Local pharmacy keeps old school charm
CHILLICOTHE — Walking into Allen's Pharmacy on Old Eastern Avenue you automatically feel the small-town pharmacy feel. It helps that you are essentially walking into owner Kevin Allen's grandparents' old home.
Gilbert Allen started the pharmacy in the 1940s at a different location but eventually moved to the corner store to work and live. One side of the building was the pharmacy while the other and the upstairs unit was his house. Kevin remembers growing up in the pharmacy and the way it looked before his grandfather retired. He said where the pill machine is now used to be where his grandmother's kitchen table sat.
Over the years the pharmacy has stayed in the family's hands with Steve Allen taking over after his father and eventually passing ownership on to his son Kevin last year.
While he worked at the store as a teenager he would eventually pursue a different career path and college degree than the Allens before him. This was partially due to his father who wanted him to explore other things that could make him happy. Still, Allen knew he wanted to be a part of the family legacy.
"I always knew I wanted to be here," said Allen.
As his father neared the end of his over 50 years of working in the pharmacy Allen moved back to the area and started working again at the pharmacy, learning how to take over. While some things have changed through the years he knew he wanted to keep the same feel of the pharmacy, this included keeping the old soda fountain near the front door.
His grandfather had a fountain at both of his locations as he thought it helped bring people in who normally wouldn't stop. Allen has kept this tradition going as he has fond memories of learning about the machine and all the recipes when he was a teenager.
"The soda fountain is very near and dear to my heart," said Allen. "It's not going anywhere."
The pharmacy has been part of the community for 83 years now. Allen said he is thankful for all the loyal customers and employees who have gotten them this far and his next goal is to reach the 100-year mark.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local pharmacy continues traditions with soda fountain
