Standard Drug Company (Meridian, Mississippi) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Standard Drug Company
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Standard Drug Company in 2010
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 601 25th Ave., Meridian, Mississippi |
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| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1920 |
| Architectural style | Commercial Style |
| MPS | Meridian MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 89002050 |
| Added to NRHP | December 7, 1989 |
The Standard Drug Company was an important business in Meridian, Mississippi. It started as a small drug store in 1900. Over time, it grew into one of the biggest companies in the city. The building where it was located was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it is a special place recognized for its history.
Contents
The Company's Story
Early Days: Hopkins and Bethea
The company began in January 1900. It was first called "Hopkins and Bethea." W.E. Hopkins and Oscar Bethea were the founders. Their first store was on 22nd Avenue in Meridian. In 1906, the company moved to a larger, three-story building. This building was later recognized as a historic property.
Becoming Standard Drug Company
As Meridian grew, so did the business. In 1911, the company officially became "Standard Drug Company." W.E. Hopkins became its first president. They sold many popular products, including "Kimborough's Antiseptic." This product was used for minor cuts and scratches.
Oscar Bethea later left the company. He went to Tulane Medical School to study. Ernest A. Morrison, who was a bookkeeper, then joined Hopkins as a partner.
Growth and New Products
The company kept getting bigger. By 1919, they needed an even larger space. They bought land at 25th Avenue and 6th Street. A new, three-story building was built there. It had over 67,300 square feet of space.
In the early 1910s, Standard Drug Company started selling more than just medicines. They added cosmetics, school supplies, and even children's toys. During World War I, there was a shortage of quinine. Quinine was a medicine used to treat malaria. Standard Drug Company was able to keep a steady supply. This helped them stay in business and earn a lot of money.
Changes in Leadership
W.E. Hopkins passed away in 1941. Ernest A. Morrison then became the company's president. J.L. Hopkins, W.E. Hopkins's son, became vice president. Edgar H. Morrison, Ernest's son, became secretary and treasurer.
When Ernest Morrison died in 1959, J.L. Hopkins took over. After J.L. Hopkins passed away, Edgar Morrison became president. Edgar Morrison was the last president of Standard Drug Company. The company was later sold to Durr-Fillauer Medical, a company from Montgomery, Alabama.
The Standard Drug Company Building
The building at 601 25th Avenue was built in 1919. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The building has a simple, rectangular shape. This style was common for business buildings back then.
Outside the Building
The front of the building, facing 6th Street and 25th Avenue, is made of yellow-brown brick. It has a decorative top edge called a cornice. The back and sides of the building are made of a different, red brick. There is a parking lot behind the building. There are also loading docks. These are places where trucks could load and unload goods. One loading dock was added in the 1970s.
Inside the Building
The first floor of the building has three main rooms. The walls in these rooms are covered with stucco.
- The first room was used for offices and showing products. It originally had linoleum floors. Later, carpet was added. A strong room, called a vault, was built in the 1920s. A private office was added in 1941. A computer room was also built later.
- The middle room was for shipping and receiving goods. It has an elevator that goes to the upper floors. Loading docks are on both sides of this room.
- The third room was mainly for storage. It has staircases leading to the upper floors.
The second floor was divided into two rooms.
- The east room was where medicines like Milk of magnesia, iodine, and merthiolate were made.
- The west room was mostly for storage. A small part of this room was called the "acid room." Its floor was covered with sand to prevent damage from chemicals.
The third floor was used mostly for storing items.
