The Wall Drug Store got its start during the Depression years by offering Free Ice Water to
thirsty travelers. From their beginning in 1931 to today, the family-owned and run business
continues what their reputation was and is built on — giving friendly service to the public!
Coffee is still sold at the original price from way back when, 5c a cup.
Over a million people stop at Wall Drug every year -- 20,000 on a good summer day. These adventurers are lured by the tantalizing Wall Drug billboards, thousands of which once beckoned from roadsides coast to coast and from Canada to Mexico. Once Ted got it into his head that signs could draw customers, he went billboard- crazy. Painted wood signs proclaiming "Have You Dug Wall Drug?" and "Wall I'll Be Drugged" appeared in every state in the union. "Dad always insisted on painted wood," Bill (the owner's son) remembers. "Painted wood isn't as fun to shoot as enameled metal."
Wow!! I was searching Pbase and ran across you photo's. I was at Wall Drug the first time in August of 1961. It was so cool. My Dad even got a metal sign. I have it now. I looked for the picture years later on my next visit June 1974. Course did not find it. I have since made two more trips there. I live near Atlanta GA. Things change. I thought it was more cool in '61. We traveled from Georgia to Cheyenne, to Ohio and back home in a 1954 Ford Station Wagon. Camped the whole time. The wagon broke down about 4 times with only one being serious, a water pump in the middle of South Dakota. Not many interstates back then. Your pics have brought back some great memories. Thanks so much for Sharing these. Sincerely Frank