William Britt, Ph. G., Druggist, Skagway, Alaska
This is a 100% pure beeswax candle is molded from an antique William Britt, Ph. G., Druggist glass bottle.
A short essay about life of William Britt can be found here.
And his son, LCDR Jacob Britt, has an essay here.
Like many, William Britt was drawn to the gold in Alaska, moving to Skagway in 1898. With his entrepreneurial spirit and druggist credentials of his time, he opened his store in Skagway, Alaska. The demand of his product required a hand-made and unique bottle for his "medicine". His successful drugstore still stands today, in the small town of Skagway. He moved to Juneau in the 1920s, and eventually died there in 1932. William Britt is buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Juneau, Alaska.
William Britt's only son, Jacob William Britt, left Skagway for the U. S. Naval Academy in 1925. Jacob graduated and promoted quickly to Lieutenant Commander. He served as the Commanding Officer of the USS Asheville during WWII. In 1942, Japanese destroyers eventually sunk the ship after a 30 minute battle at sea. There was only one survivor from the attack, who eventually died as a POW. Jacob earned a Purple Heart for his heroic service.
The large size bottle was recovered by scuba diver Jim Parrott in Ketchikan, Alaska. The smaller bottle was recovered by Old Alaska Co. owner, Lindsay Wheeler while diving in Skagway, Alaska.
Please note that the bottle pictured is for reference purposes only and will not be included with your candle.
Approx. Bottle/Candle Size:
*Large
6 3/4 inches tall
2 1/4 wide
*Medium
5 1/4 inches tall
2 1/4 inches wide