Interior of A.P. Cunningham and Sons Drugstore, Champaign circa 1890
As much as medicine and medical practices have changed over the last century, it is remarkable how little the drugstore has altered. Today, pharmacies are big chain stores with a focus on convenience and rapid customer service. This may seem contradictory to our idea of the corner drugstore as the local hangout with soda fountains and lunch counters. Although the more relaxed pace of yesteryear may perhaps be gone, pharmacies are still at their core medical providers that happen to also provide accessible products.
William McKinley Drugstore, Odgen, 1907
Cunningham Brothers Drugstore, Champaign circa 1900
There is still a Pharmacist behind a large counter, an array of medicines on display, newspapers are still sold, along with cosmetics and snack foods. Nowadays, the corner drugstore might seem fast paced, but the past still echoes there.
Lara, Archives Assistant