Back in the 1950s and early 1960s (and for all I know even now), you could (if you were over 21) go to the local tavern and get a "jug of beer." This was a gallon glass jug; the bartender used a standard measure to indicate when you'd gotten a dollar's worth in or whatever. You'd have a glass while you waited.

Town was German/Irish and taverns were the neighborhood social halls.