Norwich Bulletin Newspaper, January 1, 1917, Page 26

€ HROW PHYSIC TO THE DOGS.” This injunction of Macbeth’s to the doctor may have been warranted in the one particular incident, but the advice then given has * not been followed by civilized man, and our day Sees a more exten- sive and general use of drugs, despite the efforts’of many schools and cults protesting against their employment, than ever before in the history of mankind. It is the purpose of this article to give to the readers of The Bulletin a partial history of the drug trade in the eastern section of the state, together with some brief sketches of the gentlemen engaged therein, their places of business, and in some degree the changes in the character and management of the trade that have occurred with the passage of time. 5 First Drug Store in State. That Dr. Daniel Lathrop, whose home was the present Gil- man place on,Washington street and whose place of business was located across the way. was the first druggist in Norwich is un- questioned. That he was the first in Connecticut is probable. Graduating from Yale in 1733 he continued his studies in London and on his return brought back a large quantity of medicine and opened shop. It is related that he often received orders from New York, that he furnished surgical stores to the northern army in the French war and being the only apothecary on the route from New York to Boston filled orders somefimes from customers 100 miles away. When Waterbury was having an epidemic a min- ister rode here horseback to obtain medicine which supports the claim that this drug store was the first in Connecticut. It was not uncommon to fill orders in Middletown and Saybrook. Dr. Lathrop died in 1782. Two of his apprentices were Benedict Arnold and Solomon Smith, the former subsequently locating in New Haven and the Iatter in Hartford, in the same business. The transition from conditions when Norwich was the sole source of drug supply to the section named, to the present time, is no more remarkable in this trade than in many others. Nor- wich is still engaged largely in the wholesale drug business, but in our day, the representatives of these houses go to the retuiler and go frequently, rather than his being obliged to come to, them for his supplies. The Store of Tyler & Son. Among the older drug houses in Norwich Tyler & Son, Lee & Osgood and Charles Osgood & Co., the last two namea being still in existence and doing a flourishing business, and other retail houses which will be mentioned later. The Tyler store was lo- cated on the south side of Water street and” just east of the building occupied by Georze H. Pratt. It was an old, low, wooden struc- ture, in which a large and prosperous business was conducted by the Tylers, the elder gentleman being one of the substantial and prominent citizens of the town and made his resi- dence for many years in the house now occupied by his grandson and name- sake, W. Tyler Olcott. The elder Tyler was born in = 1806, dying in 1864 after a . e useful and busy life, his son, Willlam 8., Jr., dying at a compar- atively early age. were William S. Boswell & Huntington. Succeeding William S. Tyler & Son was the firm '6f Boswell & Huntington, composed of John Boswell and J. L3 W Hunt- ington, these gentlemen hating been clerks for the Tyler firm for a number of years and having there learned the intricacies of the business. For quite a time they conducted a successful by ness in the old place. When the firm was dissolved Mr. Boswell went with Messrs. Charles Osgood & Co., where he was, for some time, manager of their business: and Mr. Huntington took a position with the government in Washington and removed there. Lee &%Qsgood. The firm of Lec & Osgood, which was formed in 1842 and is still in active business, was originally composed of Dr. Charles Lee and the late Colonel Hugh Henry Osgood, who lived to a ripe age, dying full of years and of honors. It is difficult to write of all of Colonel Osgood’s activities in the public life of Norwich, as well as those in his private career. In addition to the successful building up and management of the largest drug business in Eastern Connecticut, he was connected in some measure, with nearly all of the business and political activities of Norwich. He was best known as “Mayor” Osgood, having served his city in that capacity from 1875 to 1876 and later on from 1877 to 1886; and it may be safely asserted that none of the long list of d@iStinguished men who have filled this position ever took a more active interest in the management and skiliful direction of municipal affairs than did Colonel Osgood. His interest was almost paterndl, and it is said that in the interval occurring yearly hetween the induction to office of the new city government, and *he collection of the eity taxes, he many times financed the city affairs personally, without the necessity of any vote at the annual city meeting authorizing the borrowing of money for the payment of claims falling due in the interval mentioned. In his quiet way Colonel Osgood exercised,a potent influence in the nolitics of his state, but so far as is recalled never ran for office other than that of mayor, except upon one occasion when he was an unsuccessful candidate for the state senate. Dying in October, 1899, his widow, formerly Miss Mary R.§ Lee, caused to be erected to his memory the bexutiful structure known as the Osgood Memorial, which is a distinct addition to Park Congregational church in which he was actively interested. “Lee's Windham Bilious Pills.” Dr. Charles Lee, the partner of Colonel Osgood, who with him founded the business in 18 « active during his life in its conduct, but after twenty-two years in the trade, died in 1861 He came: originally fromsthe town of Windham, and William B."Young, who has had a long aud useful career with the firm, descr! him as a quiet man, absorbed in business, to which he gave unremitting attention Tt is said that he was the first man who ever patented a med- ical preparati remedy. The remedy was known as “Charles Lee’s Windham Bilious Pills, d there no reason at this late day to question their efficacy. The doctor has certainly had many followers in this direction, some of whom have amassed great fortunes. The remedy was prepared and sold by.his firm, and doubtless may be obtained now, if one chooses to try the “Windham” rather than any one of.the thousand other “bilious” pills now sold. W. B. Young Long in the Trade. William B. Young now and for sometime past, president of the Lee & Osgood Co., entered the employ of the firm.upwards of fifty-thue years ago, and has lLeen continuously with it until the present day. Mr. Young came to Norwich at an early age from Mansfleld, served an apprenticeship in the retail store, through the various srades of the business to his present im- portant position as head of the corperation. In 1867 the house of Lee & Csgood did not engage in the jobbing trade, and Mr. Young was entrusted with the building up of this important part of the business, in which he has been most successful, the many preparations bearing the firnfs name being well-known throughout the state, in addition to which the house is the largest dealér in paints, oils and drug supplies generally, in Eastern Connecticut. Mr. Young believes himself to be the oldest business man, in point of service, in Norwich, with the possible exception -of Will- iam M. Williams, and recalls no man now in business-in the town, with the exception of Mr. Williams, who was in trade of any sort when he began his career in the drug business. J. Guilford Burnett had been connected with the firm and corporation for fifty-three years in June, 1916, having been dur- ing all, or nearly all, of that time on their books, and now oc- cupies the position of its treasurer. Many changes have occurred guring his lifetime of experience with Lee & Osgood, but throughout them all Mr. Burnett has preserved his same genial demeanor and obliging" disposition. William A. Thompson was for many years in the employ of the firm of Lee & Osgood and was the trusted business confidant of the Colonel. A genial man, always saluting customers and friends with the same hearty smile and greeting; and while i was Mr. Thompson's habit to spend the sreater portion of his business hours on the wholesale side of the store, he was known to nearly all the patrons of the firm, wholesale and retail alike. His sunny temperament endéared him to.@ host 6f friends and acquaintances in Norwich, and his spare figure was a familiar daily sight to all the business portion of the community. Charles F. Engler is one of the older employees of the com- 5 A i Those Who Gave It 2 "vS‘tarfi-'-—-'Bt'iSinésfis Has pany, in point of service, having entered the service of the com- pany at an early age. He has been connected for the major part of his time with the wholesale department of the business and at the present time may be found daily attending to his duties. The old building occupied for so many years by the firm on Main street, was a low shallow affalr with a sloping roof, and like many of the other buildings on Main street, of a dingy ap- pearance. Later on Colonel Osgcod purchased the buflding Little Water street, formerly occupled by the Hayward Rubber Company, and while continuing the business throughout the al- terations then made erected the fine five-story building now oc- cupied by the company, running through from street to An idea of the magnitude of the jobbing trade in and proprietary medicines, in the two countiesfof New London and ‘Windham, may be gained from the tables jpublished in The Bulle- tin of January first, 1916; showing that in Norwich there were sold in 1915, these articles amounting to $380,000, and in New London, $25,000. In Windham County, Willimantic and Putnam sold respectively, $100,000, and $90,000. s Lanman & Sevin. N. Douglas Sevin began his career, in the drug trade as a clerk for William S. Tyler, in the old building on Water street already described, in the year 1859, remaining in his employ for three vears until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the twenty-sixth regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, receiving the’ appointment of hospital steward. He served in the civil war for the term of his enlistment, and upon his ggturn to Norwich, again entered the employ of Mr. Tyler, staying with him for two yedrs until 1865, when he formed a partnership with Willlam C. Lanman, opening the store now occupied by him and his som, Frank, where he has ever since remained in ess. Messrs. Lanman & Sevin remained in bi ess together for a period of fourteen years after forming their partnership, when Mr. Lanman disposed of his interest in the business to Mr. Sevin who conducted the business alone unu;‘e majority of his son, whom he then associated with himself@inder the present " firm name, N. D. Sevin & Son. The opening of the new store of Lanman & Sevin was quite a business event in its day, and a large patronage was at once obtained by the new firm. In the intervening time, many changes have occurred, and he believes that not only is he the oldest druggist, but as well, the oldest business man in Norwich. For many yvears he was a member of the State Board of Pharmacy, and for a time, president of the board, having been appointed to this office by Governor Waller, during the latter’s term of office. Mr. Sevin stands as a high type of our public-spirited and successful men. William Camp Lanman, a member of one of the oldest Nor- wich families, and who married the daughter of the late Dr. Haile, who survives him, after retiring from his firm, lived rather quietly in the beautiful home which he built on Washington street at the corner of Lincoin avenue. Being fond of travel he satisfied his desires and tastes in this direction, having made his residence for a time, in Furcpe. He died in middle life. Df. Samuel B. Bulkeley. Among the notable men in the drug business, in his time, was Dr. Samue] Barstow Bulkeley, or as he was commonly known to his friends, “Dr. Sam.” At one time his store was where the shoe store of Frank Bill now is, but he afterward removed to a larse room in the rear of the postoffice, which then occupied the portion of the old Main street Bulletin building, next to the Merchants bank. The postoffice, in_these days, closing at 8 or .30 p. m., there was Tio access to Dr. Bulkeley’s store except upon giving the high- sign, a sharp rapping with a key or other metallic substance on the large plate-glass window in front, when, if the Doctor was within, he would be seen coming down the long hall to open the front door to admit his visitor, should he pass inspection satis- factorily. A quaint little man, scarcely more than five feet in height, he was always the gentleman, and always had a hearty greeting for his friends. His store was-a curious place, filled with boxes, packages and “miscellaneous,” as Mr. Venus might say; a tall stand or perch, on which was a gray and red African parrot, the Doctor’s constant companion, and a mighty array of boxes containing the best cigars in Norwich. For Dr. Bulkeley, scorning cigars of the domestic variety, sold only imported brands, and of these he made careful selection, with a_wide price-range. At the time here spoken of, the Doctor, so_far as is remem- bered, did no prescription business, unless possibly, with his own preparations, but in supporters of various sorts, and the so- called patent-remedies, seemed to have an extemsive trade. For a number of years the Doctor was stationed in Argentina, and took considerable pride in his knowledge of Spanish, which he spoke with fluency. Some' of the distinguished men of Norwich, and others claim- ing no distinction of any sort, gathered here, not always the same company, but each one coming two or more nights in the week; the clegant and stately John T. Adams, courtly in the last degree; Charles Webb, than whom no Jjollier, Kinder hearted man ever lived here or elsewhere; George Bidwell, the postmaster; Edward T. Clapp, all gone to their reward, and a dozen others who need not he mentioned, composed the gathering; and when closing hour came and Dr. Bulkeley was ready to go homeward, the others were equally ready after an hour of true enjoyment. John M. Brewer. John M. Brewer for many vears kept a flourishing drug store on Main street, where Smith’s pharmacy now stands, and had a host of friends in Norwich and was deeply interested in Grand affairs, he having served in one of the Connecticut regi- , in the civil war. He bought out a Mr. Palmer. Receiving an appointment in the government service, he left Norwich making his residence in Hartford. A man of slight build, affable and engaging in manner, his many friends regretted that personal interests should have required his leaving the city. William K. Shew. The store once occupied on Main street by Dr. Bulkeley was afterward kept by Willlam K. Shew, one of the most genial of _men, and an universal favorite among. his acquaintances and #patrons. His popularity brought to him a large and successful business, and the then central location of his store added to its busy appearance. It is uncertain how long Mr. Shew remained in business in this location, but a little time after his marriage to the younger daughter of the late A. P. Sturtevant, he started in the business of manufacturing woolens at Shewville. Sometime after the early demise of Mrs. Shew, he went west, to Towa. and was seldom seen here afterward; but he is remem- bered by his many friends who still remain here, as a delightful gentleman, modest in. demeanor and one. full of good works:un- ostentatiously performed, ready at all times to be of service when he might do a generous deed of kindness. u Burrill W. Herrick. No man, in his day was better known in Norwich and its surrounding communities than Burrill W. Herrick. Learning the profession of pharmacy with Lanman & Sevin, he, upon leaving that firm, opened the large arug store in the Wauregan House, now known as the Broadway Pharmacy, and made it one of the most popular stores in Norwich, now conducted by G. G. Engler. Mr. Herrick had doubtless, as large-an acquaintance as any man in Norwick, was genial and bright in his intercourse with his fellowmen, and was an ardent sportsman. Dr. Eaton a Quaint Character. Among the quaint characters in the retail trade fifty years ago was Doctor Eaton, the proprietor of a store in what is now known as Young’s Block, on Franklin Square, and in that portion of the building directly on the corner of Main and Franklin streets now occupieddby Ru d & Co. No attempt at ornamentafion was made in those days in the interior of stores, and the usual large jars or bottles filled with water or-spirits, behinfd which burned a gas jet, the one showing réd, the other green were the only signs to the passers-by that a drug store was within. Theselaborate shelf display and orna- mental furnishings of today were unknown in Norwich and in much larger and more populous cities. 2 At that period the sale of ardent spirits had none of the re- strictions and regulations pow so familiar, and the trade in them was like that in flour, or Sugar, or salt, the licensing system of the present day being then unknown. And so, Dr. Eaton like his neighbors in the grocery or West India trade, dispensed his wines and liquors by the glass. He was a portly man, heavy in his movements, and inclined to occupy his large and comfortanle chair, as much as might be, and therefore, when one of his patrons desired his “bitters,” he went without let or hindrance, by the doctor, to one of a row of three plain shelves, which adorned the side wall, took therefrom the bottle containing his favorite beverage, and after filling and emptying his glass, de-. posited three cents in a bowl which was kept for that purpose on a counter near the doctor’s seat. In these days nearly every adult fhale chewed tobacco, carry- ing it about with him in a box fitting the pocket, made of silver or some less expensive metal, and what was known as fine-cut was the almost universal tobacco. This was thought by its users to acquire an additional bouquet by being soaked in New England or St. Croix rum. When, therefore, the purchaser of a package of the tobacco, required the additional flavor, the of Dr. Eaton’s patrons was to empty the package into a glass of suitable size, pour in the ‘Tum until the ahass’ was thoroughly impregnated, and then transfer it to his tobacco-box. The cost of this delicate and in- teresting operation was five cents, the price of the tobacco alone, the rum being, as it were, .thrown in. ; DR. LATHROP'S DRUG STORE—FIRST IN CONNECTICUT Frank H. Woodworth was for a time in Dr. Eaton's employ, as a clerk, as was the late Fred T. Maples and Wesley Bishop, and he recalls very clearly many of the Doctor’s characteristics, including his loud laughter, which, as Mr. Woodworth said, might be heard across Franklin Square, as well as his occasional outbursts of temper. ‘ Among his constant visitors, were the doubtable “Tid"” Chapman, democrat of democrats, George Fanning, of Norwich ‘Town, Charles Avery, of Bozrah, John T. Wait, Captain Appleton MeecH, “Tom” Bacon, of the old Bacon Arms Co., Judge Chapman, and many others of the rare characters of his day. West Side Drug Store. The West Side drug store, on the corner of West Main and North Thames streets, is one of our more modern drug stores. It was founded in 1877 by Frank H. Woodworth who is at present a popular member of the town board of assessors; and Eugene F. Sthall, who had been in business on the opposite side of the way on Thames street, Mr. Small being a son of the late Captain Small. The traffic to the New London Northern station gave them much trade. The change to the so-called Union station diverted the traffic, but it always enjoyed a steady and profitable patronage, and is today the only drug store on the West Side, with a single ex- ception, the store of W. D. Riker, another of the graduates from Lee & Osgood. ’ Mr. Small dying some years since, Mr. Woodworth, the re- maining partner, continued the business until 1908, when he sold his interest to George M. Rathbone, the present proprietor. Arnold’s Bronze Mortar. Mr. Woodworth, as has been said, was for some little time in the employ of Dr. Eaton, leaving him to go with the house of William S. Tyler & Son, where he remained for a number of years. One thing of special interest is his recalling the fact that the Tyler firm had in their possession a bronze mortar, once the property of that eminent druggist. Benedict Arnold, and that it was in daily use in their establishment, Mr. Woodworth himself having #sed it on many occasions. The Charles Osgood Company. The house of the Charles Osgood Company was originally founded many years since by Dr. Charles Osgood, one of the best known citizens of Norwich in his time. Dr. Osgood was a regular physician of high repute, and in the practice of his profession discovered a singularly valuable remedy in the treatment of ma- laria to the preparation and sale of which he afterward gave his entire attention with great financial success. His store and warehouse at the time mentioned, stood then, as now, on Commerce street, and east of it immediately adjoining the main building was built the structure occupied during its existence by the Shetucket Nationai bank, of which institution he was the founder and, for a long time its president. The bank went down some years after his death in the cataclysm involv- ing one or more of the remaining local banking institutions. Charles Henry Osgood, was for quite a time, associated with the Doctor in business, continuing it after his father’s decease, under the firm name of Charles Osgood & Company, up to the time when the concern adopted its present corporate name. This firm has confined its efforts to what may be styled the heavier materials used in this trade, doing an extensive jobbing business as well as wholesale and retail, in paints, oils, glass, gasoline and numerous other articles in this line. Dr. Osgood was a courteous gentleman, scrupulous in attire and of great affability of manner, and was one of several brothers, all promient in the business and social circles of Norwich, among them Samuel Osgood, Gilbert and William C. Osgood. Dr. Osgood seemed to shun office and political preferment, choosing rather his business and the quiet of his elegant home to the turmoil of politics. He was, however, mayor of. the city for one term, as has been said, defeating his namesake, Colonel H. H. Osgood for that office. The doctor dying at a ripe age left three children, Charles Henry Osgood, Frederick L. Osgood, and Mrs. Nellie Osgood Tyler, 'of New London. The Start in Greeneville. C. C. Thompson, many years since, kept a drug store on North Main street in Greeneville on the site of the store now oc- cupied by Mr. Morgan, but little is known of him now, but W. B. Young recalls the fact that for several years he maintained the business, and was a respectable member of the community. Charles Williams, 'who had been with the Tyler firm, purchased the business from Mr.. Thompson some forty or fifty years ago, and after conducting it successfully for a number of years dis- posed of his interest to its present owner and-left town to make his home in Thomasfon in this state. Bisket & Meech. The firm of Bisket & Meech began business in 1877, on the northwest corner of North- Main and Sixth- streets, afterwards removing to‘the opposite or southwest corner of the same streets. The partners were Thomas Bisket, he having been born in Scot- Jand and brought to this country at an early age, and Charles E. Meech, a member of the well-known Norwich family of that name, ‘hé being a son of the late Dwight T. Meech. For twenty-five years they remained together as partners, Mr. Bisket at the oufset being the pharmacist of the firm and Mrg Meech coming from the employ of the old Norwich Pistol Company to enter upon this new business. At the time of the formation of the partnership there was, it is believed, but one other drug store in Greeneville, and the new firm enjoyed a large and prosperous businss throughout its entire career. Mr. Meech disposed of his interest in the drug store, retiring from active business life, znd Mr. Bisket who remained with another partner. Mr. Pitcher, for a few years died quite early in life his heirs disposing of his interest in the firm to their successors, Messrs. Pitcher & Service. Norwich Now Has Nineteen. There are nineteen drug stores, including those already noted within the limits of the town, doing to all appearance a flourish- ing business, the majority of them in or near the city’s center, though some four or five are in the remoter portion of the town. It would certainly surprise some of the old-time druggists to enter one of these modern stores. . The character of the retail business throughout the coun- try has undergone many marked changes since the ancient times. and with all their many accessories, soda fountains, cigar stands and other modern necessaries, present a marked ghange in ap- pearance to the ancient type of drug stores where once-the busi- ness was carried on. The development of the soda trade, with its endless variety of beverages, is the source of substantial revenue to many of the more modern stores. v COLCHESTER. B This Borough Has Attracted But Few Drug Stores—Rogers, Otis * and Buell. Many vears since, Dr. Charles Rogers had a drug store in Colchester, continuing in the business for a long time, and so far as can be re-called, his was the only strictly drug establish- ment in the borough, though Willlam B. Otis carried on the'same’ ‘business in connection with the sale of groceries and the like. The store stood directly below the famous Bacon Academy and it did a large business, Dr. Rogers having as his clérk and assistant, Harley P.*Buell, who succeeded him upon his retire- ment from active business life. The Doctor was a rare character, quiet in demeanor, reticent in manner and in speech until.once you gained his confidence or his liking, and then he would draw upon what seemed an almost infinite fund of historic knowledge, local and in broader fields until one wondered at his really remarkable knowledge and re- tentive memory. _His successor, Harley P. Buell, still conducts the business and very successfully. Mr. Buell is one of Colchester’s most prominent citizens having been for many years judge of probate Jstore and was in business for some years. T e TATE I ; PUTNAM. Dr. Benjamin Segar Was First Druggist in This Town—Five : Stores Now. v e e i 'he first druggist having a sto: P old Dpectar Benjamin Segar, who Kept his store & u‘-sfi og" Podtter build- InxiJoclled on the:site now occupled py-the railroad station, both buildings, the Potter building and ‘Dr. Segar’s store having been removed to m‘bk‘fl room for the depot. iness some fifty or sixty years age. But little is He beg: rememberéd of him except that hé was & man-of smal ‘stature and of a quiet and reserved disposition.; _ . 3 In the present Dresser drug store the fifSt Droprietor was a Mr. Lambert he being succeeded by. Chavies, £. Sablprwho sold the business t6 Willlam H. Williams, who, in turn, Was sucpeeded by the present occupant. This establishment has wlwayienjoyed a large patronage and carries on a successful business. In the old Potter building, D. D. Plympton began business, in the drug line, in 1858, and continued the business for a mumber of years. He was also a physician. His.successor was Harry B. Aldrich, who took as his partner, J. R. Davenport. Mr. Aldrich retiring from the firm, Mr. Burt took over his interest, the firm becoming Davenport & Burt, and this firm later being dissolved, Henry L. Burt still in business became the sole proprietor: Mr. Libby had his drug store in the Central block and E..O. Hersey ip the Union block, both doing business for a number of years. r. Libby is still living and after his retirément from business removed from Putnam, going to Boston to reside. Edwin Tripp more than fifty years ago, began bis carser in this business in a small building on ‘South Main street now ac- cupied as a marble-working shop by Joseph P. Love, of Webster, Mass. He is recalled by his neighbors as a little, weazened old man of kindly disposition, keeping a small, old-fashioned store. DANIELSON. Merrill & Ladd Were the Pionecr Druggists in This Boreugh— Four at Present. . In the growing borough of Danielson there-are at the present time four drug stores all doing a thriving business, The firm of Merrill & Ladd some fifty years ago had a drug store on Main street in Danielson now the Winkelman shoe Tpon . retiring they were succeeded by Warren W. Woodward who remained in the trade for a long time, and his successor was his son, Arthur Putnam Woodward now located on the corper,of Majn and Center streets. 3 ‘ ’ Rockwell F. Lyon began business.in the drug line fifty years or'more ago, and was followed upen his-rétifemient by Charles H. Burroughs whose successor was Willlam E. LaBelle. 'W. E. James, formerly a clerk for Warren W. Woodward was succeeded by A. G. Beckiey, and he in turn, sold his'place to A. 'W. Williams. Another popular druggist here is L. J. Morin. In the old shire-town of Brooklyn, once a flourishing com- munity, there was never so far as ascertained any store devoted exclusively to the sale of drugs: but Lewis Searls who kept a general storesdid a large businéss in proprietary medicines and some of the simpler remedies, and Doctor Whitcomb, famous in his day in these parts kept a young drug store, so'to speak, in his home using its medicines and ‘tinctures:in his own extensive practice and selling them to his neighbors-1n’ thelr heed: WILLIMANTIC. » One of the Earliest Apothecary Shops Hers Wad Started By Jason Safford. In Willimantic, now a flourishing city some fifty: years since; Jason Safford started one of the early drug stores. It was an old-time store and the owner an old-fashioned druggist. He was a long time in business at the same stand on the main street, and in his late years sold out to L. J. Fuller & Son. L. J. Fuller retiring the business fell to his son, William C. Fuller, who after a considerable périod sold his interest to Messrs. Wilson and Leonard, the firm being later absorbed by the conporation known as the Wilson Drug Co., doing a prosperous jbusiness at the present day. O S F Samuel Chesbro. Samuel Chesbro, the popular and genial druggist who pos- sesses a fund of information regarding the drug business in Willimantic apd itsvicinity began business on a. site farther up the street than his present location in the Loomer Opera house. Mr. Chesbro has been in the drug trade since the year 1890, and having lived always in ‘Willlmantic has an intimate knowledge of the history of the older members of his profession. He tells of how one druggist suspected of illegal sales was visited by a committee of three and asked to “Put a gallon of Medford in this jug.” p 5 The druggist retiring to the back room put in a quantity, a very small quantity of water and filled the jug with aqus am- monia and. returning handed it to the would-be purchaser, who, drawing the cork with the inteption of smelling the contents of the jug and passing it to_the fellow-members of the committee, that they too might take a sniff of identification, took a hearty inspiration at the nose of the demijohn with results decidedly contrary to his expectations; the effect of his intake being that he was instantly knocked to the floor by the fumes of the ammonia, some of the vessel's contents spilled over him and a Napoleonic victory scored for the doctor over his literally smell- ing neighbor who sort to work him harm. Mr. Chesbro remarked upon, the gfeat changes “that have come into the profession of the pharmacist. So many prepara- tions that the old-time druggist.had’ to /maKe ! or coMipound for himself now being st his hand ready for use, and all of them evenly compounded or prepared so that little manufactyring is required in the retail tradé of todny; éloging his remawks in this direction by quoting from a writer on the subject.sho said: “The ‘drug business at the preserit time is the sefence of pouring into one bottle from another. Horace Hall. Horace Hall was another of the old-time druggists of Willi- mantic, his store having been farther up Main street. His busi- ness career covered a number of years and was a successful one. Dr. Frederick Rogers. Dr. Frederick Rogers has been in business in his present store on Main street for upwards of fifty-one years and is hale and hearty at this writing, evincing a keen interest in-current affairs. A graduate of the medical school of the college of the City of New York, in 1863, he practiced medicine for some three or four vears before entering the drug business. He naturally, while not in active practice, retains his interest in his profession and is an active member of the State Medical Society and of the county and city medical societies as well and is, of course, a member of the State Pharmaceutical Assoclation. Born in Norwich, he is a descendapt of James Rogers, of New London, the ancestor as he said, of all the Rogers family in this vicinity. Among his forbears were fifteen of the original settlers of Norwich and he is descended from Deacon Simon Huntington of the First Church at Norwich Town, and from William Hyde as well; being as he remarked, ‘as much of a Hyde as any Hyde in Norwich.” STAFFORD SPRINGS. -/ Forty-five Years Ago Heald & Small Were Doing Billiness Hore —C. H. Grant the First, However. In the adjoining county of Tolland at Stafford Springs, Will- iam Heald and Robert Small ran a drug store, beginning about rorty-five years ago in Haymarket Square. Both wére pharma- cists, but in addition to their drug business they condicted a clothing store and had a custom-tailor to measure and fit cus- tomers, a somewhat rare personage in rural ‘clothing establish- ments at that period. Their store and stock was washed out in the flood of 1877, after which Mr, Heald centinued, the business until 1910, when he retired, dying about a yéar afteérward. Dur- ing all the time this firm was in business, Frank Spellman was in its employ, and he continued until some two yé#fs ago when he went with the Eaton Drug Co. WForty_years since, Ephraim Taft began in this line in the Page bl carrying boots and shbes with His drug Wik B continped in business for some twenty years and ;was succceded by Ernest Taft who remained in business tgn years. Amfong those afterward carrying on.theitradesin Stafford were Dr. Louis La Bonte, of Anscnia; Andrew Jacobson still in the trade.and W. W. Lathrop who started” what 'fs'now known as the Eaton Drug Co. H. D. Abel at one time postmaster was interested in this company. Possibly the earliest figure in the business was Clark H. Grant, of Stafford street, whq began his career as a druggist seventy-five years since. He was, in business for fifty years or more and is said to have dealt in all sorts of drugs {n connec- tion with the general store which he conducted. It was his boast, 50 the tale runs, that he was able to produce from his stock any article merchandise that might be asked for by a customer, and it 1d with due gravity that when in- quiry was once made for a d-hand pulpit thig article was i 5