James Vernor Playground

In 1866, a unique flavor was born at James Vernor Playground. Well, not exactly at the playground itself. Our story begins with James Vernor, a Detroit pharmacist, and his deliciously different creation: Vernor’s Ginger Ale. James Vernor Playground stands as a tribute to this man, a testament to his impact on Detroit, a city he adopted and served. James Vernor, the man behind the iconic ginger ale, wasn’t just a pharmacist. He was a Civil War veteran, a city councilman for 25 years, and a key figure in establishing Detroit’s water filtration plant. He even held Michigan pharmacist license No. 1. Before all of this, he crafted a ginger ale recipe, stored it in an oak cask, and went off to war. Four years later, he returned to a transformed brew, a “deliciously different” ginger ale aged to perfection. This “deliciously different” concoction quickly became a Detroit staple. Vernor opened his own drugstore, selling his ginger ale at the soda fountain. His success grew. He transitioned to full-time ginger ale production, opening a bottling plant near the Detroit riverfront in 1896. James Vernor’s legacy extended beyond the fizzy drink. His dedication to public service, including his 25 years on the Detroit Common Council, shaped the city. So, as you stand at James Vernor Playground, remember the man behind the name. He wasn’t just a soda maker. He was a veteran, a politician, and a Detroiter who left an indelible mark on the city’s history. And while the playground doesn’t produce ginger ale, it’s a place where you can savor the story of James Vernor and his bubbly legacy.