Edwin Perkins (inventor)
Edwin Elijah Perkins | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Lewis, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | July 3, 1961 (aged 72) |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, businessman |
| Known for | Creation of Kool-Aid |
Edwin Elijah Perkins (January 8, 1889 – July 3, 1961), originally from Lewis, Iowa, created the powdered beverage mix known as Kool-Aid in 1927 while residing in Hastings, Nebraska. His family relocated from Iowa to Hendley, Nebraska in 1893.
At the start of his professional journey, Perkins was involved with products such as Jell-O that were retailed in his father's general store located in Hendley. By the time he reached 31 and had moved to Hastings in 1920, his focus shifted toward patent medicines and household goods. He manufactured more than 125 items under the "Onor-Maid" brand, which were marketed through door-to-door sales and mail orders. Among these was "Fruit-Smack," a liquid concentrate with fruit flavoring. In 1927, Perkins introduced Kool-Ade, a powdered soft drink mix sold in small packets at grocery stores for 10 cents per enough powder to make ten servings. The product’s popularity expanded internationally, leading Perkins Products Company to dedicate its efforts solely to Kool-Aid. The business was moved to Chicago in 1931, and by 1934 the name was updated to Kool-Aid. The company was eventually acquired by General Foods in 1953.
Kool-Aid quickly became a widely recognized brand, substantially enhancing Perkins’ financial success. The Perkins family continued their connection to Nebraska through philanthropic contributions, supporting Adams County and various organizations including Hastings College—where they funded the Perkins Recital Hall and Perkins Library—as well as contributing to Good Samaritan Village’s Perkins Pavilion.
The Hastings Museum in Nebraska features exhibits such as a reconstruction of his father’s general store along with memorabilia related to Kool-Aid.