Good for what ails you

Who knew that in the late 1940’s, the demand for a modern elixir called Hadacol bordered on mania? Manufactured by Louisiana politician Dudley LeBlanc, the tonic contained vitamins, minerals, honey, and 12% alcohol (same as wine). Thanks to Mr. LeBlanc’s road shows, promotion, and maybe the alcohol, Hadacol gained the reputation of being “good for what ails you”. Locally, sales were brisk. Meals Drug store would order 12 cases (of 24 bottles) at a time and would sell out in less than 2 weeks. A crossroads store near Springville was named Hadacol City due to the hoopla. Pictured below is a vintage Hadacol bottle (full) from the period. Source – Beverly Meals Wood. Submitted by Ray Harding.