It
all started in July 1936.
About five years earlier the Husteads had purchased a drug store in the small, rural town of Wall, located in western South Dakota. Business had been slow and the Hulsteads had struggled to make a living since purchasing the drug store. Then, on an especially hot July day, Dorothy Hustead came up with the idea to advertise “Free Ice Water.” The first day after the signs went up, business sky rocked. Travelers passing by the town now started stopping at the drug store for “free ice water,” and while they were getting free ice water they also purchased other items. Since that July day in 1936, the drug store has continued to expand --- and they still give out about 5,000 glasses of free ice water every day!
The
advertising campaign was expanded during World War II, when it became popular for
soldiers to place Wall Drug Store signs around the world indicating how many
miles it was from that location to Wall Drug Store. After the War, many
veterans traveled to Wall to see what they had been advertising.; and, the Drug
Store still gives out free Wall Drug Store signs that you can take home and
place in different locations.
Over
the years Wall Drug Store has expanded into many other areas and it is a must
stop if you are traveling in western South Dakota. In addition to the drug
store, there are now dining areas, clothing shops, art galleries, exhibits, numerous
souvenir shops, and interactive displays for children. And, for adults, coffee
is still only 5¢ per cup! Freebies for people in the military!
Displays include singing cowboys, singing raccoons, dinosaurs, bucking horses, giant jackalope, and many, many, more.
Map of Wall Drug Store
Wall Drug Store
Wild Bill Hickok Playing Cards
The Singing Raccoons
T-Rex Looking For His Next Dinner
(File Picture)
Small Child on Bucking Horse
(File Picture)
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