William H. Luden

William Henry Luden (March 5, 1859 in Reading, Pennsylvania – May 8, 1949 in Atlantic City, New Jersey) was the developer of the menthol cough drop, and founder of the Luden's company and brand.

Luden launched a backroom candy business in 1879 in the rear of his father's jewelry shop at 35 N. 5th St. in Reading, Pennsylvania, his "factory" was his family's kitchen. An early product was "moshie", a Pennsylvania Dutch (German-American) candy made with brown sugar and molasses.

Luden collaborated with a pharmacist to develop a cough drop formula. He colored his cough drops amber instead of the red associated with cough drops at the time. In 1881, Luden's honey-licorice menthol throat drops were introduced. "Luden's Menthol Cough Drops" were sold for many years in 5-cent packages.

In 1900, he moved to still larger quarters on Eighth street beyond Walnut, where he erected a four-story brick building, expanded in 1909.

William Luden retired in 1927. The Luden's brand has subsequently transferred ownership several times.

William Luden, age 90, died May 8, 1949, of a heart attack in Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. He is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.