A Long History of Fresh Drinking Water

Back in the early 1920's, people from Saginaw relied on street corner water pumps to get water for drinking and cooking. Many used water right out of the Saginaw River.

Jack Shay was a farmer, horse trader, and dairyman in the quiet village of Merrill, Michigan. Jack tasted the water from the street corner pumps on one of his many trips to Saginaw. He thought, "I'll bet the city folks would love to serve my spring water at their tables." With that in mind, Jack founded the Shay Water Company in 1929. Jack and his workers began leaving sample bottles at area homes and businesses. Jack was right. The folks loved the spring water, and soon business was booming.

These days, everyone is drinking bottled water. Yes, Jack Shay was a farmer, horse trader, and dairyman, but we like to think of him as a trendsetter ahead of his time. We are proud to announce three generations of Shay's carry on his legacy!