The dedication of Pharmacists Mutual Companies to the pharmacy profession is apparent the moment you set foot in the door of the company’s headquarters in Algona, Iowa. A unique turn-of-the-century museum furnished with pharmacy artifacts, many donated by policyholders, greets guests and pharmacy enthusiasts.
Druggists Mutual Museum originated in 1969. Four individuals – Gene Murtagh, Veda Murtagh, Richard Thoreson, and Judy Thoreson – visited Boston and returned to Algona inspired to create a historical museum at Druggists Mutual. They approached the Board with the idea. When a new Druggists Mutual building was constructed, the Druggists Mutual officers wanted to incorporate an antique drug store, hopefully of the vintage of 1909, in this new building. The wheels were set into motion with several purchases from old store closings, primarily in Missouri and massive donations by our policyholders.
Secretary Thoreson was given the responsibility of coordinating all artifacts and spent approximately 500 hours in restoration of the room, its layout and actual setup. Enlarged photos of the original Falkenhainer store in Titonka rendered much help.
Vic Parsons reported that he had visited a truly antique drug store in Arrow Rock, MO, owned by Mr. Argobright and that the company could purchase a very fine old soda fountain, built about 1880, together with several old display cases and counters in excellent condition, for the sum of $1,700. One of these pieces was an original 6’ 1885 fountain purchased from Hubbard Drug. This fountain was rather unique as most fountains were longer – 8’ to 10’. The 6’ fountain fit the new museum perfectly as there was a size constraint due to the air conditioning duct in the floor.
Dale Heeren, Missouri fieldman, located a 6’ back bar to match the fountain. Dick Thoreson rented a car top carrier and drove to Missouri to fetch the new bar. Unfortunately, a gust of wind blew the mirror with all of the scrollwork off the carrier into multiple pieces. Art Obrecht, an Algona craftsman, spent many hours restoring the back mirror and woodwork to its original state. The mirror was beyond repair.
Some additional donated pieces in 1969 include the following: Prescription Case circa 1885; a Diamond Dye Case; and Turn-of-the-Century Post Cards - donated by Mr. Bagby in Armstrong, MO.
The museum is on the United States list of Pharmacy Museums and receives publicity. Additional donations continue to arrive. Many of these artifacts have been placed in various displays throughout the company.