THE HISTORY OF MIDAS SPRING WATER.

Midas Spring water, Inc is the oldest manufacturer in Mecklenburg Co. and one of the oldest bottled water companies in the country. The spring has enjoyed a colorful history beyond the legends. It was rediscovered in 1812 by a slave and commercially sold since 1871. One of the several owners over the years was the late I.D. Blumenthal, a Charlotte philanthropist who founded Radiator Specialty Co. The custom-built bottle washer he installed at Midas was the first of its kind in the southeast.

The famous author, Harry Golden, known nationally for his prolific writings on life and Jewish history, was plant manager for Midas. During the fifties Midas was the source for non-carbonated beverages under the bireley's brand but was unable to compete with the big cola's. Dr J.T. Wheeler, a naturopathic physician, who also owned several nursing homes, one on the Midas property, operated the business for a number of years until selling it to Ray Phillips in 1967. As the legend continued, one of the notable testimonials came during phillips reign, as a Mrs. Abernathy, Charlotte’s then oldest citizen at 105, in an article in the Charlotte Observer attributed her longevity in part to drinking Midas Spring Water. Ray’s brother, Larry Phillips, then bought the Business after working at Midas for only one year. Former owner Blumenthal aided him with his purchase, as banks would not consider his liquid assets as collateral. The late Harry P. Stokely, a former candidate for governor, against Luther Hodges, and a pioneer in the food brokerage business acted as a consultant to Midas during the 70's and helped to establish sales to major chain stores and wholesalers in the Carolinas. Stokely had kidney stones in mid life and his doctor recommended Midas Spring Water. His kidney stones cleared up and some 40 years later they had not returned, so he gratefully volunteered his services. Midas was one of the few companies engaged in home and office delivery, and retail outlet sales in the Carolinas until the 80's.

Over the years Midas Spring Water helped to establish a number of other companies in the bottled water buisness and has witnessed the phenomenal growth of the industry in recent years. In order to keep pace with the growth, Midas has expanded to its current 9,000 sq. ft. and automated its operations, as well as adding a line of carbonated water under the new ownership of Joe Liburdi. In an ever changing world, Midas Spring Water stands ready to meet the challenges of the future and the consumer.

Read what the 1923 New York City Commissioner of Health wrote about MIDAS SPRING WATER J