Tobin's Pharmacy (1936-2005)
Biography
Tobin's Pharmacy was a Jewish owned pharmacy on West Colfax in Denver. Lou Tobin purchased the building in 1936 and Tobin's Pharmacy opened on August 9, 1936. At the time there were five or 6 drugstores on West Colfax between Federal and Sheridan owned by Jewish pharmacists. Lou build a new building on West Colfax and Quitman several blocks west, established in 1948. The new larger building featured a large front-end that displayed cosmetics, over-the-counter medicines, toys, sundries, and household needs. Dave Herman, Charles Monderer, Marshall Tobin, and Howard Zeppelin also worked in the pharmacy. Howard Zeppelin, Lou Tobin's son-in-law, purchased the pharmacy from Tobin in 1969, and operated it until he sold it in 2005. Tobin's pharmacy featured large soda fountain with 10 stools and 6 to 8 booths. Cherry Cokes, green rivers, ice cream sodas, and sundaes were specialties. The popular community gathering spot was open seven days a week until 10 PM.
Found in 18 Collections and/or Records:
Elsa and Martin in Tobin's, December 30, 1941
Photograph shows Elsa Kaplan Tobin holding baby Martin Tobin in front of the soda fountian in Tobin's Pharmacy. Written on the back is "Elsa and Martin Tobin". Stamped on the back is "Dec 30 1941, Bri-Tone Prints Trade Mark Reg. Denver". Photograph is in black and white.
Elsa Tobin in Tobin's Pharmacy
Photograph Elsa Kaplan Tobin standing in Tobin's Pharmacy. Written on the front is "8/17/42". Written on the back is "Elsa". Photograph is a poloroid, in black and white, and faded.
Martin and Elsa, October 20, 1941
Photograph shows Elsa Kaplan Tobin holding her son Martin. The two are sitting at the soda fountain counter in Tobin's Pharmacy. Written on front is " Oct. 20- 1941". Written on back is "Martin and Elsa". Text stamped on back reads "Oct 20 1941, Bri-Tone Prints Trade Mark Reg. Denver". Photograph is in black and white. Red corner-holders can be seen on the corners of the photograph itself.
Martin and Lou at Soda Fountain, March 16, 1942
Photograph shows Lou and baby Martin Tobin standing at a soda fountian. Stamped on the back is "Mar 16, 1942 Bri-Tone Prints Trade Mark Reg. Denver". Photograph is in black and white.
Newsclipping, June 20, 1982
Newspaper clipping article title reads "Need some snake oil? Try Tobin's". Subheading reads "West Colfax pharmacy stocks Mexican cures, Yiddish cards". The article is by Rocky Mountain News; the author is Pamela Avery. Pictures feature Lou Tobin, Howard Zeppelin, Yiddish cards, and stocked herbs.
Newsclipping, 1986
(1) digital photograph of a newsclipping featuring Tobin's Pharmacy. The title of the story is "Tobin Pharmacy - a living landmark". The clipping contains pictures of Lou and Elsa Tobin, Howard Zeppelin, and Councilman William Scheitler. The news story is about Tobin's Pharmacy's 50th anniversary.
Tobin's Pharmacy Grand Opening Flyer, 1936 August 9
Flyer states "Announcing the GRAND OPENING of Tobin's Pharmacy" "Corner West Colfax and Newton" "This Sunday, August 9th" "Free ice cream--gifts--cigars free with every purchase". Flyer lists merchandise such as "baby needs" and "red-hot beer, wine, whiskey specials". The bottom of the flyer advertises "We carry the most complete line of of prescription supplies in the city", lists the address, and other information.
Woman and Martin Tobin in Tobin's Pharmacy, December 30, 1941
Photograph shows a woman (unidentified) holding baby Martin Tobin inside Tobin's Pharmacy. Store goods and posters can be seen. Stamped on the back is "Dec 30 1941, Bri-Tone Prints Trade Mark Reg. Denver". Photograph is in black and white.