Boonville’s original, Derr’s Soda, makes its big
comeback!
We love our Ski, don’t we?
We even have Ski Day! Okay, maybe not exactly the same thing, but there is
plenty of Ski (the fizzy drink) to go around and hardly any – if no – actual
sliding across the skin of the Ohio
on a pair of elongated feet. Derr’s Soda, a locally produced carbonated beverage,
was once a staple to the Warrick/Vanderburgh County diet. According to the
Derr’s family history, “Derr’s Inc., which was the oldest and only continuous
bottling plant in Indiana,
began operation in 1889. Charles Derr,
the last owner, represented the third generation of the Derr Family to operate
the business, which was founded by his grandfather; John Derr, Sr.”
From its humble beginnings of no lights, plumbing, motors
or water system and being transported by horses and wagons, Derr’s has come a
long way.
I spoke with Barb Byers who is helping bring back this
family business.
Charles Derr, the last owner of the business.
N4U: What is Derr’s Soda?
BB: Derr’s sodas, as well as
extracts, flavors, and syrups were manufactured and distributed in the
Boonville area from 1889 to 1992.
What flavors are available?
Derr’s strawberry is the one
that we want to get back on the market at this time. The company also
manufactured Derr’s Dry (a lemon-lime flavor), Orange, Orange-Pineapple, Grape, and several
other fruit flavors, as well as Cream Soda, Root Beer, and Cola.
How would you describe the tastes?
Unlike any other, especially
Derr’s strawberry. Orange Pineapple and Cream Soda were also very popular and
so was Derr’s Dry. The company also manufactured a blended Vanilla Extract for
baking that is wonderful.
When did Derr’s come into existence?
When
first established the business was know as John Derr & Sons, then Boonville
Bottling Works. His four sons, John
Derr, Jr., Robert Derr, Frank N. Derr, and Albert C. Derr were with the
original firm. In 1910, Albert, Frank,
Bob and John Jr. took over the business calling it Derr Brothers until
1962. Albert’s son, Charles, was the
owner and manager, under the name Derr’s Inc., until the business closed in
1992.
Has it always been a family business?
Yes. My Great Grandfather, John Derr, established
the business as John Derr & Sons, then Boonville Bottling Works. His four
sons, John Jr., Robert, Frank, and Albert were with the original firm. In 1910, Albert (my Grandfather), Frank, John
and Bob took over the business calling it Derr Brothers until 1962. Albert’s
son, Charles (my Father), was the owner and manager, under the name Derr’s
Inc., until the business closed in 1992.
What made you decide to start producing Derr’s
products again?
Everyone in the family has
wanted to see the business restarted since it closed. Unfortunately, none of us where in a position
to do so. My cousin, Joe Derr, from
Boonville and my brother, John Derr, from Kingwood, TX, have been primarily
involved in this initiative. They each talked extensively with Dad about the
business and formulas before he died in January 2006. The new company name is CA Derr and Company.
Where did the name come from?
The company name is in
memory of Charles A. Derr, the last owner of the business.
Are you using the original family recipe?
Yes – it has been locked
away for the last 16 years just waiting for us.
How do you plan to start this business through these
tough economic times?
That is the tough
question. Our first objective was to see
if we could reproduce key products – which we did. Now we must locate a
manufacturing site that is not too costly to satisfy our start up needs. Our
goal is to reintroduce Derr’s strawberry and vanilla extract initially in the
Boonville area. We know that we will be competing against larger companies but
we believe that our products can meet that challenge.
Will you be producing it locally?
Yes, we hope to locate in
Boonville.
Will it be available in glass or cans or plastic?
That has not been decided. Containers may vary with different
products.
Where will people be able to get the products?
We have been present at
recent Boonville events where people have been allowed to try our strawberry
pop over ice cream. So far this has been a success with people
eager for its return. We hope to have it on store shelves or available in
restaurants in Boonville in the near future.
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PHOTOS | DERR FAMILY
