Bottles on the Border: The History and Bottles of the Soft Drink ...

Houck & Dieter, Douglas, Arizona (1903-1907)
History
Houck & Dieter eventually branched out to Douglas, Arizona, in a deal with the Pabst
Brewing Co., Kansas City, Missouri. Dieter had earlier acquired control of some property
through Pabst, when he convinced the brewer to buy the Senate Saloon and accompanying
restaurant in 1899 (Lockhart 2006c) as well as other possible real estate transactions in El Paso.
By June of 1903, Dieter had already purchased the property for the Douglas business and sent the
warranty deed and a map of the town to Pabst (unfortunately, the map did not survive with the
letter). Dieter also assured Pabst that “we shall have free and undisturbed access” to a side track
of the railroad he described “and use thereof.” Access to the railroad for the delivery of Pabst
beer (and soda manufactured by Houck & Dieter) was a necessity. Dieter further stated the need
for a “light delivery wagon for one horse” to transport the beer from the side track to the new
plant (Dieter letter June 10, 1903).
In another letter to the Pabst Brewing Company, dated
July 16, 1903, Dieter ordered a “wagon which we deem suitable
for the Douglas Business.” At this point, Deiter had already
determined that the cost to construct a “cold storage building” in
Douglas would be $1,975. Additional costs would include an
architect “to prepare and receive bids” and someone to
superintend the actual construction “who is conversant with the
requirements of a cold storage house” (Dieter letter, July 16,
1903). Although Dieter never mentioned any bottling
equipment, surviving containers attest that the firm also bottled
sodas at Douglas. A monthly statement dated October 12, 1903,
lists such items as “architect 40 –,” “J. M. Sparks & Bros.
Contractors 1990.00,” and “Plumbers Services 88.50” (Figure 5-
44). This indicates that work was well on its way. Construction
for the beer distribution and soda bottling works was probably
finished by late 1903.
Figure 5-44 – Houck & Dieter
statement to Douglas Builders
Their plant was located on the south side of Twelfth St. between F and G, under the
management of Charles J. Lachance. Miller (1999:13; 2008:31-32) also notes a “Mr. Godfrey” as
a co-manager, although he ceases to be mentioned after 1905. The firm sold wines, liquors,
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