Ted and Dorothy Hustead bought The Wall Drug Store during the Depression years. In 1931, when Ted moved his family from the metropolis of Sioux Falls, the chances of "making it" in a small business were not all that high. Fortunately Dorothy came up with an idea of "Free Ice Water" to thirsty travelers. And the rest of the story is history.
Three generations later, their grandson, Ted Hustead, president of Wall Drug, takes viewers on an intimate personal tour of his family's legacy and the future of Wall Drug. Wall Drug is an American institution that epitomizes life in the United States. It has become one of the largest and most interesting of roadside attractions in the USA. From South Dakota to Paris France, Wall Drug signs have popped up in the most unexpected places.
The walls at Wall Drug are covered with photos of posted signs sent by fans from all over the world. Learn about the history of this unique store and discover the many features that have developed throughout the years including their vast display of western memorabilia, one of the world's largest private collections of western art, their Big Back Yard for kids, of course, Wall Drug' famous FREE Ice Water!
DVDDASE3 REVIEW: Wall Drug
"Years ago, the highways of America were dotted with unusual billboards that simply read: Wall Drug, plus the number of miles needed to reach this mecca. What and where is Wall Drug? Located in the flyspeck town of Wall, South Dakota, Wall Drug could very well be characterized as the Holy Grail of kitsch, cornpone humor, and roadside humbug.
Sitting off of I-90 between Rapid City and Kadoka, Wall Drug was built in 1931 to serve thirsty travelers--the owners lured motorists to the store with the promise of free ice water--and over the years has added on a book store, art gallery, and a jackalope (legendary antlered rabbits) garden, while still remaining a family-owned business. In this "special edition" from Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed, high-definition filmed Discoveries America series, current manager Ted Hustead (grandson of the original owners) takes viewers on a guided tour of Wall Drug, explaining how it has evolved into a major tourist attraction for both U.S. and foreign visitors.
An entertaining, humorous, and inspiring example of how a thriving business enterprise was built on the simple premise of giving people what they wanted, this profile of one of the most famous rest stops in America is recommended."
