Drinking Dr. Swett's Root Beer in 1920, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When I stumbled across this image of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1920, my eye was caught by the ad on the side of the machine shop advertising Dr. Swett's Root Beer, and knowing nothing about it, my first thought was that it seemed an unfortunate name. But I did a quick search and it looks like it was a very popular and successful root beer! And all of this has got me to thinking what a wonderful history adventure it would be to time-travel back there. Let's go!

The address for the Northern Boulevard Garage is 4616 Broad Street, according to the Duke University, who posted the photo, and I have no reason to doubt them. If you do, let me know and I'll update this post. Anyway, let's time-travel!

I don't like the rattle that I've been hearing in the old jalopy, I'm going to stop into that Machine Shop there and see if someone can take a look at it. Yep, it's a reputable shop, my dad always goes there, and used to take me along when I was just a whipper-snapper! Old man McGillicuddy can fix anything! And here's the best part - he always has some Dr. Swett's Root Beer on ice there in a barrel in the back. You can just help yourself!

I hear tell that he used to drink Dr. Swett's Root Beer when he was a little shaver. According to the advertising, Dr. Swett invented root beer! Yeah, I don't believe it, either, you can't believe everything you see in advertising. But it sure tastes great!

Here we are. The old jalopy is going to run just fine, and I'll be happy drinking some root beer. Life is good! Where would you like to go next?

Images from the Duke University Library Digital Collections.

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