PRODUCT PACKAGE
CulturePrince Edward Island
Dimensions2.5 x 4.5 x 7 cm (1 x 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Object numberHF.2017.11.7a-b
DescriptionA cardboard paper box with a white base and blue lid. On the top of the lid is a paper label with a double line boarder. At the top center is printed “Hughes Drug Co. Druggists Charlottetown, P.E.I.” with a circular symbol to the left which has “APOTHECARIES HALL” around “GEE” at the center. At the center-left of the label is printed “No.” and “Dr.” at the center below which is typed “Sulfanilemide.” in heavy black font. Two semi-circles are cut out of the front and back bottom edges to left the lid from the base. Narrative
Apothecaries Hall Co., located at the corner of Grafton and Queen Street in downtown Charlottetown, is credited as being the Canada’s oldest continually operated pharmacies. The business was opened by Thomas Debrisay Jr. in 1810, in what was then a modest wooden building. At this time, it was one of the few apothecaries on PEI and for that reason had little competition in business. Dr. K. Frank Beer and George Hughes purchased the business in 1874 from the Debrisay’s, who maintain ownership of the building. The name of the business was officially changed to “Apothecaries Hall – Hughes Drug Co. Ltd”. In 1901, the building was rebuilt. Designed by William Critchlow Harris and constructed by the Lowe Brothers, the Commercial style architecture remains recognizable today with its imported brick mottled and buff pressed brick, and olive trimmed freestone.
The Hughes family operated the store for 75 years. The business officially closed in 1986 after changing hands several times. The building is a National Historic Site of Canada and as of 2024, is occupied by several businesses, including COWS, renowned Island ice cream makers.
Prince Edward Island
Canadian
Canadian