For your consideration is this 1950-60s Goetz Beer advertising print titled, "The First Run of the Pony Express" done by Charles Hargens. The Goetz Brewing Company, also known as the M.K. Goetz Brewery, was a brewery in St. Joseph, Missouri, in the United States. German immigrant Michael K. Goetz founded the brewery in 1858. It was first called the Western Brewery. Goetz started out modestly, producing beer in a modest wooden structure. As the company grew, Goetz gained a reputation for brewing high-quality beer. After Michael K. Goetz's death in 1884, Anthony F. Goetz became the new owner of the brewery. The brewery expanded and thrived while Anthony was in charge. To honor its founder, the name was formally changed to the M.K. Goetz Brewery in 1893. The brewery faced many difficulties from 1920 to 1933, the time of American Prohibition. Like many other breweries, it was compelled to stop making beer. Producing ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages helped the business survive. Prohibition was ended, and the M.K. Goetz Brewery started brewing again. The brewery rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s thanks to the "Country Club" beer brand, which became well-known in the area. The brewery underwent a significant expansion, and a brand-new, contemporary facility was constructed, in 1964. It increased the production capability and made it possible for the business to sell its goods to a larger market. Unfortunately, the M.K. Goetz Brewery faced financial difficulties in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1979, the brewery filed for bankruptcy, but it continued operations under new ownership. However, the struggles persisted, and in 2002, the brewery closed its doors for good. The print shows the first ride of the Pony Express with Johnny Fry (1840-1863), a Union soldier, leading the first ride from the stables. The top right of the print reads, "Goetz Beer" in blue lettering and to the right of that it reads, "Certified Straight Brewed" in blue lettering as well. In the bottom right hand corner it shows the artist's signature reading, "Charles Hargens". The print is on a large board and shows good condition overall with the corners of the board being bent and worn. The print shows good condition. The visible print measures 21 3/8" L x 32 3/4" W, while the entire piece measures 23 1/2" L x 39 1/2" W.