Blog 3977 – 10.14.2026

Dr. Pepper

Whatever else one has to say about Texas, one has to give credit where credit is due. And in 1906 in Waco, Texas, the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company first began mass production of the iconic soft drink that they recommended as a pick-me-up at ten am, two pm, and four pm daily.

I saw today’s picture on social media with the caption, “The doctor said I could only have one Dr. Pepper a day. Anyone know where I can get one of these?”

I recall one of my favorite Dr. Pepper campaigns as a boy. The jingle went, “Doctor Pepper, so misunderstood. If you just tried one you’d know they taste good.” I have always enjoyed an ice cold Dr. Pepper. 

A controversial pastor that I knew as a young man loved the taste of Dr. Pepper and said he that really identified with the brand, “So misunderstood.” Many of his friends and parishioners were always giving him Dr. Pepper. I once volunteered to help him organize the used books that he kept in his garage for sale and the second thing I noticed after the mountain of books was the lifetime supply of Dr. Pepper that he also kept there.

My wife’s mother loves Dr Pepper, especially with chicken strips and French fries, her great grandson does as well. You may thank heaven for Seven Eleven if you like, but you need to thank Texas for Dr. Pepper.

The Dr. Pepper Museum is located in Waco, Texas where it all began on a mass scale.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White