 | Faye Graves, a native Wichitan, attended school at Friends and Wichita State, concluding at Midwestern Theological Seminary. He has been active in media for many years with Channel 12, KIRL, KFDI, KOOO AM & FM (Omaha), KFRM & KICT 95, as an owner, manager, producer, director and announcer. He has served as President of the Haysville Board of Education. He has also served on several national boards of the Southern Baptist Convention. Faye currently serves as Executive Pastor and Director of Administration and Education at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka, Wichita. You may contact Faye by e-mail fmgraves@amenibc.org, or by phone at (316) 262-1452. |
Nostalgia
2004-04-01 09:19:00
Drugstores of old
ANSWER: Ah, 'The Drugstore' was a staple in every neighborhood. They were one stop shopping delivered with friendly service. Most featured a pharmacy, with one pharmacist who was usually the owner of the business. During the early part of the 40's decade, the neighborhood drugstore, would not only fill your prescription but would deliver it, often on a bicycle! They would also deliver to your home, just about every other product they sold. Most drugstores carried 'sundries' (a term you don't hear much anymore), various items such as watches, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, pocketknives, clocks and a myriad of other items. They would even deliver ice cream to your home. Most drugstores featured a fountain. Of all the services that the neighborhood drugstores offered, this is what I miss the most. A place in the store where you could order your favorite soft drink, or ice cream delight that was custom made to order right there in front of you. Half of the enjoyment was watching the preparation. The 'Soda Jerk', who was very proficient at making any type of concoction with ice cream and syrup, was often known to get a dip of ice cream, throw it up in the air and catch it in a malt can to the delight of the customers. Wasn't it great to watch them prepare, from scratch, a Cherry Coke?Several of the drugstores I remember were Watts', operated by Marion Watt at Main and Harry, Eppersons, managed by Claude Epperson at Central and Main, Neil's at Harry and Broadway, the Zongkers stores, all over town, as well as Dockums, another chain, and Gesslers, Holmes and many more. You talk about personal service. I miss those days and the unique blend of smells that struck you upon entering; chemicals, perfumes, cosmetics, and ice cream, all mixed together. The only place that I know of now days, that you can experience the pleasures of the neighborhood drugstore, is in Chetopa, Kansas.
