For the first time since 1926, Boyd’s Drug Store will not be a fixture on the courthouse square when the pharmacy closes at the end of the year.
The retirement of James A. Boyd Jr. on Jan. 1, will bring an end to the firm holding a spot on the south side of the square for the past 90 years. After the pharmacy closing, the store will operate for a limited time.
The original store was located in a hotel midway on the south side, according to history provided by Boyd. He said his father, James A. Boyd Sr., moved the store from the hotel site to the corner spot in 1931.
Boyd has had a lifelong association with the store and remembers his days of doing odd jobs and working at the soda fountain. During early days the soda fountain was a popular spot in the store, serving fountain cokes, ice cream sodas, sandwiches and milk shakes. A section was also devoted to china, crystal and other gift items. The demise of the soda fountain was one of the many changes that Boyd said he has seen take place during his days in the store.
Boyd Jr. joined his father and mother at the store in 1960. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He said he has tried farming, house building and other endeavors, but always came back to the drug store.
Boyd said he has witnessed many changes in pharmacies and drug stores in the past 55 years. Despite advancements and changes, Boyd’s has maintained a delivery service. Boyd cited Wiley Adams who wore out many bicycles and motor bikes during his 15 years of making medicine deliveries.
Joe Cain occupied a spot behind the counter for 54 years, filling prescriptions and taking care of customers throughout the store. He also remembered Hazel Jones as another longtime employee. Pharmacist Mary Bess Bryant is remembered for her contributions, along with Laura Adcock, Hazel Jones, Gail Foster and Wiley.
Many customers remember James’ dog Chinook, well known by his visiting around the square. James said the dog was a fright to children, but he was loved by many around town.
Another service of the store was providing office space for Dr. Robert Ray, who saw patients in facilities in the rear of the building.
At one time there were seven independent drug stores in Kosciusko. With the closing of Boyd’s two will remain. They are Pickle’s on the east side of the square and Sullivan’s Discount Drugs and Gifts on Highway 12 west.
In retirement Boyd said he plans to do some farming which in his case means “gardening” as he has enjoyed having a garden for the past 30 years.
He is married to the former Virginia Michelbacher who is a retired forester.
