Smith's Pharmacy facts for kids
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Smith's Pharmacy
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Smith's Pharmacy, September 2012
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3114 Chestnut Ave., Newport News, Virginia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1946, 1952 |
| Architect | Livas, Henry L.; Walker, Elbert |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000618 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 6, 2002 |
Smith's Pharmacy is a special old building in Newport News, Virginia. It was once a very important pharmacy that served its community for many years. Today, it's recognized as a historic place because of its unique story and how well it has kept its original look.
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Smith's Pharmacy: A Historic Building
What is Smith's Pharmacy?
Smith's Pharmacy is a two-story building made of brick. It is located in the East End part of Newport News. The first floor was built in 1946. It was designed to be a pharmacy. A few years later, in 1952, a second floor was added. This upper floor was used for offices.
Who Was Dr. Charles Calvin Smith?
The pharmacy was started by a very important person, Dr. Charles Calvin Smith. He was an African-American pharmacist. Dr. Smith opened his first pharmacy in Newport News in 1921. This was the first pharmacy in the city owned by a Black person. He created Smith's Pharmacy to help and serve the African-American community in Newport News.
A Look Inside
The inside of the first floor of Smith's Pharmacy still looks much like it did when it first opened. You can still see the original space where medicines were sold. There are also the old counters and wooden booths. It even has a soda fountain, which was a popular feature in pharmacies back then.
Becoming a Historic Place
Smith's Pharmacy was sold to the Eckerd Corporation in 1999. Because of its history and how well it has been preserved, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. It was also listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2002. Being on these lists means the building is important to history and should be protected.
