Are there any York County, Pa., pharmacies left with ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ style soda fountains?
Loyer’s Pharmacy in Red Lion, Pa., that just closely recently, looked liked this in 1930 when it was known as Strock’s Drug Store. The drug store, complete with soda fountain, closed recently. (See additional photo below.) Also of interest: Ma & Pa rabbit trains passing through Red Lion: ‘I hope they thoroughly hosed out the cars.’ and Red Lion, then and now: ‘Welcome to a popular page on our web site’ and Every day, York County struts its diverse architectural stuff and Penn State student renovates Red Lion Victorian-era house.
Red Lion had at least two independent pharmacies until recently.
One closed shortly after Christmas. A feature was a soda fountain and ice cream, straight out of that Christmas-time favorite film: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The pharmacy continued to serve maybe 10-20 customers a day from that soda fountain.
Despite its closure, the Coke-and-ice-cream custom might continue.
A York, Pa., Daily Record/Sunday News story and photos, covering Loyer’s closing, gave hope:
Parts of the pharmacy, like these old bottles, changed little over the years. A newspaper story described the store before it close: ‘Time hasn’t changed much at Loyer’s. The original stained-wooden shelves and apothecary drawers still line the walls beneath ancient signs advertising Rexall Drugs. Jars of penny candy are piled on the counter.’
While Loyer’s Pharmacy has closed, its soda fountain might see some business yet.
The Red Lion Borough Council recently awarded Lion Pharmacy conditional approval to expand, said owner Bethany Miller.
Part of the expansion could include a coffee bar.
“We would love to have it,” she said.
So, the story might have a happy ending.
I only wish I could have gone in before the store closed.
Here’s a question for you folks:
Are there any other pharmacies in York County that still has an old-time soda fountain?
Also of interest:
Catharine (or is it Catherine?) Meyer merits ‘Mother of Red Lion’ (or is it Red Line?) title