Blenheim Bottlers - The Blenheim Shrine
Where is Blenheim?
Most people think Blenheim Ginger Ale comes from a Southern town named Blenheim, 
and they're partly right. As you can read from our history page, a Doctor C. R. May from nearby Bennettsville encouraged his patients in the late 1890's to drink the mineral waters from the spring (artesian well) found at this small village. The historical marker in Blenheim reads: "This community was named for Blenheim Palace in England, home of the Duke of Marlborough, for whom Marlboro County is said to have been named. Formerly called Mineral Spring or Spring Hill for the mineral springs 1/2 mile E, Blenheim traces its origin to wealthy planters who built summer homes during the antebellum period in this healthy locality."
The move east to 'South'
Although Blenheim Bottling Company was founded in 1903, the oldest plant still in existence dates to 1920, and is situated near the mineral springs in Blenheim. It is said to still operate today as a Bottler's Museum. After the Schafer family acquired the company in 1993, renovations and upgrades still could not help meet demand, and a new plant was built several miles east at their South of the Border complex near Dillon, SC.
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Assurances were given at one time that the water used to make Blenheim products still comes from the mineral springs at Blenheim. (*As of 4-07, the author notes that spring water is no longer listed as an ingredient) Though the plant's operations have moved, Blenheim Bottling Company is considered to be the oldest independent bottling company in America.
Blenheim Good For What Ales You