Demolition crews tearing down the old Angelina County Jail this week hit pause when their sledgehammers revealed something unexpected: a stunning Dr Pepper mural that’s been hiding behind sheet metal for nearly a century.
The massive advertisement, painted directly on brick sometime in the 1920s, features the soft drink’s classic slogans from that era: “3 a day,” “Drink Dr. Pepper – Good for Life!” and “Drink a bite to eat.” The mural sat on a building constructed between 1908 and 1915, sealed away when the jail was built around it decades ago.
When Soda Was Medicine
This mural captures a fascinating moment in advertising history. Back in the 1920s and early 1930s, Dr Pepper marketed itself with the “10, 2, and 4” campaign—encouraging people to drink their soda three times a day during the body’s natural energy slumps. The drink was pitched as both refreshing and energizing, with slogans promising it was “good for life” and even “safe for children.”
The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco confirmed the mural dates to the 1920s era, when traveling sign painters would hand-paint these advertisements directly onto the sides of buildings in towns across Texas. These artisans created advertising that doubled as public art, though their names were rarely recorded—making it impossible to identify who painted the Lufkin mural.
A Texas Original
Dr Pepper has deep roots in the Lone Star State. Created in 1885 at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, it’s the oldest major soft drink brand in America. The drink predates both Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and Texans have claimed it as their own ever since.
This discovery has special meaning for Lufkin, which has embraced public murals throughout its downtown in recent years. From the “Thundering Thirteen” Little League team to Angelina, the Hasinai girl who gave the county its name, these painted walls have become gathering spots and photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Your Chance to See History
Mayor Mark Hicks halted demolition work immediately after the discovery. The city contacted both Dr Pepper corporate headquarters and Lufkin Coca-Cola, the local distributor, and both have expressed interest in helping preserve the find.
City Manager Kevin Gee confirmed that restoration work is now underway, though part of the mural suffered damage during the initial demolition. “The vintage murals are just so neat,” Gee said. “People like to see them.”
The building itself spans only 1,500 square feet, and city officials have floated ideas ranging from public restrooms to a small museum space. Whatever the final decision, they’re committed to keeping the mural visible and accessible.
Why This Matters Now
Downtown Lufkin sits at the corner of First Street and Frank Avenue, where this mural has quietly waited for its second act. As more Americans hunt for authentic experiences and historical connections, these hand-painted advertisements offer something you can’t find on a screen—a direct link to how your grandparents and great-grandparents lived, shopped, and relaxed.
The community response has been overwhelming. State Representative Trent Ashby’s office fielded dozens of calls from residents passionate about preservation. Social media exploded with photos and memories. This level of engagement shows that people care deeply about protecting the physical artifacts of their shared history.
The city promises updates soon on the mural’s final fate. In the meantime, the discovery serves as a reminder that our towns hold secrets worth protecting—sometimes you just need to look behind the walls.
Location: Old Angelina County Jail site, Downtown Lufkin (near First Street and Frank Avenue)
Current Status: Demolition paused; restoration work underway
Updates: Follow the City of Lufkin on Facebook and Instagram for preservation news
Pro Tip: Downtown Lufkin has multiple historic murals worth visiting, including tributes to the “Thundering Thirteen” Little League team and the Angelina mural in Cotton Square Park. Standpipe Coffee House also features a vintage Coca-Cola mural. Make a day of discovering Lufkin’s painted history.
