J.B. Dickey's Famous Celebrated Root Beer, Newton KS Pint Glass, Wichita Harvey Kansas

John B. Dickey was born in Michigan in 1848. John, “having a liking for the drug business, learned his profession in Centerville, Mich” where his father was a practicing physician. At the age of 22, Dickey headed to Kansas and settled first in Wichita where he worked as an “assistant postmaster.” He began to hear about a proposed town north of Wichita and the adventures of a cattle drive. He resigned his job to herd cattle. While working as a cowboy, he contracted malaria. He went to the new drug store in Newton owned by W.P. Pugh for quinine. He argued with Pugh over the high price of the drug. The argument ended with Dickey buying the business paying a monthly rent of $65 to Pugh for the small wood frame building. In June 1871, he opened “Dickey’s Drug” in Newton. A year later, the building was destroyed by fire, but Dickey’s Drug continued. In addition to running his business, he served on the Newton City Council and as Mayor. Many civic projects, including Newton’s Country Club and two public parks, Military and Themian Parks, succeeded because of his “unfailing optimism.” In 1921, shortly before his death, he celebrated 50 years in business at 611 Main. J.B. Dickey died October 28, 1921. Enjoy your favorite beverage in this clear pint glass printed with a digitally restored label.