The predecessors of pharmacists in Australia sprang mainly from the “Chemists and Druggists” – an offshoot of the Grocers Guild of Britain.
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These people were concerned with the preparation of galenicals – vegetable-based remedies.
The first pharmacy in Glen Innes was established by Arthur J. Dodd in 1873 in a building facing Grey Street next door to the present courthouse.
In 1900, the Hutchison estate erected the present pharmacy on the corner of Grey and Bourke streets and Dodd practiced there for 24 years.
This undated and battered photo depicts A. J. Dodd – pharmacist; William Frances Eaton – clothier and outfitter and Fraunfelder and Flynn – stationery, fancy goods, tobacco, pipes etc. McKerihan’s butchery is at the back.
...he would bid those suffering from toothache to step into the room at the rear of the shop...
In contrast to to-day’s bright spacious premises, the early pharmacy was rather cramped, cluttered and dimly gaslit. Heavy wooden glass-fronted cabinets displayed wares and all strictly chemist lines including patent medicines, hair brushes, bath back brushes, toothbrushes and soap.
Maws 1913 wholesale catalogue quotes prices of that time: Woods Peppermint Cure 11/3 a dozen bottles, Hanburys Tasteless Castor Oil 4/9 a dozen bottles, razor strops from 5 pence each, toothbrushes of rubber, or goat or badger hair from 6 pence to 5/- each, smelling salts bottles from threepence halfpenny to 45/- .
A. J. Dodd was more than just a dispensing pharmacist. As well as making up doctor’s prescriptions, he also dispensed his own formula medicines and for these “house special” patent medicines he became famous and received requests from afar.
Also stocked was a collection of different strength spectacles, either rimless or small oval-shaped, with metal frames from which anyone with poor eyesight was fitted.
Acting in the capacity of dentist, he would bid those suffering from toothache to step into the room at the rear of the shop where he would remedy that situation.
After 50 years of conducting what could be called a one-man heath service, Mr Dodd died and his widow sold the business to former apprentice, Eddie Grover.
Pat Timbs bought from him, and Bill Munro now runs the beautifully heritage-coloured and light and airy pharmacy.
Read more Glen Innes history:
