Early Drug Stores

The following was compiled by the Annandale History Club secretary in conjunction with Mark Arenson’s May 7, 2012, “Arenson’s Pharmacy” presentation to the Annandale History Club.

“The apartment house which is next was built by Mr. G.O. Trow, when the town was new, as the first drug store in Annandale. It was purchased in 1891 by Llewellyn R Williams. He carried on his drug there until the Ridgway Block was built, just across the driveway, which Dr. Ridgway used as an exit from his barn in the rear. This space is now used by a new building which houses an insurance company. When the Ridgway Block was built, it had ample room for the enlarged drug store and room for Dr. Ridgway to receive his patients.”

“At this time, Mr. Trow, the first druggist in Annandale, had sold the drug store to J.J. Rennie. Llewellyn Williams had left Wisconsin and came to Minneapolis to find work. He worked as an apprentice in a drug store for several weeks. Then Dr. Ridgway sent for his old friend to come to Annandale and run Mr. Rennie’s drug store. He would assume the license until Llewellyn had studied and passed the State Pharmacy Examination. So, Llewellyn Williams (1870-1957) also came to Annandale where he would have a home for the rest of his life. He hired out to Mr. Rennie for $5.00 a week and board. As soon as he had passed the State Pharmacy Board exam, he decided to buy the drug store from Mr. Rennie. He borrowed $1,000 from his father and a like sum from Dr. Ridgway’s mother, and he was in business… The two friends (Llewellyn Williams and Dr. Ridgway) lived in rooms at the rear of the drug store and at times gave shelter to others…”

“In 1892, the doctor married a local girl, Miss Viola Ponsford, and they took up residence in the apartment over the drug store. They lived there until 1903 when they built a fine modern home at the intersection of Park Street and Oak Avenue.”

“In 1891 the pharmacy business was also very different from the present day. The pharmacist made syrups, powders and capsules from the original herbs and elements. Llewellyn Williams prepared his products carefully and produced reliable medicines. He assisted Dr. Ridgway whenever possible and also took part in developing the town. He originated the telephone company. Due to ill health, he retired from the drug store in 1917. Mr. Emil Prahl bought the drug store and operated it until his death.”

Requiem Mass was conducted for Emil H. Prahl Monday at the St. Ignatius church in Annandale. He died October 21 as a result of injuries incurred in a recent automobile accident. Rev. William Bullock of St. Thomas College, St. Paul, a nephew, and Rev. Patrick Keany officiated at the service.

Pallbearers were Louis Reichel, Woodrow Holtby, Clifford and Leonard Bullock, Edward and Rolland Raiche. Honorary pallbearers were Colin McDonald, P.L. Sawyer, John Powers, J. D. DeChaney, Homer Dunton, and Ralph Jude.

Mr. Prahl was born in New Ulm May 3, 1885. He moved to Buffalo with his parents when he completed his high school education. He became a pharmacist and worked in Buffalo for a few years. He purchased the drug store in Annandale from L. R. Williams and began his work there September 1, 1916.

It was just last month that Mr. Prahl observed the 50^th anniversary of being in business in Annandale. He treated friends to coffee and cake and received many fine bouquets and good wishes. According to one of his friends, Mr. Prahl was overwhelmed by the response to his anniversary occasion.

Mr. Prahl and Theresa Raiche were married in 1918. They had no children. They aided several nephews and nieces in obtaining an education. Mrs. Prahl died in 1957.

He had served on the Village Council and was active in the Annandale Commercial Club and the Lions Club.

Mr. Prahl’s only sister, Mrs. Freda Maehling of Buffalo, died in January, 1966. Immediate survivors are his niece and nephew, Mrs. Dorothy Klemz and Marvin Maehling of Buffalo; also several nieces, nephews and other relatives of his late wife.

Annandale Advocate, August 1967 - The door was closed last week for the last time at the Prahl Pharmacy in Annandale. Since the death of Mr. Prahl, the business was conducted by his niece and nephews with local management of Mary Logeais and Myrtle Kronquist. A pharmacist had been engaged for several months, until the prescription business was sold to Mike Jorgenson.

The Prahl Pharmacy had been in business here since 1916, and Mr. Prahl noted his 50-year anniversary last fall.

For some months, the merchandise has been sold out at discount prices. Also sold were the sturdy and solid oak cabinets and shelves. Mr. Prahl's roll-top desk and his desk chair were among the first items to be sold. Still standing in the building is the fine old cabinet with leaded glass doors and mirror which was behind the soda fountain. The Prahl residence was sold to Jerome Jankord of Coon Rapids who moved there with his wife and four children. Mr. Jankord's work is commercial refrigeration.

According to Mrytle Kronquist’s daughter, Prahl’s Drug Store had a 10-12 ft. long soda fountain with a marble surround. There were two or three booths. At times Prahl’s served about 100 five-cent two-dip ice cream cones a day, especially to school kids. Cherry or lime Cokes were popular. The drug store stayed open for several months after Emil Prahl’s death with the help of employees, including Mrytle Kronquist and Mary Logeais.

The Williams Drug Store was a constant local advertiser. It carried a complete line of medicine for every conceivable need, and then some!

“As a cure for rheumatism Chamberlain’s Pain Balm is gaining a wide reputation… For sale by Williams Druggist.”

“The rarest combination of good things ever put together is Rocky Mountain Tea. It cures pimples, indigestion, constipation, rheumatism, sick headache. Sold by L. R. Williams”

“That throbbing headache would quickly leave you if you used Dr. King’s New Life Pills. Thousands of sufferers have proved their matchless merit for Sick and Nervous Headaches. They make pure blood and strong nerves and build up your health. Easy to take. Try them. Only 25 cents. Money back if not cured. Sold by Williams Druggist.

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