Lewis Drug Store

Posted On November 20, 2013

Stephanie Kelley

Four years ago, Ryan and Jessica Post became just the third owners of Lewis Drug Store. This iconic business in downtown Perth-Andover was opened in May of 1932 by F.A. (Bill) Lewis. He ran the business for the next 53 years, then sold it to Stephen Dee in 1985, who operated it until Ryan and Jessica took over the helm in April of 2009.
 
The couple grew up locally, Ryan is from Perth-Andover originally, and Jessica is from Plaster Rock. The couple lived in Ontario for 10 years, then decided it was time to head back home.
Lewis Drug Store is, like so many of our small town emporiums, a meeting place and all-around general store. The business employs a dozen people full time in addition to Ryan and Jessica, plus one part time pharmacist.
 

A number of the staff have been on board for many years, a testament to their love for their job and community! Barb Rideout has worked at the luncheon counter for 20 years, while Pam Gallagher is a relative newbie at the little diner with only 7 years on the job! Laura Kilcollins has worked at the front counter for 16 years and told me that she loves her job.
 

In addition to the pharmacy, Lewis Drug Store carries a neat assortment of gift items, toys, cards, household necessities, candy and more as well as books & magazines including local publications such as the Wulastuk Times and the Blackfly Gazette.
 

A couple of months back the store added Birkenstock Shoes to their inventory. For more than 230 years, the German Birkenstock Shoe Company has stuck to its original vision of providing footwear that is comfortable, simple and ergonomically supportive.
This high quality footwear is also a favourite with people who work on their feet all shifts. They are constructed of all natural material which breathes, keeping your feet happy, as the cork foot-bed naturally moulds itself to the contours of your own personal feet.
 

And, I have to say, they’ve certainly come a long way fashion-wise over the last 30 years as well. The Birkies of my youth were plain and functional, beloved footwear of hairy legged hippies with just a few basic designs. Now they come in all colours and designs, and Lewis carries a wide assortment to choose from.
Christmas is coming up fast and a new pair of Birkies would make a very groovy gift. I have a pair myself that are 20 years old and are still going strong!
 

When I stopped in to visit and take photos last week, I learned that Ryan and Jessica will be building a new home for Lewis Drug Store up near the highway next year. Everyone is looking forward to having a new home for the store.
 

With my own restaurant background, I was fascinated to learn more about the history of the lunch counter at the drug store. This must be one of the last remaining lunch counters in any drug store, and it started out when Bill Lewis first opened the drug store in the 30’s as a full-fledged soda fountain and diner called “The Mexican Room.”
It’s now a tiny little counter, with two booths that are battled over during peak meal times, and 8 short round vintage stools in assorted colours.
 

For many years, Lewis Drug Store was the local bus stop, so the luncheonette served travellers and folks waiting for the bus.
It’s now a local meeting place that serves a rather amazing menu, given the tiny space and lack of an oven or stove top!
 

Just like an old time diner, Barb and Pam provide a show and engage their customers as they prepare and serve the food right behind the counter. The luncheonette is open Monday-Friday 11 am-4 pm and offers the best breakfast deal in town: $5.95 for 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, 2 pieces of toast, real home fries and a bottomless cup of coffee! And, they serve this all day long, in addition to sandwiches, burgers and a daily home made soup.
Stop in soon to enjoy a bite to eat and say hi to Pam and Barb!
 

Now in business for over 80 years, Lewis Drug Store still offers small town service and hospitality. Visit the store at 704 Perth Main Street. Their hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm and Saturdays 9 am-6 pm. Telephone 273-3772 for more information.