THREE GENERATIONS OF PHARMACISTS

I have mentioned a time or two before that old photographs are my weakness.  The black and white images speak to me of times past and leave me yearning to know more.  I was lucky enough to be contacted by the Algona Chamber of Commerce regarding a box of old photos that were given to them that depicted the history of three generations of pharmacists and the store that was home to them all.  I want to share the photos and their stories with you.

E. E. CONNER

The first photo depicts the interior of the E. E. Conner & Co. store.  Edward Everett Conner was the pharmacist in residence and according to a note found with the photo, it was taken in November of 1914, just before he sold the store.  Conner is pictured second from left.  I believe the photo was actually taken at an earlier date as my research discloses that Mr. Conner had sold out and the store was under new management as early as 1909. 

E. E. Conner & Co. Store

E.E. Conner had owned and operated a drug store in Livermore, Iowa, for a number of years prior to coming to Algona.  In 1903 he had purchased the inventory of E. F. Smith & Co. and took over management of the store at 14 East State.  The Conner family soon settled in Algona.  Mrs. Conner was the former Lavina (Vinnie) Hunt originally from the Livermore area. 

The main feature of the Conner store was its soda fountain.  The photo clearly shows the large ornate wood counter with stools.  The fountain can be seen behind the counter underneath what appears to be a large mirror.  It must have been quite beautiful. 

Newspaper articles seem to contradict themselves as to just when and to whom the store was next sold, but at some point it became known as Central Drug Company.  It appears that two gentlemen named Lauer & Johnson had an ownership interest as well as Al Falkenhainer, A. W. Larson, and M.D. Haggard at various times.

K. D. JAMES 

In October of 1914, the business was sold to K.D. “Bob” James who came to Algona from Corning, Iowa.  He had worked at the W. B. Ankeny drug store in that city for ten years and was excited to be in charge of his own store.  The name was changed to the James Drug Store which continued to be associated with the Rexall line. 

K.D. James Drugs in the 1920s

The next picture in the collection shows the store now called K.D. James Drugs in the 1920's.  The ornate wood soda fountain counter is gone, replaced with a lower white countertop.  Small tables and chairs down the center of the store provided seating.  Brighter lighting had been installed, giving the area a more inviting look.  Best of all, the Rexall 1 cent sale is on!  Imagine what you might have been able to buy for just a penny.

James Drug Store was a popular stop for a fountain drink or afternoon snack as well as a gathering spot for downtown businessmen to share a cup of coffee and the latest gossip.  Besides prescription medication and over the counter drugs, the business was well stocked with cosmetics and personal care items as well as gifts such as dishes and jewelry items. 

Christmas in the 1930's at K.D. James Drugs

Christmas decorations abound in the photo from the 1930's.  Streamers drape the ceiling, a small tree sits atop a display case toward the back and a scene featuring Santa is wrapped around the cabinet in the lower left hand corner.  Bar stools have returned to the soda fountain counter.  Although there is no photo to document it, a more modern store front was constructed during this decade as well.

The 1940's

The whole store got a face lift in the 1940's with new flooring, lighting and wall decor.  The soda fountain was completely re-imagined once again.  With ten bar stools installed along the counter, there was plenty of seating for all.  New display cases set at an angle helped open up the center space, leaving plenty of room for shoppers to browse at their leisure.  And you could even pick up a “Walking Sundae” for a nickel.

Bob James was a progressive fellow and he remodeled the store no less than five times during his 40 years in business.  Three different soda fountains were enjoyed by customers over the years.  James loved the hustle and bustle of the establishment and many, many customers became close friends while swapping stories over coffee or soda.  In the 1950's James suffered a heart attack and regretfully decided it was time to retire.  It was a difficult decision for him as he wrote in this ad placed in the Algona Upper Des Moines on February 23, 1954:

It is with mixed feelings that I announce the sale of my drug store to M. H. Honsbruch.  After 40 years in the same location associated with so many fine people who have made up Algona in those years it’s a bit difficult to say goodbye to an active business life.  Before doing so it has been my desire to get a young man to replace me.  Algona and Algonians have been good to me, and I remember when I came here in 1914 the welcome I received.  I wanted a man about the age I was—a progressive pharmacist.  The building of the store has been my life—and I wanted it continued by a young man.  Mr. Honsbruch is the kind of a man with the personality I wanted to take over my store.  It has been a pleasure to serve you through the years.  A heartfelt “thank you” from K.D. “Bob” James.

Bob did not get to enjoy retirement for long.  In early January of 1956, he and his wife, Peg, left Algona to spend the winter in Phoenix.  While in Las Cruces, New Mexico, he suffered a massive heart attack which caused his death.  His body was returned to Algona where it was buried in Riverview Cemetery.

M. H. “DUTCH” HONSBRUCH

New era - Honsbruch's in the 1950's

The photos from the 1950's show the store after purchase by Honsbruch.  In fact you can see M. H. “Dutch” Honsbruch in the back of the top photo hard at work filling a prescription.  The store is filled to the brim with merchandise and they handled a little of everything as shown by the display on the counter selling Salem, Camel and Winston cigarettes. 

1960's at Honsbruch's

The final two photos from the collection are of the store in the 1960's. Once again the soda fountain has been redesigned.  Schwan’s Ice Cream was featured for use in the ice cream cones, sundaes and malts that were on the menu.  A half full coffee pot awaits the next customer. 

Bob James was right about one thing – the young man who purchased the store had just the personality to carry on the James tradition.  Honsbruch Drug continued to be an anchor store for downtown Algona.  For many local businessmen, their day would not be complete without a cup of coffee or a soda at Honsbruch’s.  Just like Bob James, Dutch’s customers became his life-long friends.

Due to poor health, Dutch retired in 1990 and Honsbruch Drug closed not long after, ending the store's life as a pharmacy.  

14 East State Street
in 2018

EPILOGUE

I am always grateful to those who will go out of their way to be sure that photos or memorabilia will be preserved.  In order to insure their safety for the generations to come, I did remove this collection of photos from their frames, scanned them, and then placed them in archival-safe protective coverings and in a binder.  The binder and the digital media were then delivered to the Kossuth County Historical Society for placement in their archives and the digital images were added to the growing collection of the Kossuth County Genealogical Society.  Since the digital images can be easily accessed, the original photos themselves need never be touched again, but are available for research purposes if needed.

These photos could have easily been destroyed, but are now preserved and will remain to document 60 years of history of business in Algona all because someone realized their value and made an effort to find the right home for them.  If you have a collection of photos, postcards or memorabilia with genealogical or historical value, do you have a plan in place to pass them on at the time of your death?  So many items have been destroyed because the decedent’s wishes were never made known and the next generation had no interest.  Better yet, consider allowing the items to be scanned and preserved digitally while you are here to see that it is done.  The Kossuth County Genealogical Society has a great interest in preserving and digitizing photos and/or memorabilia that help tell the stories of our ancestors.  You can message me through the Kossuth County History Buff Facebook page if you have materials to share.

Until next time,

Jean

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