The Washingtons' Drugstore
On this spot, Edward Stabler established his family’s business in 1792 and operated continuously in the same family for 141 years until 1933 when competition from synthetic drug companies, new food and drug regulations, and the Great Depression caused the business to go bankrupt. After the apothecary shut down, a Baltimore ice cream merchant named L. Manuel Hendler bought it at auction. The Landmarks Society of Alexandria was established and reopened the site as a museum in 1939. The museum boasts a remarkable collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, bottles, medical equipment, dental equipment and surgical instruments, many still at their original locations.
Originally from Leesburg, VA, Stabler came to Old Town with his wife and children. He quickly established himself selling to a range of people both in Old Town and the surrounding area – on display are company ledgers showing purchases from Martha Washington who asked for “…a quart bottle of his best castor oil, and a bill for it. Mt Vernon, 1802” and from granddaughter Nelly Custis who requested, “…2 oz. borax, 2 boxes of Lee’s pills, 2 boxes such pills as Mrs. Robinson uses, prepared by Mr. Stabler.” Other noteworthy customers included the Fairfaxes’, Washington’s personal doctor James Craik, James Madison, James Monroe, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and Robert E. Lee. Besides medicines, Stabler operated much like a CVS or Walgreen’s, selling farm and garden equipment, soaps, perfumes, cigars, artist supplies, combs, and brushes as well. By the end of the Civil War, the apothecary became a wholesaler to over 500 drug stores in the DC area, West Virginia and North Carolina and kept the largest stock of drugs in the area by the early 20th century. Edward’s eldest son, William succeeded him followed by William’s brother-in-law, John Leadbeater who then added his name to the business and remained in family hands until its closure. Feel free to go inside and experience this unique snapshot of America’s oldest apothecary.
As you leave, continue onto Fairfax St. for two blocks, crossing Prince and Duke Streets, to your next point of interest on your right side.
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