This is a photo from 1917 in a Roxborough Pub of my Great Great Grandfather, Patrick Joseph Sherlock. He is the bartender with the mustache.

Patrick came to America in 1904, leaving his wife and daughter behind in England. He had a dream to move the family to America to give them a better life. Eventually he was able to find a job as a bartender, a place to live, and establish himself in the states, allowing him to reunite with his wife and daughter when they made the voyage to America in 1911.

Just under a decade later, Prohibition began in January of 1920. This was a stressful reality for Patrick and he had to find a way to make ends meet. He landed a job at a “Social Club” and with his previous experience as a bartender, he was tasked with mixing up and serving cocktails to patrons, a Doctor of sorts, crafting concoctions that were enjoyed by many. He spent years working at this Club, through the end of Prohibition and beyond, at which time he soon passed away.

Aside from being born on March 17th (like me), I have always had an affinity for the story. Patrick came to America (Philadelphia) with a dream and did everything he could, no matter what was thrown at him, to make ends meet, provide for his family and give his daughter a better life!

Dr. Inkers is Patrick Sherlock. An entrepreneur, an immigrant, the patriarch of my family. He is the inspiration behind Dr.inkers’ Choice and the motivation to build and grow this company so that his legacy lives on well beyond this generation!

Ryan Della Penna, Founder