The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-12-29
GEO. CLAFLIN &C.,,
Wholesale :. Druggists.

The present large wholesale and retail drug
business OF Geo. L. Clafin g. Co., may very
properly be said to have originated as far
back as the year 1917. as on that date was
established the small drug store OF Joseph
Balch. on the indentical spot occupied by
them to-day. and to which the present house
succeeded by purchase. AT this time MI.
Balch dispensed his little stock OF drugs TO
very circumscribed patronage, the present ex-
tensive establishment was beyond the loftiest
flights OF imagination of even a very success
ful pharmacist. In those days they had no
conception OF the size 20 which their modest
beginnings might eventuate.
In December, 1872, Mr. Geo. l.. Clafin, n. w.
Smith and +. J. Phillips purchased the stand,
fixtures and good will OF the Balch heirs and
continued the business under the style OF
Geo. l.. Clafiin a. Co. After they purchased
the business. new blood was infused and IL
grew apace with remarkable strides and has
so continued until the present time Although
conducted under the old name, which has
always been a synonym for integrity and re-
liability, the firm Is at present composed Of
Arthur w. and William l.. Clafiin, sons Of
the late Mr.. Geo. L. Claim. The extensive
premises occupied by the firm are located at
56. IS, 6e. 81 and SO South Main street. The
Wholesale department at 6s TO 60, comprises
five stories and basement of large brick
building, while the retail department at Nos.
30 and 5s. is by long odds the largest retail ug
store in the city. Within these buildings are
stored drugs, chemicals, etc. OF every fescrip-
ton, in fact. the entire globe has contributed
TO complete the stock, which Is not excelled
in New England. This great variety Is abso-
lutely essential TO the conduct of their bus
mess as they have made quite a feature of the
furnishing of complete outfits for retail apoth-
ecares, not even the smallest detail being
overlooked.
They have achieved an enyiable record in
this direction, and as an example 1t may be
mentioned. that but a short time ago quite
large pharmacy in this vicinity was gutted by
a destructive fire. In the face Of this calamity
the owner did not waste an instant, for being
well informed, he called upon the immense
resources OF Geo. L. Clafin * Co., and in two
days they had supplied every article desired,
practically replacing the stock as 1t was be-
fore the conaagation.
The stock they carry includes drugs and
medicines of every description, dye-stuffs.
chemicals, chemical glasses, acids, paints.
oils, pharmaceutical preparations and patent
medicines. The laboratory occupies the en-
| IlTt ulbu uooI anu hcic ato
| fluid extracts. tinctures, syrups. ointments,
| essences, etc.
This laboratory is under the supervision of
a graduate of pharmacy and six helpers are
constantly employed. A stock of drugs is
tored on the fourth floor, from which the
| shelves OF the first floor are supplied, and on
the third floor their large stock of druggists
glassware is kept. The pharmaceutical stock.
| liquor and fancy goods departments are on
the second floor. The fancy goods depart
ment occupying the major part. being filled
| with large and choice assortment of drug
| gists' sundries In great variety. The firm
| have succeeded in making this department n
| great feature and exhibit one or the finest
| and mort complete lines in the East. The re-
| tail department Is under the charge OF regis
tered pharmacists and the stock embraces
| surgical instruments, trusses, crutches, elec-
| trical instruments and physicians supplies OF
| every nature, and prescriptions receive COM
| petent and careful attention.