Datebook: July 8 – Coca-Cola inventor turns 180

John Stith Pemberton was born on July 8, 1831 (and died August 16, 1888). He was a Confederate veteran and an American druggist, best known for being the inventor of Coca-Cola. His beverage began as an alcoholic cure for morphine addiction, after he’d been wounded in the Battle of Columbus, Georgia. In 1886, Atlanta enacted temperance legislation, forcing him to produce a non-alcoholic alternative. With druggist Willis Venable, they worked out a preparation that included blending the base syrup with carbonated water, and Frank Mason Robinson came up with the name “Coca-Cola.” Pemberton touted his product as a “valuable brain tonic” that would cure headaches, relieve exhaustion and calm nerves.

It’s Friday, July 8th

Woody Allen’s 2011 film Midnight in Paris plays Maiden Alley Cinema this evening at 5, tomorrow at 4, 7 and 9 p.m. and next Tuesday through Thursday at 7 p.m. Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams lead the cast of this time-travelling romantic comedy. Maiden Alley is near the riverfront in downtown Paducah.

Registration for a 5K walk supporting the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Calloway County High School with the walk starting at 10. It’s part of a statewide effort supporting more than 90,000 adults and children living with seizures in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Make donations at the walk or at efky.org.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park unveils a new 12 by 60 foot mural designed by Barb Larson at 1 p.m. Monday at the Park Lodge’s lower patio. The Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park donated the painting and provided painting assistance.

Check out the music programs we stream on demand at wkms.org. Have a great weekend.