City of Lamoni

Polly's Pop is Pop'n Up in Lamoni

Michelle Noe on November 15, 2024

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On Tuesday November 5th I was taking a stroll down Main Street, aiming to take a look at a colorful display that now adorns the once dark windows of 119 E Main Street. I had seen the Polly's Pop logo in passing several times over the last few weeks, and was intrigued as I had recalled my father mentioning the brand being a favorite of his youth growing up in the Independence/Kansas City Missouri area. 

     A QR code on the window beckons passers-by to learn more about the brand: In 1923 Louis L. "Polly" and Dorthea Compton founded the Independence Bottling Company and Polly's Pop in Independence, Mo and in 1967 bottling operations ceased.  
So why is Polly Pop being advertised here and now?  Well in 2016 the McClain family decided to revive the brand.  They restored a 1940s bottling machine and started what would become a resurgance of craft sodas in the Independence area.  The sodas are made in small batches from pure can sugar, locally sourced flavors, and are caffeine and gluten free.

     "Polly's Pop sold here" declares a sign by the door, and I am in luck; they are open!  I step inside and am greeted by the friendly smile of none-other than Shelby McClain, one of the owners of Polly's Pop.  After some friendly chit chat and perusing the wares offered, my curiosity got the better of me and I asked Ms.McClain, why Lamoni of all places to promote this brand that is largely tied to Independence?  It turns out the McClains have several ties to Graceland themselves with being Alumni, and also providing internships at their business through the Graceland business programs.

 "Graceland students and Alumni have had a big hand in the development of these brands, so we thought it would be nice for the students and the community to be able to see the results of their work."  Pop is not the only offering; the shop also boasts the company's new line of Polly Q BBQ sauces, their new line of Pioneer Springs sparkling waters, and a small selection of Polly's shirts and other merchandise.  While the shop in Lamoni is currently open on a pop-up basis only, they hope to have some more regular hours in the near future.  Watch the Polly's Pop Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements of hours.  If you do happen to stop in, watch your step as building renovations are still in progress.  I for one am happy to see a once vacant storefront come to life again, even if only for the occasional pop-up!