Houston lost an old friend Friday after more than 100 years at Grand Avenue and Pine Street.
Walgreens, the giant retailer who purchased Houston’s USA Drug in 2012, closed the soda fountain, which had been a gathering place for a visit and a sweet treat, since the early 1900s.
“It was difficult decision because we know these services were appreciated in the Houston community,” said James W. Graham, senior manager of media relations for Walgreen Co. in  Deerfield, Ill. “However, as a pharmacy that previously operated soda fountains across the country, we at Walgreens determined some years ago that they are no longer a viable feature for drugstores.
Word spread in the community during the last week that Walgreens was closing the fountain after a flier was posted at the store. “Due to new FDA regulations Walgreens is closing all soda fountains effective April 29. We are so sorry! Please call 1-800-Walgreens with your concerns,” the sign said.
Walgreen’s Graham said no single regulation forced the decision. “In fact, there are many costs of doing business and no single regulation by itself was enough to force this decision,” he said. “We had stopped offering this service at our other locations decades ago, long before recent regulations were established. Walgreens operated soda fountains at its drugstores from the 1920s until the early 1960s, when they were phased out. It was an important part of the company’s business through those decades.”
Originally operated at Blankenship’s, the forerunner to Forbes Pharmacy, the fountain was a popular spot and was open late many nights in conjunction with shows at the Melba Theatre. Originally, booths were situated toward the front of the store. In later years, it operated from the northwest corner of the business.
A line ad in the Houston Herald for the Blankenship Drug Store.
Friday’s closing created a stir in the community. Walgreen’s decision at Ava was highlighted on the front page of the Springfield News-Leader one day last week and featured on the NBC affiliate in Springfield. Social media turned fiery as users urged readers to call Walgreen’s telephone number. An aide to Rep. Jason Smith, this area’s congressman, said online that office was looking at the situation.
By the time the Houston closing occurred, business was so brisk with persons wanted to enjoy their last hand-dipped ice cream cone, supplies were gone before the end of the week.
The pharmacy will continue to operate.