Edwin Perkins

Edwin Perkins born

Jan 18, 1889

Born in Lewis, Iowa, Perkins grew up around his family's grocery store

Edwin Perkins

Period: Jan 18, 1889 to Jul 3, 1961

born Jan 18th 1889 - july 3 1961

Perkins answered magazine ads.

1902

At the age of 13, Perkins answered two magazine ads. One was for manufacturing packaged foods and the other was how to start a print shop

Perkins was introduced to Jell-O.

1904

Perkins shared a bowl of Jell-O with his future wife. He realized that he wanted to make pre-packaged food.

Perkins had a line of makeup products.

1921

The Onor-Maid line of beauty products was invented by Perkins. His company made over 125 different products,

Fruit Smack was invented.

1924

Perkins' most popular inventions, Fruit Smack, was created It was, however, very messy. Perkins wanted to create a powder form.

Perkins invented Kool-Aide.

1927

Edwin's favorite product to experiment was Jell-o,he realized he could make a drink mix from similar ingredients and invented Kool-Aide.

The Perkins Company moved to Chicago.

1931

Demand for Kool-Aide escalated during the Great Depression. Perkins moved Perkins Products Company to Chicago

Edwin sold his product

1952

After great success in grocery stores, Kool-Aide was bought by General Foods

Edwin Perkins Died

Jul 3, 1961

Perkins died a wealthy man. He was buried in the family's church cemetery and joined by his wife in 1977.Edwin Perkins created a product that is still popular almost one hundred years later.