Joseph Biedenharn wasn’t as interested in his father’s shoe store on Washington Street in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, as he was in his uncle’s colorful confectionary shop.

At a young age at the turn of the 20th century, he took more pleasure in learning how to create a variety of confections. After Uncle Henry Biedenharn left the business to Joseph, then 22, the young entrepreneur added a soda fountain to serve cool drinks to his customers.

His invention that followed would deliver a brand that took the world by storm.

A happy accident

Soda fountains in the early years produced drinks made from carbonated water flavored with a variety of syrups that were served to customers in small glasses.

Joseph Biedenharn, the son of German immigrants, served his from Biedenharn & Son on Vick

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