Toccoa in Stephens County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda Shop

circa 1907

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2021

1. Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda Shop Marker

Inscription.
This location, known for its classic style with simple brickwork and large neo-angled storefront glass windows, has housed many different businesses over the years, such as Gilberts Drugs and the Parker Newman Drugstore, known in the 1950s for its famous soda fountain. Presented by the City of Toccoa

Erected by City of Toccoa, Georgia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 34° 34.768′ N, 83° 19.744′ W. Marker is in Toccoa, Georgia, in Stephens County. It is on Doyle Street west of North Pond Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the east (right) corner of the front façade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Doyle Street, Toccoa GA 30577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Main Street Café (here, next to this marker); Acree Mitchell Grocery Store (a few steps from this marker); Pool Room (a few steps from this marker); Clipper Barber Shop (a few steps from this marker); Martha Park Dress Shop (a few steps from this marker); McCurry's Men's Shop

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(a few steps from this marker); The Rebel (within shouting distance of this marker); Blumenthal's (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toccoa.

Regarding Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda Shop. Contributing property, Toccoa Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #11000879.

Also see . . . Historic Plaque Program. Main Street Toccoa website entry:
Parker Newman Drug Store was originally operated by Mr. Newman alone until Mr. Parker came in with him. The soda fountain was a staple in the 1950s and served as a popular “hang-out” for middle and high school kids. After its stint as the Parker Newman Drug Store, the building housed the Georgia Credit of Toccoa, specializing in local finance and small loans. Later, it served as storage until opening as B.J.’s Restaurant, known throughout Stephens County and beyond for its wonderful breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. (Submitted on November 7, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda Shop Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2021

2. Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda Shop Building

(marker visible near east [right] corner of the front façade)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 7, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.