Carl's Drug Store celebrates 200 years as America's oldest pharmacy still in operation

USA Today

25-07-2025

Two hundred years later, Carl's Drug Store is still a vibrant part of the community. It's Greencastle's oldest business and is believed to be the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in the United States.
As a significant piece of the community's past, present and future, Carl's Drug Store is highlighted with a place of honor on this year's badge for the town's 42nd Triennial Old Home Week being held on Aug. 2 to 9. The celebration is held every three years with the aim of uniting residents and alumni to honor its storied heritage.
An anniversary celebration is planned at the store, now located at 145 N. Antrim Way, during Old Home Week. It will include remarks by pharmacist Wayne Myers, who has owned Carl's since 2023.
The drug store also is featured in an exhibit at Allison-Antrim Museum from the collection of pharmacist Frank Ervin, the first non-Carl family member to own the drug store.
Carl's Drug Store in Greencastle: Oldest drug store in U.S. remains independent under new ownership
Learn about the history of Carl's Drug Store
Adam Carl was born in Hanover on Dec. 16, 1800, and later lived in Carlisle, where he became interested in medicine, according to information on the Allison-Antrim Museum website compiled by Ervin and Bonnie Shockey, the museum president.
After moving to Greencastle and opening Carl's Drug Store in 1825, he went on to graduate from Washington Medical College in Baltimore in 1829.
An 1851 advertisement in the Conococheague Herald, Greencastle's weekly newspaper, indicated Dr. A. Carl and his son, William, had 'a full and well selected assortment of fresh drugs, medicines, oils, paints, glassware, cigars, chewing tobacco' etc. and assured the public that they 'made the sale of medicines a matter of conscience and not of profit.'
William Carl assumed management of the store when his father turned to medicine full-time in 1854. Adam Carl treated wounded Confederates as they passed through Greencastle following the Battle of Gettysburg.
In ensuing years, family members leading the store included Adam Carl's son-in-law, Dr. Franklin A. Bushey; grandson, Charles B. Carl; and great-grandson Edward R. Carl, who operated it from 1935 until selling to Ervin.
Ervin's father, the late Richard J. Ervin, was a pharmacist at Carl's for many years, and Frank Ervin was a pharmacy tech and clerk when he was young. He purchased the business, then located at 6 E. Baltimore St., on Jan. 1, 1974, while in his senior year at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy.
Ervin moved the business in 1999 and sold it to Rodger Savage in 2013. Ten years later, Savage sold the drug store to Myers, who also operates Norland Avenue Pharmacy in neighboring Chambersburg.
Carl's Drug Store was identified as third among the oldest continuously operating drug stores in an article 'Drug Topics: Voice of the Pharmacist' did for the bicentennial of the United States in 1776.
The other two no longer exist, Ervin said. The 2007 article 'America's oldest pharmacy: Carl's Drug keeps on ticking' by the same trade publication said, 'Its amazing 182-year longevity has earned it the unofficial honor of being America's oldest pharmacy continuously serving the same community.'
What to know about the Old Home Week badge
Every three years, a piece of local history is highlighted on the OHW badge to reflect the celebration's mission: 'Honor the past, encourage the present and grow the future.'
The 2025 badge features a picture of Adam Carl's grandson Charles B. Carl outside the store. It is accented with green and burgundy ribbons.
A badge costs $6 and provides admission to 99% percent of the planned events.
Here's what's planned at Carl's Drug Store
A 200th anniversary celebration will be held on Friday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Carl's Drug Store.
'This isn't just a celebration of our store – it's a celebration of independent pharmacy, community, history and the generations of families who have trusted us with their care,' said Myers. 'We are deeply honored to carry forward this tradition.'
At noon, there will be a program featuring a message from Myers and a presentation by state Sen. Doug Mastriano honoring Carl's Drug Store for its service and legacy.
There will be free ice cream from Scoops for the first 200 guests, and local food trucks will be on hand.
'Serving the community since 1825, Carl's Drug Store has remained a pillar of trusted care, personalized service and hometown pride,' says a news release for the event. 'The public is invited to join in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, packed with special events, local flavor and heartfelt appreciation.
Anniversary highlights during the day also include 20% off all regularly priced items in the storefront, a free commemorative ornament with every purchase and door prize giveaways, including a $200 cash grand prize.
'Whether you're a longtime customer or a first-time visitor, all are welcome to come enjoy the festivities, take part in the giveaways and help mark a truly historic milestone,' the new release says.
Going back in time
Part of Ervin's collection of Carl's Drug Store memorabilia is being featured in the museum's summer exhibit.
Visitors can see old-time pharmacy items including mortars and pestles and other items used to compound or mix drugs, as well as scales, signs, prescriptions, bottles, vials, ledgers, advertising promotions, drug containers and more.
Hanging on the walls are diplomas and licensing documents for the various men involved in the operation of Carl's Drug Store over the years, highlighted by an 1829 image of a young Dr. Adam Carl.
For more information, visit the website at www.greencastlemuseum.org or follow the museum on Facebook at Allison-Antrim Museum, Inc.