The Cola Wars—A Survey

In a recent interview, Ace Collins, writer-extraordinaire, asked me how a nice Southern girl like myself could justify her character, Alison, favoring Pepsi-Cola. Which got me to thinking about a little known conflict outside the borders of North Carolina.

Interesting dilemma in which we North Carolinians find ourselves.

You see, sure Coca-Cola headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia. Cola history began in 1886 when a pharmacist in Atlanta, Dr. John S. Pemberton, created a soft drink that could be sold at soda shops. This flavored syrup was mixed with carbonated water and met with resounding reviews.

But what you may not know?

Pepsi was invented in New Bern, NORTH CAROLINA. Yeah, you read that right. Created in 1893 by Caleb Bradham at his drugstore and sold at his soda fountain. His syrup featured the digestive enzyme pepsin and kola nuts. His goal was to create a drink that was delicious, an aid to digestion, and boosted energy.

And for North Carolinians, it’s been a war of Braveheart proportions. Our loyalties tugged in both directions. Families—a bitter re-eaactment of the War of Northern Aggression—divided ever since. Fueled feuds along the lines of the Hatfields and McCoys. Resulted in tragedies reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.

There are rumors tobacco farmers who supplied Moon Pies, Nab and cola to farm workers during a mid-afternoon break would hire and fire according to contrary cola opinions.

It can get ugly, people.

Old barns dot the countryside, sporting Coca-cola or Pepsi advertising logos. Once in a while, you’ll see dear, middle child types who try to walk the middle of the road, appease both sides and display Coke and Pepsi billboards on the same storefront or tobacco barn.

Well, let me just say, that’s wins no friends and influences nobody. Can’t respect a person who can’t make up their mind and stick to their convictions. After all, are we the Tar Heel State or not?

And you know, what happens to creatures who inhabit the middle of the road? That’s right. Roadkill.

This inner struggle reached new lows on the homefront during World War II. It got nasty. Patriotism was called into question.

Oh, yeah. They so went there. Took it to a whole new level.

Santa has weighed on the issue, too. And by weighed in, I mean weighed in. Small North Carolina children have been threatened, I won’t say who, with their names crossed off the “Nice” list at any breach in family loyalty. This has figured prominently in generation-gap, menopausal/adolescent hormone-riddled conflicts.

So yes, Alison Monaghan drinks Pepsi.

But as for Claire? What do you think?

So if you come for a visit to NC and stop at a roadside stand, country store or restaurant, take a good look at the menu before you ask for a soft drink beverage. Be very careful. Or be prepared for the self-respecting waitress to wrinkle her nose and curl her lip. Shotguns may emerge from behind cash registers. Remember, people have been tarred and feathered for less.

This is a public service announcement brought to you by Carolina Reckoning.

Survey—Which cola do you drink?

Entries such as Dr. Pepper (shudder) or Mountain Dew (ick) will be disqualified due to lack of good taste.