Summerville in Dorchester County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Guerin's Pharmacy

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2023

1. Guerin's Pharmacy Marker
(east side)

Inscription.
Guerin's Pharmacy, founded in 1871 by Henry C. Guerin, is the oldest operating pharmacy in S.C. Guerin was a Charleston physician who served as Chief Commissary for S.C. during the Civil War. Afterwards he moved to Summerville and bought Schweatman Drug Store, which was operating from the home of Mrs. R.W. Myers. Guerin moved the business to a frame building at its current site. Henry's son Joseph Guerin received his pharmacy degree in 1892 and took over the business.

About 1895 the one-story building was replaced by a two-story wooden structure that was brick veneered with a one-story addition in 1925. Herbert Dunning was hired as pharmacist in 1910 and eventually owned the drug store. After Herbert’s death in 1975 his nephew Charles Dunning bought the drug store. Upon Charles' death In 2014 his daughter Barbara became pharmacist in charge. Guerin's Pharmacy is the oldest continuously operating business in Summerville.

Erected 2018 by Summerville Preservation Society. (Marker Number 18-23.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 33° 1.153′ N, 80° 10.573′

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W. Marker is in Summerville, South Carolina, in Dorchester County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street (Little Main) (Alternate U.S. 17) and West Richardson Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street (Little Main). Marker is located beside the sidewalk, near the southeast corner of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 140 South Main Street, Summerville SC 29483, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mayor Berlin G. Myers (within shouting distance of this marker); Jewish Life (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Timrod Library (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Timrod Library (approx. ¼ mile away); Alston Graded School / Alston High School (approx. ¼ mile away); The Axtell Dam at Sawmill Branch (approx. 0.6 miles away); Summerville High School / Coach John McKissick (1926-2019) (approx. 0.6 miles away); Coach John McKissick and his wife, Joan (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Summerville.

Also see . . .
1. Guerin’s Pharmacy. SC Picture Project website entry:

Guerin’s Pharmacy in downtown Summerville has the distinction of not only being the oldest pharmacy in South Carolina, but also Summerville’s longest running business. The story of Guerin’s pharmacy begins with Dr. C.F. Schwettmann, who moved from Charleston to Summerville during the Civil War to open a drugstore.

Guerin's Pharmacy Marker<br>(<i>west side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2023

2. Guerin's Pharmacy Marker
(west side)

(Submitted on May 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. 150 Years!!!. Summerville Dream website entry:

(by Steve Doniger, Jun 8, 2021) Charles H. Dunning, Jr. began working for his uncle and Dr. Joseph A. Guerin at the age of 12. He purchased the business from his uncle’s estate in 1975. After his death in 2014, his daughter, Barbara A. Dunning, is the owner and pharmacist in charge. Working alongside her is Joshua Kister, Pharm D, who has been with Guerin’s since 2009. In September 2017, Guerin’s was bestowed a historical South Carolina marker by the Summerville Preservation Society.

(Submitted on May 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Guerin's Pharmacy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2023

3. Guerin's Pharmacy Marker

(looking west along Richardson Avenue)

Guerin's Pharmacy (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2023

4. Guerin's Pharmacy (southeast elevation)

(marker is located beside the sidewalk • on left)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.