Phillip's Drugs (Gone)
Richmond, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Rexall sign is located over the side entrance of the drug store but the store is no longer a Rexall. The Phillip's Drugs is located in the Indiana town of Richmond. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 03-09

The pharmacy traces its roots to the 1950s and spent many years operating from this historic downtown building, which dates all the way back to 1860. While the original location eventually closed, the Phillips Drugs name lived on, and the family-owned business continues serving the Richmond community from its newer locations.

The old Rexall sign survived for years after the pharmacy moved on, giving the building a little extra character. Unfortunately, it was removed during renovations in 2019, bringing an end to another classic drugstore landmark.

UPDATE: The original downtown Phillips Drugs location has closed, although the business continues operating from other Richmond locations. The vintage Rexall sign was removed from the historic building in 2019. 07-26

Rosen Drugs (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

Drugstores used to be more than just places to fill a prescription. They were neighborhood gathering spots, and the marquee at the Rosen Drugs was a familiar sight for generations of Chicagoans. 11-09

Founded in 1936, Rosen Drugs became a longtime fixture on Chicago's West Side before moving to Devon Avenue in 1955. The Devon store was especially well known for its old-fashioned soda fountain, where neighborhood kids and families gathered for milkshakes, sundaes, and a chance to catch up with friends.

The marquee gave the store plenty of personality and fit perfectly with the classic neighborhood drugstores that once lined Chicago's commercial streets. Like so many independent pharmacies, it became part of the neighborhood as much as the people who shopped there.

The original Rosen Drugs stores have since closed, and the old marquee is gone. The Rosen name, however, lives on through Rosen's Morseview Pharmacy, which continues serving the community just down the street.

UPDATE: The original Rosen Drugs locations have closed, and the vintage marquee has been removed. The Rosen pharmacy tradition continues today through Rosen's Morseview Pharmacy in Chicago. 07-26

Kostrog Drugs (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Tammy Terwelp

This old Rexall sign has just about everything a roadside fan could ask for. Weathered paint, glowing neon, and even an advertisement for Fannie May candies all come together to make the Kosirog Rexall Pharmacy a real neighborhood landmark. 11-09

Housed in a corner building dating back to 1912, the family-owned pharmacy served the neighborhood for decades. The Rexall blade sign became a familiar sight along Western Avenue, and the extra Fannie May panel added a little hometown flavor that fit perfectly with the era.

By the time this photo was taken, the sign had already seen better days, but that only added to its character. The faded finish and aging metal told the story of a business that had been serving generations of customers.

The pharmacy closed in 2019, and the wonderful Rexall sign disappeared with it. It's another reminder that some of the best neighborhood landmarks survive today only in old photographs.

UPDATE: Kosirog Rexall Pharmacy closed in 2019. The classic Rexall blade sign, complete with its Fannie May advertising panel, has been removed from the building. 07-26

Pathenios Luncheonette (Gone)
Rockford, IL
Photo courtesy Kelly Sullivan

The Pathenios Luncheonette in Rockford, IL sports a neon sign that looks to have been written over. On the main marquee, the letters spelling out "drug" is written over with neon "food" lettering. According to this source, Pathenios is currently residing in the former Hobson Drug Co building. Many thanks to Kelly Sullivan for update. 09-10

The restaurant occupied the former Hobson Drug Company building and kept much of its character, including the distinctive marquee. It became a downtown Rockford favorite for more than 40 years before closing in 2010.

Word is the sign was removed in 2017, preserved, and later sold to a private collector, where this unique piece of Rockford history survives today.

UPDATE: Parthenios Luncheonette closed in 2010. The modified drugstore sign was removed in 2017 and is no longer out in the wild. 07-26

Ryan Pharmacy (Gone)
Bloomington, IL
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The roof-mounted sign is what grabs your attention here. Hanging out over the sidewalk, it gave the Ryan Pharmacy a little extra personality and made it easy to spot from down the street. 06-11

Opened in the 1950s, Ryan Pharmacy served the Bloomington community for more than 60 years. Like many hometown drugstores, it built a loyal following by offering friendly service and even free home prescription delivery long before that became common.

The pharmacy closed in February 2015, ending a long run as a neighborhood fixture. The building has since been remodeled for another business, and the familiar roof sign has disappeared.

UPDATE: Ryan Pharmacy closed in February 2015 after more than 60 years in business. The building has been repurposed, and the distinctive roof-mounted sign has been removed. 07-26

N.H. Ballin Drugs (Gone)
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy Jim Zahniser

Here's another look at one of Chicago's great neighborhood drugstore signs. The N.H. Ballin Drugs featured beautiful neon lettering that stood out along busy Lincoln Avenue, making it a familiar landmark for generations of passersby. 07-11

The pharmacy served the Lakeview neighborhood for more than 67 years, adapting with the times while remaining a trusted independent business. The projecting porcelain sign was easily its most recognizable feature, giving the storefront plenty of character both day and night.

Sadly, the pharmacy eventually closed, and the building was converted for another use. The wonderful neon sign disappeared as well, leaving old photos like this to preserve one more classic piece of Chicago's roadside history.

UPDATE: N.H. Ballin Drugs has closed, and the building has been repurposed. The vintage porcelain and neon sign has been removed, and its current whereabouts are unknown. 07-26