Forgotten Michigan Soda Pop: M&S Beverages, Flint

Anybody remember M&S soda pop? It was a soft drink that was created in Flint and became the official pop of 'Vehicle City' (back in the late 1800s, Flint became known as 'Vehicle City', thanks to its booming horse-drawn carriage business).

M&S Beverages began in 1918 under the name Independent Bottling Works. As for what the initials “M&S” stood for, it depends who you ask. Some say it's the initials of the first names of founders Morris Weinstein and Samuel Buckler. Members of their families say it's for “Moon and Stars” that was part of the logo for their K&M Malt. “Mellow and Smooth”, maybe? Or “More Sugar”? I'd bet it was named after Morris and Samuel.

Independent Bottling Works became M&S Beverages in 1929. The two men knew a little something about making soda pop, as both had previously worked for Faygo.

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Along with their M&S pop flavors like grape, lime, orange, and strawberry/cherry, they also bottled and distributed other beverages: Dr. Pepper, Hires Root Beer, Mason's Root Beer (my favorite), 7Up, and Wolverine Ginger Ale.

By the 1980s, many companies began selling out. M&S was one, and with the buyout came a name change. From then on, M&S pop's sales decreased and the company had to close by 1989.

The gallery below shows some M&S memorabilia and the former distributing building.