Hires To You headerThe Illustrated History of Hires Root Beer

1873 

IT HAPPENED IN…1873

The “panic of 1873” was caused by over speculation in land and securities, and increasing inflation.

Newly introduced products included barbed wire, blue jeans, and earmuffs.

(Figure 1873-01, Charles Elmer Hires in his drug store, annotated “about age 22”)

The May 13, 1873 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer “Triple Sheet” newspaper included two references for Charles E. Hires: “Hires C E druggist;” and “Hires C E pat med.”