Vintage Clem’s Orange Drink Cork Bottle Cap — Malvern, Arkansas NOS 🧡

Vintage Clem’s Orange Drink Cork Bottle Cap — New Old Stock (NOS)
Malvern, Arkansas

This original vintage Clem’s Orange Drink cork‑lined bottle cap was produced by Clem Bottling Works of Malvern, Arkansas, a family‑run soda operation founded in 1907 by J.M. Clem and his son Harold “Dock” Clem 🧡

The Clem family initially operated out of a small outbuilding behind their home before constructing a dedicated bottling plant and warehouse on South Main Street in 1914. Unlike many competitors, Clem Bottling Works created all of its own flavors in‑house, with their Orange Drink becoming the company’s best seller 🍊

During the early years, the family even produced its own carbonated water — a risky process at the time. Inconsistent pressure frequently caused bottles to explode inside the plant, requiring operators to wear heavy protective gear similar to blacksmith or firefighter equipment.

A defining moment in the company’s history occurred in 1936, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited Malvern during Arkansas’ Centennial celebration 🇺🇸 After tasting Clem’s Orange soda, Roosevelt declared it “the best,” personally met Harold Clem, and ordered two cases shipped to the White House.

This cork‑lined crown cap represents authentic working‑era soda ephemera from that period. Offered in New Old Stock (NOS) condition, it remains unused and uncrimped — a rare survival for an item normally destroyed during bottling.

Clem Bottling Works ultimately closed in the early 1970s as national beverage conglomerates consolidated the industry. Today, original Clem soda artifacts are increasingly scarce, making this cap a meaningful piece of Arkansas and American soda history 🏺

Details
Producer: Clem Bottling Works
Product: Orange Drink
Location: Malvern, Arkansas
Era: Mid‑20th century
Type: Cork‑lined crown bottle cap
Condition: New Old Stock (NOS), unused, uncrimped