Our History
Fishburne Pharmacy has been a staple business in Waynesboro for over 132 years, having the honor of being the oldest continuing business in the city.
Fishburne’s filled it’s first prescription on January 1st, 1879. It had been operated as a general merchandising store dating back to around the Civil War.
It was originally operated by a gentleman named “Doc” Myers before being joined by Pharmacists C.G. and Pliny Fishburne, thereby creating Myers & Fishburne.
Later it became commonly known as Fishburne’s, Fishburne Drugstore, Fishburne & Son, Fishburne & Son Drugstore, ultimately becoming Fishburne & Son Pharmacists-Professional Pharmacy.
Waynesboro pharmacist Walter Hickok, purportedly a descendant of “Wild Bill” Hickok, bought the “drug store” from the Fishburne family and owned it for about 40 years.
On May 1st, 1981 he sold it to David Garber, who has continued it under the Fishburne name to the present date.
It is unknown exactly how many prescriptions have been filled since 1879, but a presentation print was bestowed many decades ago commemorating over 2 million.
The original location was on South Wayne Avenue until occupying the northwest corner of Main Street and Wayne Avenue where it became a congregating place for the “locals” for decades.
A big draw was a marble base fountain and booths serving sandwiches and sodas, and reknowned cherry Cokes and vanilla Cokes and homemade potato salad.
The interior included marble-based glass display cases and beautiful walnut cabinetry and shelving.
In 1979 the building was torn down by the owner, Virginia National Bank, to build a new bank building and courtyard, which is currently the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building.
Having to relocate, Walter Hickok bought the building at 416 West Main Street and relocated Fishburne Drug Store.
The operation was downsized to a predominately prescription based business, with the “front end” being run separately as a general merchandising store known as “Drug Discount”.
Subsequently the front end became a carpet and rug store, thereby lending the tongue-in-cheek reference name “Drugs and Rugs”.
On May 1st, 1981, Walter Hickok sold the prescription business to David Garber who operated it on Main Street until it’s relocation May 1984 to 13th Street and South Linden Avenue.
The operation continues to this day at that location.
With the vast changes that have occurred in healthcare over the last 132 years, Fishburne Pharmacy has prided itself by staying abreast of technology.
Utilizing the best in computer prescription processing the patient’s medication profile is maintained to monitor drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, patient drug allergies/sensitivities/intolerance as well as a complete record for insurance and tax purposes.
Our exclusive triple-check procedure ensures fast and accurate prescription processing second to none.
Our list of convenient services include, but certainly not limited to, a full line of natural and alternative therapies, over-the-counter products, medical equipment sales and rentals, the areas first drive-up prescription window, local delivery, charge accounts, acceptance of all major insurance cards, including Medicare Part D, Medicaid. TriCare, and much more. One of the more recent services is being a Virginia Power Payment Center for same day credit before 4:00 PM. Columbia Gas, Comcast and numerous other bills can be paid, too.
And of course, our pharmacists are always readily available and pleased to offer consultations and questions concerning your health care need.
If you’ve tried the rest, it’s time to try the best. You’ll see how we work hard to make it easy for you. Transfers are EASY….One call does it all. Phone us or drop by….we’ll be glad to see you. The number of pharmacies in Waynesboro…9……..the number of the best…949-8211.
For further interest in the history of Waynesboro’s oldest business please visit our display at the Waynesboro Heritage Museum at the corner of Main & Wayne.
It’s a visit we hope you won’t soon forget. Our heartfelt thanks go to all at the Waynesboro Heritage Museum for their hard work and research that made our display possible.