Those that remember the good ol’ days of stopping into the Vernal Drug to enjoy a root beer float at the soda fountain have the chance to relive that simple joy. The Vernal Drug exhibit is now at the Uintah Heritage Museum and an open house is being held today to celebrate. The profession of druggist (what we now call a pharmacist) was considered especially prestigious in the early 1900s and many were social and political leaders. In 1886, Peter Dillman opened and ran the first drug store in Vernal. The store changed ownership several times and was eventually incorporated in 1907. The Vernal Drug Store remained in operation longer than any other drug store in the area until it ceased operation in 1991. Large chain stores moved to the area and opened up pharmacies, making it impossible for small, independent drug stores to compete at that time. Visitors to today’s open house can chat with Glade Watkins and Harvey Madsen while enjoying a free root beer float. The display also explores the evolution of dentistry with Dr. Dan Price during the open house from
4:00 to 7:00pm
at the Uintah Heritage Museum.
