Granite City in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Reese Drug Store
1322 Niedringhaus Avenue
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 7, 2024
1. Reese Drug Store Marker
With locations in all of the Tri-Cities (Granite City, Madison and Venice), the first Reese Drug Store was started in Granite City on Niedringhaus Ave. in 1923 by druggist Walter A. Reese. Previous to this time, Mr. Reese, was a manager and buyer for the Grand Olive Drug Store and the Union State Drug Store in St. Louis. After Granite City, other Reese Drug Stores opened in Madison in 1928, followed by the Venice store in 1930. Expanding beyond the Tri-Cities, locations were opened in Wood River (1935), Jerseyville (1936) and East Alton (1946). A second Granite City location opened as one of the first stores in Bellemore Village Shopping Center in 1954.
Erected 2024.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location. 38° 42.034′ N, 90° 9.092′ W. Marker is in Granite City, Illinois, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of 19th Street and Delmar Avenue, on the right when traveling south on 19th Street. Marker is at the Neon Sign Park. Touch for map.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Washington Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Hudson Jewelers (a few steps from this marker); The Giant Graniteware Coffee Pot (within shouting distance of this marker); Make-It Toy Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Magic of Roadside Attractions (within shouting distance of this marker); Ruben Mendoza (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Victory Mothers (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Honor of Our Heroes (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Granite
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 7, 2024
2. Reese Drug Store Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 7, 2024
3. Reese Drug Store Marker
Marker and sign are part of the permanent Route 66 outdoor exhibit "It's Electric! Neon Sign Park"
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
