May 6th is National Beverage Day. Beverages have existed, in one form or another, almost since the beginning of mankind. Today, beverages are classified into 19 different categories and come in a variety of textures and flavors. The original Buchheit store in Biehle, MO was well-known for their assortment of soda and beers that came in glass bottles. Sodas were transported in wooden crates and beer came in large cardboard boxes. Kenny and Rhonda Buchheit’s children often had the task of organizing bottles and getting them ready to be cleaned. Kristi Hahs can remember picking up cups and bottles at the Biehle store and she would often get a cold Coke as a reward for her work. Herculaneum Manager Jamie Schilling, said that his favorite memory of the original store was the soda. “On Sundays after church, we would go down there and sit at the little bar area there and have a soda pop.” When there was still a bar at the store, some of the soda that was served included 7-UP, Dad’s Root Beer, Orange Crush, Coke, Pepsi, and local brand, Milde’s. Milde’s Soda Water was founded by Emanuel Milde, Sr. in 1894. In 1926, Emanuel’s son, Alvin started a soda manufacturing business in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Milde’s remained a favorite in Southeast Missouri until the plant closed in 1969.

Whether you call it, soda, pop, coke, or soda pop, celebrate National Beverage Day with your favorite cold drink and don’t forget to check out the variety of beverages sold at Buchheit!