Pink Lemonade - William Henry Griffith

Pink Lemonade - William Henry Griffith

The following is from an article in the 11 November 1937 issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat Newspaper:

"Billy Griffith", Pink Lemonade Discoverer, Will Be 81 Tomorrow

by Elizabeth C. Dilts

William Henry Griffith, of Three Bridges, who claims to have discovered quite by accident that popular and wonderful drink known as "pink lemonade" tomorrow, Nov. 12, 1937, will celebrate his 81st birthday.

If the day is fair, Billie will spend it in the fields hunting, because hunting and fishing are sports for which he has never lost his love, despite advancing age.

Mr. Griffith was born 1856 in Burlington County, son of the late George and Artilla Griffith. His father died when Billie, the youngest of a family of eight children, was less than a year old. At the age of seven, he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson M. Cox, well-to-do farmers who lived just outside of Flemington, on the place now occupied by Leslie Mike. His recollections of this fine couple are very pleasant, and as long as they lived, he regarded this as his home.

Billie tired of farming as has many another boy and at the age of 17 joined Forepaugh's Circus, but not as an actor.

His job it was to conduct a refreshment stand where peanuts, peanut taffy and lemonade were dispensed to the vast throngs who attended Forepaugh's, then one of the biggest shows on the road.

As Billie says, refreshment stands then were somewhat different from those of today. Hot dogs, ice cream cones and chewing gum were not known and packaged candy had not even been thought of.

Became Candy Butcher

It was up to Billie to make his confections, which he did between hours of business. His large batches of peanut taffy made outdoors in great kettles earned for him the title of "candy butcher."

Besides the taffy, peanuts were purchased by circus spectators to feed to the elephants; lemonade was also in demand.

Discovered Pink Lemonade

For this, it was necessary to have on hand a large supply of water, which had to be hauled long distances, at a considerable cost of effort. On a windy day in May, after Billie had made up his supply of lemonade, a lady bareback rider hung her pink tights to dry on a nearby line. Now, in those days, tights were made of cotton, and colors were not always guaranteed fast.

A fitful, or shall we say fateful, gust of wind blew those beautiful pink tights into the unprotected lemonade bucket. They were rescued, but alas, the lemonade had turned a lovely shade of pink. What to do? The crowds were beginning to assemble - no time to get another supply of water or lemons. So, our versatile Billie, noting the beautiful rosy color, used that quick wit he early developed and began his familiar cry: "Right this way, ladies and gents. Step right up and get your pink lemonade - absolutely new; Better than any lemonade ever made."

It was new, and curiosity getting the better of them, customers came thick and fast. The pink color seemingly added to the flavor and people came in flocks to taste this new and better drink. That was in the spring of 1873. Since then, many have copied the idea (with other ingredients it is hoped) and "pink lemonade" has always been associated with circuses, tho Mr. Griffith rightfully claims credit as the sole originator.

Married in 1877

After two years with the circus, Billie's mind turned to more serious matters and in 1877, married Miss Mercy R. Philhower of Califon. They have three sons, George and James Griffith of Somerville,

Fuhrman Griffith of Newark, and a daughter, Mrs. Fred Kugler, of Somerville; also three grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Of his own large family of six sisters and two brothers, Mr. Griffith and a sister, Mrs. Annie Hassel, of Elizabeth, are the only survivors. His two brothers, Joseph and Benjamin, enlisted and were killed in the War of the Rebellion, as it was termed in 1861.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Griffith went West as far as Ohio and lived there 14 years. The remainder of those sixty years they have resided in this vicinity.

Mr. Griffith was a handy man with tools or a good man on the farm. After working at several jobs, he decided to learn the trade of a mason. Reversing the usual order of things, he secured a contract, hired a good mason and from him learned his trade at which he worked many years. Samples of his workmanship may be seen in bridges and concrete structures thruout the county. His motto was, "Do your work so well you will be wanted again."

Spent Vacation on the Road

He never forgot his old calling, however, and for more years than he cares to remember, has conducted eating stands at Flemington Fair and other similar expositions, always with peanuts as a sideline. Some years he would cover the entire circuit of eastern fairs, being gone six weeks or more. This he would call his vacation.

Living at a time when hard liquor was considered important to a man's well being, Bill was not averse to keeping a supply on hand from the nearest still for insistant customers. He recalls vividly conducting a refreshment stand at a protracted camp meeting many years ago at the old Hemlock Church, near Croton. Crowds were greatest on Sunday; preaching was continous and at times fervor was needed to bring in the greatest number of lost souls.

Preacher had to be "Fortified"

On this particular Sunday Bill recalls a well-known Methodist preacher came to the stand to partake of refreshments. He was offered lemonade, but turned his glance back and said; "Give me some of the real stuff." Bill pretended surprise, but his assistant, a young man familiar with the neighborhood, whispered, "It's all right Bill, you don't know your man." Needless to say, the order was filled and the fortified dominie went back to his exhorting, no doubt converting many a sinner.

Enjoyed Life to the Full

Hard work has been the lot of Mr. Griffith during earlier days, but his jovial nature, love of adventure, and undomitable spirit, which in former times was called "grit," has brought him to a happy and peaceful autumn of life.

He owns his home and still attends to his large truck garden and flock of chickens. No property in the village is better cared for. During the past year he has had to give up several of his fishing and hunting trips on account of severe colds, but his health remains fair. His philosophy is "The secret of real living is to be contented."

Mr. Griffith reads a great deal and is always ready to receive callers and talk on matters of the day. He belongs to that fast fading generation of workers who believe that the "more abundent life could be had by doing a full day's work" and were contented with the fruits of their toil.