MOULTRIE — On Dec. 15, 1923, the Moultrie Observer announced the opening of Crystal Pharmacy with the headline “New Drug Store One of the Finest in the State” and, now, 100 years later, the business is still going strong in Moultrie.
“The foundation built by the Daniel and West families is a strong one for us to build on. Adapting to the ever changing world of pharmacy is a key of longevity. Most of our customers/patients commend Crystal Pharmacy for customer service and availability to help them with their healthcare needs,” said owner Scotty Jarvis.
Crystal Pharmacy opened its doors (“about noon” according to the Observer article) in the Huber building on the corner of South Main Street and First Avenue (now the First National Bank Moultrie) and was touted as “easily one of the prettiest and best appointed drug stores in the state.”
The store was opened by Benjamin Daniel with the support of his father, Dr. Everett Daniel, who said that he had unshakable confidence in Moultrie’s future.
“It already is one of the best towns in Southern Georgia and that it will continue to grow is, in my opinion, just as certain as the tides of the sea ebb and flow,” he also said, according to the article.
In 1964, Crystal Pharmacy Apothecary Shop was opened, in Colonial Village on South Main Street, as an additional location for the business. Then, in July of 1971, the business moved completely to that location, shutting its downtown pharmacy.
“Mr. Ben Daniel Jr. and his brother Sonny continued to serve this community for years,” said Jarvis.
Gene West, who had worked for the pharmacy since he was a teenager, bought the pharmacy in 1996 from the Daniel family and ran it with his wife Judy. By the time of his retirement, he had been involved with Crystal Pharmacy for 41 years starting as a delivery boy, working as a pharmacist and then becoming the owner of the business.
“For 10 years, Gene and Judy worked tirelessly to keep the tradition alive with much success,” said Jarvis.
In 2006, Scotty and Dafney Jarvis took over the pharmacy from the Wests, when they retired. Jarvis said that their goal is to continue the legacy of the Daniel and West families with the support of their staff and loyal patients.
“Thank you, Colquitt County and Moultrie, for your continuing support for 100 Years,” said Jarvis.