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FeedSep 4, 201109:40 PM
Lost Memphis: H. Scott's Sons Liquor Distributors — A Lauderdale Family Favorite
In the September issue of Memphis magazine, which is on newsstands NOW, you can read the story of a rather curiously named liquor business: H. Scott's Sons.
Judging by the name, H. Scott — whoever he was — wasn't involved with the company, which was apparently run by his three sons. These enterprising gentlemen offered an astonishing variety of liquid refreshments — ale, gin, beer, whiskey, you name it — and as you might imagine hardly a day passed when an H. Scott's Sons truck didn't pull into the Lauderdale driveway, bringing us fresh supplies.
We didn't feel too bad, guzzling all this booze, because the company went out of its way to promote the health benefits of alcohol. Among other things, they claimed, "It will add years to your life because it has properties that will stop decay and waste." Or maybe it just made you feel like you didn't care about your decay and waste.
The company promoted its wares with colorful sales brochures, posters, and order forms like the one shown here. How can you resist that handsome fellow's demands that you, "Order Now!"
Read all about this interesting and all-but-forgotten company in our September issue.
Ask Vance is the blog of Vance Lauderdale, the award-winning columnist of Memphis magazine and MBQ: Inside Memphis Business. Vance is the author of two books: Ask Vance: The Best Questions and Answers from Memphis Magazine's History and Trivia Expert (2003), as well as Ask Vance: More Questions and Answers from Memphis Magazine's History Expert (2011). He is also the recipient of quite a few nice awards, the creator of several eye-catching wall calendars, and the only person we know with a vintage shock-treatment machine in his den. 
Alcohol must also boost productivity since this gentleman is boozing it up at the office. I suggest this might be a good profile pic for you next time you update! ("From the desk of Vance Lauderdale...")