Frank and Dick Sr. Tooley moved their 1920’s pharmacy from Central City to Launer Building in May 1928. When the Tooley brothers came to town, their initial grand opening in the Launer Building is said to be attended by 3,500 with 1,200 cigars, 1,300 rosebuds, and 1,000 lollypops given away. An eight-piece orchestra serenaded attendees. The facility featured a totally electric soda fountain made of gray Tennessee marble with tables and chairs for guests. In 1931, they moved east to the corner block at 2601 13th Street. The Park Barber Shop occupied the basement level.

In 1940, they were kicked off the corner location by Woolworths which came to town in 1917. This prompted a move to the east half of the Echols building along with the Park Barber Shop. When the Tooley’s moved back to their original location into the Launder Building in 1961, a 3-day celebration surrounding St. Patrick’s Day is said to be attended by 15,000. Eventually, Tooley’s Drug expanded to the east to accommodate the larger gift shop and luncheonette.

Still home to the pharmacy, you can find great gifts and so much more at Tooley’s! Today, they have two locations, one downtown, and one by Columbus Community Hospital.