An old adage states that, “You cannot tell where you are going unless you know where you have been”. Pharmacy has evolved significantly throughout the decades and it is interesting to note how the industry has developed. Technological advances and modern medicine have converged to create an untouchable market that the whole world depends on. The health and wellness of millions rely on pharmaceutical products and services.
Carl’s Drug Store, housed in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, was established on simplicity, as were most businesses from that time period. Aisles devoted to seasonal trinkets or “As Seen On TV” items did not exist. It is very difficult for us, as a contemporary society, to imagine just what life was like back in the 1800’s. However, due to the fact that our nation’s oldest running pharmacy was founded back in the 1800’s and is still in operation today, we can do more than imagine.
This year, Carl’s Drug Store will celebrate its 185th anniversary, a notable milestone for any non-corporate entity to successfully reach. The local phenomenon, although transient in location over the years, has remained a sustainable attraction for both native residents and those visiting the East Coast.
The family business began in 1825 when Adam B. Carl founded Carl’s Drug Store. Little did he know his enterprise would still be alive today. Adam B. Carl fathered a large family and his children went on to be very successful. Whether they were following in his footsteps by establishing their own retail stores or pursuing an education to eventually attain a career, his family had to have brought him much pride. Practicing medicine became a traditional occupation within the Carl family lineage. Adam B. Carl’s ideal that his store “made a sale of medicines a matter of conscience and not of profit” was influential in the way Carl’s Drug Store functioned.
Adam B. Carl’s grandson, Charles B. Carl, inherited the family trade in 1888 by purchasing the store from his grandfather. Three years later, Adam B. Carl died leaving behind his legacy and laying the foundation for his family business to thrive upon. Charles B. Carl ran the business until his passing in 1935 when his son, Edward Rhodes Carl, acquired the store. In 1974, Frank H. Ervin bought Carl’s Drug Store and currently manages it today.
The Carl’s are a testament to family values and work ethic. The institution they have created and upheld is representative of this nation’s capitalistic opportunities. Not only can Carl’s Drug Store symbolize our country’s perseverance through all these trying years, but it also captures the essence that is small business ownership.
Although the pharmaceutical industry has drastically changed since the 1800′s, there is something to be said for the importance of healthcare administration. Increased education and innovation allows for significant growth in the field. With of all of today’s distractions, we should stop to acknowledge that the past has influenced the present and will continue to shape the future.
This is definitely something to be celebrated, its nice to see companies can survive through transition and generations. Similarly in the UK we celebrated the success of John Boots’ company Boots celebrating its 160th anniversary last year, this similarly was great to see although the company is slightly different to Carl’s Drug Store the story are similar in that their heritage was remembered and celebrated.