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- Considered to be the oldest drugstore in the United States, Carl’s drugstore is celebrating its 200th anniversary in Green Castle, Pennsylvania.
- The store celebration on August 8th includes comments from current owner Wayne Myers and a presentation by Sen. Doug Mastoriano.
- The local museum hosts an exhibition featuring memorabilia from the historic Carl drugstore.
A young man named Adam Carl opened a drugstore on April 27, 1825, at 13 S. Carlyle Street, Green Castle, Pennsylvania.
Two hundred years later, Carl’s drugstores are still a vibrant part of the community. It is considered to be Greencastle’s oldest business and the oldest, continuous operational pharmacy in the United States.
As an important part of the community’s past, present and future, Carl’s drugstore is highlighted in the honorable location with 42 badges in town this yearnd Triennale Old Home Week will be held from August 2nd to 9th. The celebration takes place every three years with the aim of uniting residents and graduates to honor their renowned heritage.
During Old Home Week, an anniversary celebration is being planned at the store, currently located at 145 N. Antrim Way. This includes comments by Wayne Myers, a pharmacist who owns Carl’s since 2023.
The drugstore is also featured at the Allison Antrim Museum exhibition from the collection of pharmacist Frank Irvin, the first non-Carl family member to own the drugstore.
Learn about the history of Carl’s drugstores
Adam Carl was born in Hanover on December 16, 1800, and later lived in Carlisle, where he became interested in medicine.
After moving to Green Castle in 1825 and opening a drugstore in Carl, he graduated from Washington Medical College in Baltimore in 1829.
An ad in 1851 in the Green Castle weekly newspaper, Konokokieg Herald, A. Dr. Carl and his son William had “a complete and well-selected assortment of fresh medicines, oils, paints, glassware, cigars, leaves, chewing tobacco and more” and claimed it was “for sale.”
William Carl envisioned the management of the store when his father turned his eyes to medicine full-time in 1854. Adam Carl treated the wounded Confederates as they passed Glencastle following the Battle of Gettysburg.
The family that will then lead the store include Adam Carl’s son-in-law, Dr. Franklin A. Bussy. grandson, Charles B. Carl; His grandson, Edward R. Carl, operated from 1935 until selling to Irvin.
The late Richard J. Irvin’s father, was a longtime Carl pharmacist, and Frank Irvin was a pharmacy technician and clerk in his youth. He purchased a business at 6 E. Baltimore St. on January 1, 1974 during his senior year at the Philadelphia University Pharmacy.
Irvin moved the business in 1999 and sold it to Roger Savage in 2013. Ten years later, Savage sold the drugstore to Myers.
Carl’s drugstore was identified as the third in the article “Drug Topics: Voices of Pharmacists” in 1776 in Bicentennial, USA.
The other two no longer exist, Irvin said. The same trade publication states in 2007, “The Oldest Pharmacy in America: Carl’s Drugs Cracked.”
Things you need to know about old home week badges
Every three years, some of the local history is highlighted in the OHW badge to reflect the mission of the celebration.
The 2025 badge features a photo of Adam Carl’s grandson Charles B. Carl. Green and burgundy ribbons accented.
Badges are $6 and offer admission to 99% of planned events.
This is what is planned at Carl’s drugstore
200th Anniversary celebrations will be held on Friday, August 8th from 9am to 6pm at Carl’s drugstore.
“This is not just a celebration of our store, it’s a celebration of an independent pharmacy, a community, history and a generation of families who have trusted us with their care,” Myers said. “We are deeply honored to advance this tradition.”
At noon there will be a program featuring a message from Myers and a presentation by state Sen. Doug Mastoriano, who honors Carl’s drugstore for its services and heritage.
There is complimentary ice cream from the scoop for the first 200 guests, and a local food truck is on hand.
“Carl’s drugstores, which have been serving the community since 1825, remain a pillar of trustworthy care, personalized services and homeland pride,” the event’s news release states. “We are invited to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration filled with special events, local flavours and heartfelt appreciation.
Highlights for daytime anniversary include 20% off all items at regular price in storefronts, free commemorative decorations including purchases and door award gifts, including a $200 cash prize.
“Whether you’re a longtime customer or a first-time visitor, you can enjoy the festival, take part in prizes and help mark a truly historic milestone,” says the new release.
Going back in time
Part of Irvin’s Carl’s drugstore memorabilia collection is featured in the museum’s summer exhibit.
Visitors will be able to see old pharmacy items including mortar and other items used to aggravate or mix drugs, such as drugs, signs, prescriptions, bottles, vials, ledgers, advertising promotions, and drug containers.
Hanging from the wall are diplomas and licensed documents for various men who have been involved in the operation of Carl’s drugstores for many years, highlighted by the image of a young Dr. Adam Carl in 1829.
For more information, visit the website at www.greencastlemuseum.org or follow the museum on Facebook at Allison-Antrim Museum, Inc.
