Edwin Perkins was born on August 1, 1889, in Lewis, Iowa. He spent his formative years in the small town before his family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where he would spend the majority of his childhood. Growing up, Perkins was known for his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset, traits that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
In his early adulthood, Perkins launched the Onor-Maid line of mail-order items. One of the most popular products in this line was a powdered liquid called Fruit-Smack, which bore a striking resemblance to the iconic Kool-Aid that Perkins would later create. This early venture laid the foundation for Perkins' future success as an inventor and businessman.
By the late 1920s, Perkins had developed the recipe for a powdered beverage that would change the way people enjoyed drinks. He named his creation Kool-Ade, which later became known as Kool-Aid. The drink quickly gained popularity for its convenience and delicious taste, becoming a household name across America. Perkins' invention would go on to become one of the most iconic beverages in history.
Throughout his life, Perkins was dedicated to giving back to his community and supporting various cultural institutions in Nebraska. He made significant contributions to the Perkins Library, the Perkins Recital Hall, and other local organizations. His philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on the community and solidified his legacy as a generous and caring individual.
In addition to his professional achievements, Perkins was a devout Christian and a loving husband to his wife, Kitty Shoemaker. Their partnership was a source of strength and support for Perkins as he navigated the ups and downs of his career. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to their community.
Perkins' impact extended far beyond the beverage industry. His innovative spirit and dedication to his craft inspired countless others to pursue their own creative endeavors. The well-known journalist and writer Tom Wolfe even immortalized Perkins' famous product in the title of his book, "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test." Perkins' legacy continues to inspire generations of inventors, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.