Wyandotte in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Thomas Drug Store
Wyandotte, Michigan
— The Museum in the Streets —
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 10, 2021
1. Thomas Drug Store Marker
From 1879 to 1928 the Thomas family operated a pharmacy at 2948 Biddle Avenue.
Before 1914, there were few laws regulating the sale of drugs. The shelves of drugstores were stocked with odd shaped bottles with curious labels holding patent medicines. The Thomas store mixed its own compounds and elixirs.
In this photograph of the store's interior in 1912, owner Charles W. Thomas II and his young son, Charles, stand on the right. The cigar showcase occupies a prominent spot near the entrance.
The Thomas family lived above the shop. Many nights the ring of the doorbell jarred them from their sleep. Some distraught individual was urgently seeking medicine, or even first aid. In that era, many people turned to the druggist for medical help.
For a time, Thomas Drugs and nearby Cahalan Drugs served as first aid stations for the City's large industries. The first hospital in Wyandotte wasn't established until 1899.
This storefront also served as Woolworth's dime store from 1928 to 1948, Asmus Hardware in the 1950's, and for the next 40 years, Gail's Office Supply.
Erected by The Wyandotte Historical Society. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eureka Iron Works & Wyandotte Savings Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Kelly's First Tilting Bessemer Steel Converter (within shouting distance of this marker); R. P. McMurphy's (within shouting distance of this marker); First Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Arlington (within shouting distance of this marker); Melody Brothers Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Triangular Corner (about 400 feet away); America's First Bessemer Steel Mill (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wyandotte.
More about this marker. This is the 3rd marker in a series of 16 on the historical walking tour of Wyandotte.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 10, 2021
2. Thomas Drug Store Marker
The marker is to the right of the entryway seen here.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 10, 2021
3. The Museum in the Streets Walking Tour Panel
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
