Hello, Dublin Dr Pepper fans!
My name is Julianna Fain and I proudly wear the title of Miss Pretty Peggy Pepper.
In June 2009, I was named Miss Pretty Peggy Pepper at the 118th annual birthday celebration of the oldest Dr Pepper Bottling Plant in the world, located in Dublin, Texas.
To receive this title, I went through a rigorous application process which included completing a questionnaire about myself and my aspirations, as well as a written biography. After completing that stage, I had the honor of being interviewed by Mr. Bill Kloster, the owner of the plant, Kent Crouch, the general manager, and Lori Dodd, special events director. I was absolutely thrilled when I received word that I had been chosen Miss Pretty Peggy Pepper.
Many people are surprised to find out that Pretty Peggy Pepper has been around a long time. She was an early advertising icon for Dr Pepper in 1941-1942. Her real name was Peggy Ellis and she was featured on many Dr Pepper advertising pieces, such as calendars. Her advertising relationship with Dr Pepper was cut short when World War II forced the company’s marketing efforts in a different direction to show support of U.S. troops overseas and on the home front. But even though Pretty Peggy Pepper’s relationship with Dr Pepper was short, it left a sizeable impact. Today you will find her pictured on many of Dr Pepper’s most valuable collectibles and she is the focal point of one entire room of the Dublin Dr Pepper museum.
Dublin Dr Pepper’s first Pretty Peggy Pepper was chosen in 1991 in celebration of the plant’s 100th birthday. The late Billie Kloster, the general manager who would later become plant owner (and who was the father of current plant owner Bill Kloster) was admittedly partial to any Dr Pepper memorabilia or collectible which featured Pretty Peggy Pepper. So he selected that advertising icon to be the representative of his local plant. That first year, several members of the Dublin High School drill team wore the flashy red, white and blue Pretty Peggy Pepper costumes. In later years, the title holder was selected through the Pretty Peggy Pepper pageant which was judged during the annual birthday. But about four years ago, the selection process was changed and the title holder is now chosen by the Dublin Dr Pepper officials. And she is a paid employee of the company. Can you imagine being in a position to have this much fun representing the plant – and getting paid for it, too? I’m one lucky gal!
I already treasure the experiences I have had in the past several months as I’ve travel around the area representing Dublin Dr Pepper. From meeting international journalists, or putting a smile on the face of a child, or just talking to the school teacher who enjoys spending time in our soda shop – these experiences have shown me that no matter your age or where you are from, we can all connect on some level. And our connection is sharing a love for delicious “distinctively different” Dublin Dr Pepper. Fans of Dublin Dr Pepper are loyal and dedicated. They love our unique drink and the plant’s amazing history and they return time and time again to enjoy a tour of the bottling line, a visit to the museum or one of those fantastic old-fashioned Dr Peppers served up at the soda fountain. That loyalty is the reason Dublin Dr Pepper – though a tiny plant with a tiny franchise area – is known around the world.
Although I have much more to learn here at Dublin Dr Pepper, I am here with open arms to gain knowledge and wisdom through each step of this wonderful experience. I am honored to be a part of the Dublin Dr. Pepper family!
