Downtown in Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Dr Pepper Co Boiler & Painted Dr Pepper Sign
Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022
1. Dr Pepper Co Boiler & Painted Dr Pepper Sign Marker
The boiler in front of you is originally from inside the Dr Pepper Bottling Company building (formerly the AMBC). Manufactured by Erie City Iron Works in 1939, it was in the wing extending into the courtyard on the first floor. This area was known as the boiler room and contained the boiler, pumps, engine and refrigerating machinery and electric dynamo. The steam created by the boiler powered the machinery for the bottling line and elsewhere in the building.
The boiler itself is 60 inches in diameter and 14 feet long. On the side opposite from the Dr Pepper sign, the boiler's serial number can be found - 84025. This boiler was inspected on March 15, 1939 after its manufacture. Information about its construction, type of tubing, valves, rivets, and braces were logged and then filed by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
Moving Outside
As the museum made plans in the late 1980s for opening, it was decided to move the boiler outside to make way for exhibits and offices. In order for the boiler to exit the building, the roof of the wing was removed. A large crane then
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Good for Life!
This hand painted Dr Pepper sign was originally created in 1940 by C. B. Morgan on the back of a small concrete shed located on the Dr Pepper Company's property. The sign's large Good for Life logo on a red tile background was popular throughout the 1940s. Morgan repainted this sign in 1948 and again in 1990 shortly before the museum opened. In 2007 the shed was demolished to create the courtyard, but the 20,000 pound portion of the poured-in-place concrete wall with the sign on it was lifted by a large crane to its current location.
Captions
(Photo #1) LEFT: The boiler before it was moved.
(Photo #2) ABOVE & BELOW: The boiler on its way out.
(Photo #3) ABOVE RIGHT: The sign being moved to its new location.
(Photo #4) BELOW: The hand painted Dr Pepper sign in its original location.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is March 15, 1939.
Location. 31° 33.292′ N, 97° 7.752′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of South 5th Street and Mary
Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022
2. Dr Pepper Co Boiler and Marker (right side)
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Kellum and Rotan Building (here, next to this marker); DP Neon Sign & Old AMBC Building (a few steps from this marker); Cooper Grocery Co. & Delivery Truck (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Dr. Pepper, the Nation's Oldest Major Soft Drink (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church of Waco (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); History of the Grounds (about 700 feet away); The Silos (about 700 feet away);
Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022
3. The Painted Dr Pepper Sign and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022
4. Painted Dr Pepper Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 185 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
