Here's a neon shot of Gaddy Drug, one of Muskogee's longtime independent pharmacies. Founded in 1949, the business has served the community for more than seven decades, while its classic neon sign has become a familiar sight along West Broadway.
Although the pharmacy moved from its original downtown location to its current home in 1960, the vintage sign continues to give the storefront plenty of mid-century character. It's always nice to see independent businesses that have managed to keep their historic signs while continuing to serve the community. 08-06
UPDATE: Gaddy Drug remains open and continues serving Muskogee under new ownership following a 2025 sale. The new owners have retained the Gaddy name, helping preserve one of the city's longest-running independent pharmacy traditions. 06-26
Central Drugs (Gone)
Checotah, OK Photo and info courtesy Greg West
The Central Drugs sign can be found in the hometown of 2005 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood, Checotah, Oklahoma. While the singer may have put the town on the map for many people, this classic neon sign has been catching the attention of locals and travelers for decades.
The longtime neighborhood pharmacy served the community for many years before eventually closing its doors. Fortunately, the vintage projecting sign remains in place, providing a colorful reminder of the days when independent drug stores were fixtures of small-town America. 08-06
UPDATE: Central Drugs is no longer in business. It appears the building is now a Boomerang Diner and has been for quite some time. 06-26
Wall Drug Store in January 2004
Wall, SD Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
When you talk about roadside landmarks, many places come to mind. One of the most famous has to be Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota. What began as a small drug store in 1931 has grown into one of America's best-known roadside stops, drawing generations of travelers off the highway.
Wall Drug's success is rooted in one simple idea. In 1936, owner Dorothy Hustead suggested offering free ice water to motorists crossing the hot South Dakota prairie. Roadside signs advertising the offer soon appeared for hundreds of miles, turning a struggling pharmacy into an international roadside legend. Even today, those famous Wall Drug signs continue to tempt travelers long before they reach town.
I've made this a must-stop whenever I'm traveling through western South Dakota. Whether you're grabbing a five-cent cup of coffee, stepping inside the original pharmacy, or just stretching your legs after a long drive, Wall Drug remains one of those classic American roadside experiences that never gets old. More info can be found at the Wall Drug site. 03-07
UPDATE: Still owned and operated by the Hustead family, Wall Drug continues to welcome more than two million visitors each year. The free ice water tradition lives on, the famous billboards continue to line Interstate 90, and the original drug store remains the heart of one of America's most enduring roadside attractions. 06-26
Wall Drug Store parking area
Wall, SD Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Wall Drug Store from the 1950's
Wall, SD Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Trapp Pharmacy
Abilene, KS Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
Check out this old marquee in downtown Abilene. Trapp Pharmacy was one of those classic hometown drug stores that seemed to be a fixture of Main Street. The vintage projecting sign is what first caught my eye, but the pharmacy itself has an even longer history.
The business traces its roots back to 1870, making it one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Kansas. Inside, many of the original pharmacy fixtures have been preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into what a neighborhood drug store looked like more than a century ago. 11-10
UPDATE: Although the business changed ownership in 2023 and now operates as Harvey Drug Abilene, the historic pharmacy remains open and continues serving the community. Fortunately, the classic Trapp Pharmacy sign still survives as a reminder of the store's long history in downtown Abilene. 06-26
Central Drugs (Gone)
Trapp Pharmacy
