• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

  • FIND A LANDMARK
    • BY CITY
    • BY COUNTY
    • BY CATEGORY
    • BYGONE LANDMARKS
  • ADD IMAGES
  • VOLUNTEER
  • SPONSORS
  • DONATE

Guerin’s Pharmacy

SC PICTURE PROJECT 1 Comment

SC Picture Project / Dorchester County / Guerin’s Pharmacy

Guerin’s Pharmacy in downtown Summerville has the distinction of not only being the oldest pharmacy in South Carolina, but also Summerville’s longest running business. The story of Guerin’s pharmacy begins with Dr. C.F. Schwettmann, who moved from Charleston to Summerville during the Civil War to open a drugstore. However, in 1871 he sold his business to Dr. Henry Charles Guerin and moved back to Charleston. Dr. Guerin built a wooden store and house on this site.

Guerin's Summerville

John Diskes of Summerville, 2006 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Dr. Joseph Guerin took over the drugstore after his father’s death and later sold it to Dr. Herbert Dunning, with whom he worked in the pharmacy. Charles Dunning, nephew of Dr. Herbert Dunning, began his career at the pharmacy at the age of 12 working for his uncle and Dr. Guerin delivering packages. In 1975 he bought the business, which is now run by his daughter, Barbara Dunning. Charles Dunning is semi-retired and works here part time.

Guerin's Pharmacy Facade, Summerville

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

After school, particularly on Fridays, the front step of Guerin’s is often lined with backpacks from nearby school children stopping in with their friends for an icecream cone or rootbeer float.

Reflections on Guerin’s Pharmacy


Contributor Linda C. Shaw shares this about Guerin’s Pharmacy: “While waiting for your prescription to be filled you can have a hot dog, sip on a fountain soda, or enjoy an ice cream milk shake. History comes alive inside the shop where wooden glass cabinets hang on the back wall, colored medicine bottles line the window ledges, and decorative tin art covers the ceiling. This is a place that will take you back in time.”

Guerin's Pharmacy

Linda C. Shaw of Summerville, 2011 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Summerville resident Joyce Delk says: “I cherish this place. Walking into this drugstore in 1954 for my first time there is a clear and very dear memory for me. My family was moving to Summerville, and it was the beginning of a true love affair for me for this town. I still live here in Summerville, and I get just a bit emotional every time I go to Guerin’s!”

Plan Your Trip: Guerin’s Pharmacy

Where is Guerin’s Pharmacy located?
Address: 140 South Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483
GPS Coordinates: 33.019304,-80.176215
Website: http://www.guerinspharmacy.com/
What else should I see?
Summerville Town Hall 0.1 mile
Downtown Summerville 0.1 mile
James F. Dean Theatre 0.1 mile
Timrod Library 0.4 mile
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Stores
  • Summerville Historic Sites
    Guerin’s Pharmacy Map

    Please Help Us Stay Online

    We’d like thank everyone who generously supports the South Carolina Picture Project. You provide us with the inspiration and financial support we need to keep doing what we do. Every reader’s contribution, larger or small, is valuable. If you have enjoyed this website or found it helpful, please pitch in. Each donation helps – and it only takes a minute. Thank you!

    Support the SC Picture Project!

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Frame Shop SummervilleFrame Design and Gallery Short CentralDowntown Summerville Timrod LibraryTimrod Library James Dean TheatreJames F. Dean Theatre Old White Meeting HouseOld White Meeting House and Cemetery

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Timothy Gainey says

      February 17, 2019 at 1:26 PM

      This drug store and Eli Saleeby’s Southern Candy Kitchen that used to be in Hartsville SC had the BEST fountain drinks that had the syrup pumped into a glass or cup and the added the carbonated water to it, as well as malts and milkshakes. Yum yum!!! Great memories!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    FIND A LANDMARK

    Why This Site Matters

    Help Keep This Site Online

    We depend on the support of today’s readers to document South Carolina’s landmarks for future readers. Please help us continue this important work by making a donation below.

    $ 50.00
    Select Payment Method
    Personal Info

    Credit Card Info
    This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

    Donation Total: $50.00

    Recent Posts

    • H.L. Hunley
    • Strand Theater
    • Camden Depot
    • Charleston City Marina
    • Secession Hill

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    Footer

    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

    CONTACT US

    We’d love to hear from you! Send us a quick email at share@scpictureproject.org.

    If you are looking for permission to use a photo, please reach out directly to the photographer listed in the image’s credit.

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

    The South Carolina Picture Project has two Facebook groups. One is dedicated to SC Historic Landmarks and Iconic Landscapes, and the other is dedicated to SC Nature and Wildlife.

    South Carolina Picture Project © 2022 · All Rights Reserved