepsi Bottling Group, distributor of Vernors in the Lansing area; and Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream, 403 E. Grand River Ave., a timeless beverage will be brought to East Lansing residents.
“The people who grew up in Michigan have a love and passion for Vernors,” Councilmember Beverly Baten said.
Baten also said it is important to document the Vernors advertisement, which was painted in the mid-1950s.
The East Lansing Historical Society and the city of East Lansing have decided to hold a Boston Cooler party, called “A Taste of Michigan’s History.”
A Boston Cooler is vanilla ice cream and Vernors, a float native to the Detroit area.
The Boston Cooler party would be held four times this summer during Live at Ann Street Plaza, a concert series every Friday and Saturday night through Aug. 4.
Free 8-ounce Boston Coolers will be handed out during the concerts on June 22, 23, 29 and 30.
“This is a way of taking something from 45 years ago that is going to be covered up and turn it into a recognizable event,” said Ron Springer, community development analyst and historic preservation officer. “We are not going to see this again, so we should do as much as we can to preserve it.”
Vernors was invented by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor in 1866. Vernor left a concoction in an oak barrel when he joined the Union Army in 1862. When he returned he found the mixture had became a tangy drink, which became widely popular.
Amy McAllister, regional sales manager for Cadbury Beverages, said it is important to have an event like this to remember Michigan tradition.
“We are doing this to capitalize on the heritage of the brand because it has strong local presence and it is good for the community,” she said.
McAllister said Cadbury will donate free items such as T-shirts and key chains, as well as Vernors, with the help of The Pepsi Bottling Group.
Kilwins is going to provide ice cream and employees to make the Boston Coolers.
“I think this goes well with the city’s focus to make the downtown family-oriented,” said Lisa Rometti, manager of Kilwins.
