Where It All Started Thanks to Judge J.H. Logan

Loganberry, a hybrid berry is a cross between a blackberry and a red raspberry. The berry was created by Judge J.H. Logan in the late 1800s from blackberry and red raspberry vines growing in his California garden. 

John Henry Logan was born in Rockville, Indiana December 8, 1841.  An avid horticulturist, his extensive gardens included collecting every kind of blackberry and raspberry he could find planting them in his garden.  He was on a quest to increase the size of the berry and in 1880 set about to hybridize such a giant.  In the spring of 1883 he discovered a blackberry with unique characteristics and named it the "Logan Blackberry". Eventually, folks started calling it the "Loganberry".  The vines yielded 12 tons an acre.  With so much product, the excess was squeezed for Loganberry juice, which in some places replaced grape juice, in popularity.*

*I would venture to say that in Western NYS along the shores of Lake Erie where hundreds of Concord grape vineyards can be seen throughout the region Loganberry juice would probably never replace Welch's grape juice, in popularity.  

Where It Ended Up .. in a Famous Amusement Park

The loganberry traveled to Crystal Beach, Ontario and there it was used to create the delicious drink we have come to know as loganberry, a Buffalo staple.  It was the Crystal Beach Amusement Park official drink and to many in Buffalo it is their official drink. 

A Continuing Loganberry Story

Started in 1988 and based in Saratoga Springs, NY .. Sarasoda, Inc. is a a privately held corporation owned by the Davis family.  PJ and Carolyn Davis grew up in Tonawanda, NY drinking the flavor that became one of their favorite childhood pastimes.  They graduated from high school, got married, went to college and became school teachers.  The couple then moved to Saratoga Springs and opened their restaurant, PJ's Bar-B-Q.  The restaurant is recognized as one of the top 8 barbecue places in the United States by CITY MAGAZINE, a national publication.  Being originally from Buffalo the Davis' wanted to sell popular Buffalo foods in their restaurant such as Buffalo Wings, Kummelweck sandwiches, Sahlen's Hot Dogs and, of course, Loganberry.  Loganberry became so popular that it  was outselling the major leading cola brands.  During the winter months customers were asking where they could purchase Loganberry while the popular summer restaurant was closed.  The Davis' were then inspired to create PJ's Crystal Beach Loganberry, a flavor now popular in all of New York State and expanding into new markets nationwide!

And so it goes .. the drink called loganberry was inspired by the legendary amusement park once nestled on the shores of Lake Erie above the roar of the mighty Niagara Falls.