College Hill Sundries, seen above, is a libation-intense bar located at the corner of S. Mendenhall and Spring Garden Streets, between two college campuses (UNCG and Greensboro College). Close proximity and bargain prices are the priorities for many of their patrons. We took this photo, however, to feature the advertised drink, Pepsi Cola.
Pepsi was first made and served in the 1890's by North Carolina pharmacist, Mr. Caleb Bradham. Unfortunately Greensboro was not the birthplace of Pepsi. New Bern, NC has that distinction. To see a photo and an original painting of the very corner building where Pepsi was first served, please visit this blog entry of Bernie Rosage, Jr., North Carolina artist and fellow blogger.
Finally, if you stop by College Hill Sundries to admire this sign, walk across the street and visit Greensboro's latest vintage home and garden store: Adelaide's Corner Cottage.
Great. I love these old ads.
Posted by: cieldequimper | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 07:39 AM
That's kind of scary to learn Pepsi was invented by a pharmacist.
I haven't had a Pepsi in decades, but in this heat it does sound good.
Nice old sign.
Posted by: Dina | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I love that expression, "libation-intense."
Posted by: Bill B | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 08:09 AM
That's one beautiful old ad!
Posted by: Nicole | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Nice capture of this old ad. So Pepsi was created in North Carolina! Was it invented in response to Coca Cola's success? I certainly drank my share of both when I was a kid.
Posted by: East Gwillimbury WOW! | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Dear East G...bury WOW!
Yes, Coke was invented in Columbus, Georgia by John Pemberton in 1885. Originally, it was a cocawine; however, by 1886, the drink was revised as Coca Cola and sold in an Atlanta, GA drugstore. Pepsi came along in 1898 and the brand was trademarked in 1903 (all Wikipedia info).
I love it when blog readers put me to work like this! I'm still trying to answer Susan's question as to whether or not Proximity Hotel is the "greenest" in the world!
Mrs. GDP
Posted by: Greensboro Daily Photo | Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 09:42 PM
I LOVE love love this building and sign! Great history as well.
Thank you for your recent visit and comment on my skywatch post.
Posted by: Tuscaloosa Daily Photo | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 07:21 PM
This artwork was done by the previous owner (silent partner?) Jim King. You should also look at the walk-in keg cooler that came from the old seafood restaurant off Wendover that had a working lighthouse.
Posted by: Jessica G | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Yep - Pepsi and Cola - we covered it all :) I'm a Coke's fan - as long as it is 0 calories or less, but my husband would drink the full loaded cola or none at all :)
I like murals on walls! So refreshing!
Posted by: Ellie | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Thanks Mrs. GDP for the history on both Pepsi, and that other beverage. Have to stand by our NC home grown products!!
Great photo, great ad.
Posted by: David B | Monday, August 17, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Great work with this blog!
I love this spot and used it on a recent photoshoot:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4427458354_4bbfb622cc.jpg
Posted by: Stephen | Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:34 PM