slideshow

POINT PLEASANT — Fruth Pharmacy recently celebrated 60 years in business with a Diamond Anniversary Dinner Celebration held at the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Those gathered celebrated the pharmacy’s history and future.

With what it calls “old-fashioned values” and a motto “to do the right thing,” Fruth Pharmacy has been successfully operating for 60 years.

There are many things to celebrate in a 60 year span. Fruth Pharmacy has seen both good times and bad: from opening new stores to salvaging store remains through fire and flood; 60 years in business has been a labor of love for the entire Fruth family.

Jack Fruth left a budding military career at Greenbriar Military Academy when he lost his sight due to measles and pneumonia. After an experimental procedure at the time, Fruth regained some of his vision. No longer eligible to serve in the military, Fruth set out to embark in a career as a pharmacist.

Losing his sight began Fruth’s path towards a new vision. He not only gained learning and experience at the Ohio State School of Pharmacy, he gained a wife, which in turn led to Mr. and Mrs. Fruth building a life together in Point Pleasant. The Fruths welcomed five children: Mike, Joan, Carol, Lynne and John. All five of the Fruth children have actively participated in growing the business from the first times they can remember.

“When you were tall enough to reach the counter standing on a block, you were able to help by working the cash register,” recalled Joan Fruth, who currently serves as special projects coordinator.

Jack was an active community member, helping to establish many other local businesses. He supported community projects and causes for the less fortunate.

“Fruth Pharmacy continues its active role in community projects today,” Lynne Fruth, president and chairman of the Board explained. “Helping members of our community as we are able, remains a driving force for our business. We believe our success comes from the support our customers and employees give us. We simply do our best to return that support.”

Fruth Pharmacy holds a golf tournament each year to help raise funds for scholarships for many of the local colleges and universities in the area. Fruth also established a program where 10 percent of the sales of high school athletic gear are given back to the local school districts.

“Education was important to my parents. We desire to help those with educational goals achieve degrees for a successful future,” stated Lynne who was an educator for West Virginia schools before taking over the reins at Fruth Pharmacy.

Mike Fruth also shared memories, “Dad believed in helping others and doing what you love. I became a pharmacist myself, not because that’s what he wanted, but it was something I had grown to love. He enjoyed helping others and serving the public. A pharmacist gets to interact with the patient in many ways. Many times the pharmacist becomes the patient’s most valuable healthcare source of information.”

Now 26 stores strong in Ohio and West Virginia, with store 26 in Ironton, Ohio set to celebrate its grand opening on Nov. 30, Lynne took a moment to reflect: “I don’t think dad had any idea when he started his first store on Jackson Avenue in Point Pleasant, that 60 years later our company would continue to serve the community in Point Pleasant as well as 25 other communities.”

Currently, in a time where many families and businesses are struggling due to the chaotic economy, Fruth Pharmacy representatives say the organization clings to its core values. They continue to support local charities and show customers and employees appreciation by hosting events and giving away gifts and prizes. The company reward has been ten-fold as they have been blessed for 60 years with loyal customers and employees.

What do the next 60 years have in store for Fruth Pharmacy?

Lynne Fruth answered, “We’re going to continue to serve our communities. We will strive to hold up the ideals that my father established in 1952: Treat customers and employees with respect, and always do the right thing.”

(More on Fruth Pharmacy’s 60th anniversary celebration dinner and employee awards in an upcoming edition of the Point Pleasant Register.)