Root Beer Float Anyone?

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Image (C) Doris McCraw

How many remember the Root Beer Float? It was a summer favorite where I grew up. Recently, I had the pleasure of doing some research on the subject. Here are some interesting facts. But first, we must set the stage.

In late 1890, Bob Womack found gold in the Cripple Creek area. By 1891, the strike was verified, and the rush was on.

By 1896, Coors had started selling his beer in a store he purchased for that purpose. Prior to this, many miners brewed their own spirits. There was even a root beer called Myers Avenue Red, brewed in the area.

Now, we come to the Root Beer Float.

In August 1893, Frank J. Wisner was looking out at night and saw the snowcap on a dark mountain, Cow Mountain to be exact. It reminded him of vanilla ice cream in a dark liquid. The next day, he put vanilla ice cream into the Myers Avenue Red root beer. He called it the Black Cow.

The other story says Wisner saw the snowcap on Cow Mountain, which reminded him of the black-and-white cow. Hence the name Black Cow.

Now, here's the question. Was Frank J. Wisner in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in August of 1893? Did he own the Cripple Creek Brewing Company in Cripple Creek, Colorado? 

The evidence seems to suggest the answer to those questions may be 'no'. Perhaps the most telling piece of the puzzle. His family called him a flim-flam man.

As with all legends, there may be elements of truth. I leave it to you whether you want to believe the story or do further research.

Still, it's a great story and can give Colorado another first. 

Until next time.

Stay safe - Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon