APRIL 8, 2004 | A collection of antique patent medicines and related paper goods, photographs and advertisements will be on display in the UAMS Library through June 30.

Junior Nicholas Coe of the UAMS College of Pharmacy curated the exhibit, “In the Drugstore, Circa 1940s,” in the cases near the first-floor circulation desk.

“The new exhibit is about the American drugstore and its representation of life before 1950,” Coe explained. “In the 1940s, the drugstore was much more than a place to have prescriptions filled; it was a place for people to gather and share in the American dream. The druggist’s shop contained many items that the community knew personally – Coca Cola^®, Tums^®, Hires Root Beer, Smith Brothers Cough Drops, White Cloverine Brand Salve. These everyday items were a dream, but one that was within reach and as close as the corner drugstore.”

Most of the items are from Coe’s personal collection. All but two of the boxes contain their original bottles, which are still filled with the “wonder cures” that are proclaimed by multicolored advertising. A few of the paper items are on loan from the UAMS College of Pharmacy archives, and some of the photographic items and a Kodak camera are on loan from the UAMS History of Medicine Associates archives. Margaret Johnson, director of the Historical Research Center in the UAMS Library, helped secure the loan of items and prepare the exhibit.

Coe began collecting patent medicines and other pharmacy antiques in 2000. This hobby stemmed from his lifelong interest in collecting a variety of items – cicada shells, arrowheads, baseball cards and particularly advertising materials.

Last year, Coe curated and presented in the UAMS Library an exhibit about the late Marcus W. Jordin, Ph.D. Jordin’s 35-year teaching career in the UAMS College of Pharmacy included roles in developing the Poison Control Center and the Drug Information Center.

Coe’s current exhibit can be viewed Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight.

Links on This Page

College of Pharmacy: http://www.uams.edu/cop/
History of Medicine Associates: http://www.library.uams.edu/services/HRC/hisassoc.htm
Pharmacy Professor: http://www.uams.edu/today/2003/102003/Jordin.htm
Pharmacy Class: http://www.uams.edu/today/2002/050902/cop_reunion.htm

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