Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Serving the Community's Health Care Needs

Photographed By Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

1. Serving the Community's Health Care Needs marker

Inscription. In 1893, Dr. Elisha C. Etchison purchased the northwest corner property at Diamond and Summit Avenues from John B. Diamond and opened a pharmacy / drug store. Although the business at this site has changed owners several times over the years, there has always been a drugstore at this location. Etchison's business card boasted that customers could have a "prescription carefully compounded," or could pay 25 cents to buy one-half pint of "Elliot's Emulsified Oil Liniment Rub," guaranteed to stop any "ache or pain that can be reached externally." The drugstore remained in the Etchison family for several decades before becoming Barnett's, Lynn's and eventually, Diamond Drug. In addition to purchasing prescriptions, toiletries, and novelty items, customers relaxed at the soda fountain, where they enjoyed delicious 10-cent ice cream sodas.

(Photo caption): W. D. Barnett Drugs and Chemicals / Diamond Drug Store circa 1920

Erected by City of Gaithersburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 39° 8.502′ N, 77° 11.564′ W. Marker is in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from South

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Summit Avenue near East Diamond Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Early Years (here, next to this marker); The Business of Agriculture: (here, next to this marker); Gaithersburg Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department (here, next to this marker); A Center of Culture and Commerce (here, next to this marker); Building The Future (here, next to this marker); The Schwartz House / Gaithersburg City Hall / Schwartz Peony Garden (here, next to this marker); Supplying an Agricultural Community (here, next to this marker); The Gaithersburg School (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaithersburg.

The Diamond Drug pharmacy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

2. The Diamond Drug pharmacy

W. D. Barnett Drugs and Chemicals <br> Diamond Drug Store, circa 1920 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, February 27, 2017

3. W. D. Barnett Drugs and Chemicals
Diamond Drug Store, circa 1920

Close-up of photo on marker

Nichols Harness Shop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 6, 2017

4. Nichols Harness Shop

“This building is now part of Diamond Drug, and contains the present lunch counter.” — Gaithersburg Historical AssociationClose-up of photo in the the Gaithersburg Business Training Center

Diamond Drugs image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 6, 2017

5. Diamond Drugs

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,201 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 15, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.