Wiseola

Wiseola (or Wise Ola) was a soft drink bottled in Birmingham from 1905 to 1915 by the Wiseola Bottling Company, located at 1911 Avenue A.

The beverage, which contained an extract of coca leaves, was developed with help from chemist Jefferson Peek. It was marketed with the slogan "Get Wise" and an illustration of an owl framed by a full moon. In 1905 the officers of the company were George S. Thomas, president, and John S. Harris secretary and treasurer, with Peek as manager of the bottling works at 1913 Avenue H.

In 1908 the company was mentioned in a report on the adulteration of beverages prepared by President Theodore Roosevelt's Homes Commission in 1908. A 6-ounce sample of Wiseola was tested by government chemists in New Orleans, Louisiana and found to contain 2 milligrams of cocaine, leading to criminal charges against the company under the 1906 Food and Drugs Act. The company pleaded guilty to adulterating and paid a fine. Another drink, called Imported French Cola, was reported to be a carbonated version of Wiseola. Later the company returned to court to fight a lawsuit alleging fraud in reporting its capital stock. The case was argued in the Alabama Supreme Court in 1914. The company ceased operations a year later.

A painted mural for Wiseola was found on the interior of the second floor of the Hunter Furniture building during its renovation as a loft for Dog Days of Birmingham owners Jimmy and Sue Johnson.

References

• R. L. Polk & Co.'s Birmingham Directory 1905 (1905) Volume 20. Birmingham: R. L. Polk & Co.
• Smith, Dennis I. Birmingham Bottlers: 1883-1983 (1983) Birmingham, D. I. Smith
• Tomberlin, Michael (June 9, 2010) "Renovation reveals old murals in downtown Birmingham building." Birmingham News