Ocean Springs in Jackson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Lovelace Drug Store
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
1. Lovelace Drug Store Marker
The impressive brick building now standing at 801 Washington Avenue was constructed in 1926 by Kean & Company for Dr. Oscar N. Bailey. Dr. Bailey was a local family doctor and general practitioner who also served as the L & N Railroad physician for 40 years. Dr. Bailey's original medical office also stood at this site, but it was lost to fire in 1915. Once the newer building was constructed, Dr. Bailey named it the "Bailey Building," opening in July 1926. It housed his medical practice office and the Ocean Springs Drug Store.
In August of 1928, the first Ocean Springs "supermarket" opened in the north part of Dr. Bailey's building. It was a "cash & carry" style grocery market that was operated by Jitney Jungle. The drugstore was known as Lovelace Drug Store, forever iconic in the community for its checkerboard black & white tile floor and soda fountain.
This informational sign is part of a community project led by the Historic Ocean Springs Association, and is made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area.
We thank the City of Ocean Springs for their support of this project.
Erected 2022 by Historic Ocean Springs Association,Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Project, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. (Marker Number 20.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1926.
Location. 30° 24.813′ N, 88° 49.671′ W. Marker is in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in Jackson County. It is at the intersection of Washington
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, 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: Ocean Springs State Bank and Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Washington Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bowen Avenue Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ocean Springs (about 400 feet away); Jackson Avenue (about 500 feet away); The Bertuccini House & Barbershop (about 500 feet away); Farmers & Merchants Bank (about 500 feet away); Ocean Springs Blues (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocean Springs.
Regarding Lovelace Drug Store. Lovelace Drug Store is closed and is now Chandeleur Outfitters, a clothing store. The Drug Store owners were killed in an automobile accident in 2019.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
2. Lovelace Drug Store & Marker
Marker is to left of light pole near the old bicycle wheel.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 10, 2025
3. Former Lovelace Drug Store.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
