SALAMANCA — Although it isn’t a drugstore, nor can they fill medical prescriptions, the Salamanca Area Historical Society and Museum is inviting the public to view its new drugstore display.
The display focuses on the number of many drugstores that once served the citizens of Salamanca — and the associated vintage medicine bottles and memorabilia from them.
Historically, the late 1800s saw the institution of the American drugstore, which was itself a direct result of the then new scientific method — a method that led to the discovery of new drugs.
Prior pharmaceuticals had been based primarily on claims of unsubstantiated curing powers. Vestiges of these early medicines in the Salamanca area may be mirrored by the past production of Champlin salve, Salamanca’s herbal salve, Bosworth salve and Chief Rolling Thunder’s elixir and salves.
Beginning in 1893, however, Salamaca saw the establishment of Krieger Drug Store at 118-120 Main St. By 1913, the Nies Drug Store opened its doors at 77 Main St. and later 63 Main St.
In the years to follow, many new drugstores opened, closed or moved to a location formally occupied by previous drugstores.
Do you remember W.B.R. Longyear Drugs & Stationery; Central Pharmacy; R.A. Sprague and Company; Harvey and Carey, Inc.; Hohman’s Drug Store or Schrader’s?
The new display at the museum spotlights all of these and much more — and is guaranteed to cure whatever ails you.
