Sprecher Pharmacy sold to army veteran

 
Hannah Gross
NLJ Correspondent 
With Leonard Cash
 
Historian Leonard Cash continues his series on the Sprecher Pharmacy (formerly the Fawkes Drug Co.), located on lot 9 of block 10 in this week’s installment of “History on Main.”
On Nov. 20, 1919, a News Letter Journal article reported that Oilie Barnes was hired to paint the interior and exterior of the “Joe Sprecher bungalow,” owner of Sprecher Pharmacy. White enamel was the color picked for the bedrooms, and the other rooms were to be golden oak.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Drug Co., according to an article from Jan. 22, 1920, announced that the prescription counter was relocated, and a new carbonator was installed. The establishment was planning on opening a soda fountain too, as soon as remodeling was completed, according to the March 11, 1920, issue. 
The Feb. 20, 1920, issue of the paper reported that Newcastle Drug Co. secured the exclusive agency for Bauer’s Homemade Candy. 
The following two articles in Cash’s records took time to give their appreciation and accolades for Newcastle’s
drug stores. 
Starting with the Newcastle Drug Co., the June 17, 1920, issue said the business was organized several years prior “when Newcastle was but a small ‘cow’ town.” It grew alongside the town into “one of the best stocked and most substantial business houses” in the county. 
“It is with just pride that the officers and employees of this enterprising company speak of the many friends that their store has made in the past, as it is a well known fact that the Newcastle Drug Co. does know how to make a fellow ‘feel at home,’ always ready when called upon to make any extra effort to oblige strangers or friends, they stand ready to serve all,” the article says. 
On July 1, 1920, the paper praised Sprecher Pharmacy, “The Rexall Store,” as one of the “best-equipped and most up-to-date commercial establishments” in this corner of Wyoming. The Sprecher brothers spent an entire lifetime learning the drug business and came to Newcastle four years ago from Colorado Springs, the article says. J.D. Sprecher, the elder brother, graduated from North Western University as an “exceptionally competent pharmacist.” To ensure maximum results, the “purest and freshest” of drugs were used, and the nationally known Rexall line carried by the store was the “acme of perfection.”  
“One is immediately impressed with the metropolitan air which invades this store the moment he steps into it,” the article says. “Congenial and courteous clerks only are employed and prompt service is one of the attractive features connected with trading at
this store.”
The merchandise was “neatly arranged,” with one of the best soda fountains in the state, according to the article. Two to three men ran the fountain at a time, and each understood “every phase of soft drink.” As a result, the pharmacy was the natural youth hangout. 
Despite its success, it was time for Douglas and Joe Sprecher to move on. They sold the business to L.L. McCarthy, who assumed active charge and had been a major in the Army during World War I, and L. Edward Martin, proprietor of the Economy Drug Store in Sheridan, according to the Aug. 12, 1920, paper. The Sprecher brothers didn’t know what the future had in store, but they planned to spend the first few weeks resting, news reports said. 
The March 5, 1921, issue of the paper announced that Don McBride left Newcastle to accept a position with the Economy Drug store
in Sheridan. 
According to a news report from Oct. 29, 1925, Ora Stitch painted the interior of Newcastle Drug. 
The Feb. 3, 1926, issue announced that Newcastle Drug installed a modern electric Frigidaire ice cream cabinet, which “will entirely do away with the old fashioned manner of packing ice cream in salt and ice (to) keep it frozen as the system of electric current used will keep the cream in a more evenly frozen condition.” Additionally, the soda fountain was
being remodeled. 
A third drug store in town, Johnny’s Pharmacy, was being remodeled, according to an article from Jan. 27, 1927. The interior was redone, and the counter was moved to a more “convenient and attractive position.” Cash said he is not sure where this pharmacy
was located. 
“Lunches and the usual fountain convocation will be served in the booth giving more room to accommodate their patrons. In short, everything will be as it should be for the benefit of the patrons,” the article says. 
L.S. Tyson from Sheridan arrived in Newcastle to become the new manager at Johnny’s, reported the Aug. 18, 1927, paper. He was a graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1912 and brought with him 20 years of experience. Tyson was also interested in Boy Scouts because he was a scoutmaster of the Congregational church troop of Boy Scouts
in Sheridan. 
“Mr. Tyson wishes to state that the cordial treatment he has enjoyed at the hands of Newcastle folks is very gratifying and he feels already that he is among friends,” the article says. 
The Sept. 22, 1927, issue announced that Newcastle Drug Co. (which was next door to present-day Cashbox Ceramics) bought the stock and fixtures of Johnny’s Pharmacy. 
“Some wonderful bargains are to be offered and its expected that the general public will take advantage of this sale,” the article says. 
By Oct. 27, 1927, Newcastle Drug moved its business into Johnny’s building, which was painted and repaired.
Fires seemed to be prevalent in this town in its earlier years, and according to the Dec. 15, 1927, issue of the paper, a fire was started in yet another building — this time it was the former Kinney building on block 7 (now an empty lot, Cash said). Unsure of what started it, the “fire boys” nonetheless “quickly responded to the alarm and in a short time had the blaze under control.” However, “considerable” damage had been done, especially to Newcastle Drug Co., but fortunately most of the damage was covered
by insurance. 
Next week, Cash will follow the history of Newcastle Drug Co. in its new building, as well as the other business that once occupied the location.