James Pharmacy facts for kids
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James Pharmacy
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2 Pennywise Ln., Old Saybrook, Connecticut |
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| Area | .25 acres (0.10 ha) |
| Built | 1820 |
| Architectural style | Federal and Colonial Revival |
| Part of | Old Saybrook South Green (ID76001984) |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000845 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 5, 1994 |
| Designated CP | September 3, 1976 |
The James Pharmacy is a historic building located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It's a very important place because it was the home and business of Anna Louise James (1886–1977). She was the first African-American woman to become a pharmacist in Connecticut! This building is also where the famous author Ann Petry grew up. Ann Petry was Anna James's niece. The James Pharmacy was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Contents
What Does the James Pharmacy Look Like?
The James Pharmacy building is in the old part of Old Saybrook. It's a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It has an "L" shape and a sloped roof. The outside is covered with wooden clapboards, which are long, thin boards.
Special Features of the Building
One part of the building has a single story with a shed roof. This section has three arched windows. These windows have many small glass panes. Next to this part is the main section of the building. The front door is on the left side. It has decorative columns and a triangular shape above it. On the right side, there is a bay window from the 1900s. The triangular part above the door has a sunburst design. In the middle of this design, you can see a carved mortar and pestle. This symbol represents a pharmacy.
The History of the James Pharmacy
Around 1898, an African-American couple named Peter and Bertha (James) Lane bought the building. Peter Lane was one of the first African-American pharmacists in Connecticut. Bertha's younger sister, Anna James, later joined them.
Anna James: A Pioneer Pharmacist
Anna James decided to follow in Peter's footsteps. She studied hard and earned her pharmacist's license in 1911. This was a big achievement! Anna faced challenges because of her gender and her race. But she worked hard and successfully ran the pharmacy. She continued to operate the business until she retired in 1955.
Famous Customers
Many people visited the James Pharmacy. Some famous people who spent their summers in the area were customers. These included the well-known actress Katharine Hepburn and the famous businessman Howard Hughes.
See Also
