Gledhill’s Drugstore

In prairie towns without a doctor or veterinarian, a pharmacist’s advice was highly valued. Druggists were expected to have both a basic knowledge of medicine, and to be able to prescribe effective medication for humans and animals.

Frank E. Livingston built his drugstore in 1908 at Dundurn, Saskatchewan, 50 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon, with bevelled glass mirrors, embossed tin on the ceiling and a floor of maple, a building material rarely found on the Prairies. Despite the value placed on the advice of a pharmacist, most druggists could not live on the income generated by simply dispensing medicine, and Livingston’s drugstore, like most, also sold toiletries, candy, toothbrushes, tobacco, brushes and razors. Livingston sold the business in 1911, and the building, which went through several ownership changes and moved south to Hanley, Saskatchewan, was purchased by Heritage Park in 1972.

History of Drugstores in Canada

The first pharmacists in western Canada were typically recent graduates from eastern Canadian, British or American universities. As professionals and independent businessmen, they set up shop in young communities where their services were in demand. Besides dispensing medicinal powders and alcohol-based elixirs, druggists were expected to provide basic medical advice, administer first aid, pull aching teeth and cure ailing livestock.

Earning little from the sale of costly prescriptions, druggists stocked their stores with a variety of patent medicines, toiletries, tobacco, candy, photographic supplies, and sundry items. Busy pharmacists mentored apprentices who were keen to learn the art and science of dispensing. Some also offered optometry services and sold eyeglasses. As respected professionals, pharmacists were often entrusted with civic duties such as magistrate, licensing authority, or mayor.

Gledhill’s Drugstore is open during regular Park hours in the summer season.