Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Monfort Drug and Book Store
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Jim and Mary Holder
| | Alva Mural Society | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
1. Monfort Drug and Book Store (right side of mural)
Monfort Drug and Book Store
J.W. Monfort opened Monfort Drug and Book Store in 1894. His son, Marion, joined him in 1929. For 59 years the store was a hub for farmers, college students and families wanting textbooks, prescriptions and merchandise. The mural depicts the interior of Monfort Drug and Book Store circa 1950 with Jim and Mary Holder and Marion Monfort, owner. The soda fountain was very popular and sold chocolate malts for a quarter. It was an Alva landmark from 1894 until it burned in 1953.
Jim and Mary Holder
Jim Holder accepted a job with Marion Monfort as a pharmacist for Monfort Drug and Book Store in 1950. In 1952 Jim and Mary purchased Hester Drug on the south side of the square. L.O. "Doc" Southern and his wife, Elizabeth, joined them after the Monfort fire and Holder Southern Drug was formed. When Doc retired, Jim and Mary became sole owners.
Holder Drug continues to operate today as a family owned business just as it did in 1952. Jim and Mary were energetic boosters of the Alva community through their active participation in church, civic organizations, NWOSU and economic development projects. Most of
this page online
Erected 2019 by Alva Mural Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 36° 48.211′ N, 98° 39.961′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It is on Barnes Street just east of College Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker and mural are located on the west facade of the building at this address, near the northwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 513 Barnes Street, Alva OK 73717, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. 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, the Louisiana Purchase, and Cherokee Outlet.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024
2. Jim and Mary Holder Marker (left side of mural)
Also see . . .
1. Monfort Drugs Memories (The Okie Legacy).
Excerpt: I remember the Montfort fire very well. I got up early that morning, heard about the fire, and made immediately for downtown. The ruins were still smoking and the firemen were playing a high-pressure stream of water against a wall that was in danger of collapsing. They wanted it to fall into the basement and therefore remove any threat it might have to people. It finally fell right where they wanted it to and was a pretty spectacular crash. Dr. Richey's dental office was indeed at the(Submitted on February 1, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)front right of the second floor of the Montfort Building. Chuck Richey, his son, was the circulation manager at the Alva Review Courier at the time and was therefore my boss, as I was a paper boy. I walked by the front of the building a few days later and saw Chuck and James (another brother) sifting through the rubble looking for anything of salvageable value. I asked them if they needed any help and they accepted. I spent about an hour or so working with them and found several dental drill bits, picks, and various other small tools. Bob (Buzz) Brandenburg, who was an Alva policeman at the time, came by and ordered us off the building as a matter of safety. The next day Chuck presented me with a check from Dr. Richey in the amount of $10.00 for my help. Up to that time in my life, it was the fastest money I had ever made.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20243. Monfort Drug and Book Store / Jim and Mary Holder MuralThe marker(s) and mural face the alley (to the right), perpendicular to Barnes Street (to the left). The marker(s) are mounted at eye-level near the bottom right and left corners of the mural.
2. About Holder Drug (Holderdrug.com).
Excerpt: Today, Holder Drug is owned by Susie Simpson (Kansas City), Sally Eggleston (Waynoka) and Todd Holder. We do our best to fill our parents' shoes but ultimately that is impossible,(Submitted on February 1, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)but we love trying. We thank this community for their loyalty and love throughout the years.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 20244. Monfort Drug and Book Store / Jim and Mary Holder MuralMural painted by Don Gray, 2019.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 1, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
