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Tobin, Lou

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: September 14, 1910 - June 13, 1988

Biography

Local Jewish pharmacy owner on West Colfax Avenue.

Lou Tobin was born on September 14, 1910. He was born, raised, and spent most of his life on Denver's West Side. He was the only member of his family to attend college, and in the early 1930's, he graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in chemical engineering. He was unable to find a job in the field during the Depression, and instead, he bought books on pharmacy, studied them, and then took the State Board exams. He got his license "by examination" in 1933. He married Elsa Kaplan in 1937, and they had two children, Martin and Sherrie. The couple was married by Rabbi Manuel Laderman. Both children attended Colfax Elementary, Lake Junior High, and North High.

Lou purchased what was to become the original Tobin's Pharmacy on West Colfax and Newton in 1936 from a retiring pharmacist. At the time there were about 5 pharmacies in that area of West Colfax owned by Jewish pharmacists. He operated the drug store until 1948, when he opened a new larger pharmacy several blocks west, and was joined in business by his brother-in-law, Dave Herman. The new pharmacy featured a large front end that displayed cosmetics, over-the-counter medicines, toys, sundries, and household needs.

His future son-in-law, Howard Zeppelin, who went on to marry Sherrie in 1965, worked in the pharmacy alongside Lou, who mentored him. Lou gave Howard the opportunity to purchase the pharmacy in 1969, and Lou continued to work beside him for over 20 years until Lou passed away on June 13, 1988 at the age of 77. He was buried in Golden Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, CO. Howard continued operating Tobin's until 2005, when he was offered a buyout. Tobin's was the last independent drug store on West Colfax.

Found in 12 Collections and/or Records:

Baby Martin and Lou Tobin, October 20, 1941

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00027
Abstract

Photograph shows Lou holding his infant son, Martin Tobin. Written on the front is "Oct. 20 1941". Stamped on the back is "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.

Dates: October 20, 1941

Baby Martin at Tobin's Pharmacy Counter, August 17, 1942

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00007
Abstract

Photograph shows baby Martin Tobin sitting on the pharmacy counter. A man working at the pharmacy is standing in the background. He is in several photographs, including B390.02.0002.00003. Pharmacy medicine bottles can be seen lining the walls. Written on front is "8/17/42". Photograph is in black and white.

Dates: August 17, 1942

Dave Herman, Elsa Tobin, and Lou Tobin

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00008
Abstract

Photograph shows Dave Herman, Elsa Kaplan Tobin, and Lou Tobin standing together in the pharmacy. Written on back is "Dave Herman, Lou & Elsa". Photograph is a poloroid.

Dates: 1936-2005

Elsa and Lou Tobin

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00030
Abstract

Photograph shows Elsa Kaplan Tobin and Lou Tobin sitting on a couch together. Lou is smoking a pipe. Photograph is in black and white.

Dates: 1936-2005

Elsa and Lou Tobin, 1987

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00037
Abstract

Photograph shows Elsa Kaplan Tobin and Lou Tobin posing for a portrait together. Photograph was identified as being taken in 1987. Photograph is in color.

Dates: 1987

Elsa, Lou, and Frankie Bloom

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00028
Abstract

Photograph shows Elsa Kaplan Tobin, Lou Tobin, and Frankie Bloom. The three are sitting together with cups, and Lou is smoking a pipe. The front is labeled "Elsa, Lou, Frankie Bloom". Photograph is in black and white.

Dates: 1936-2005

Freda and Charles Wenger, 1981

 File
Identifier: B111.10.0010.0007
Abstract

Freda Cohen and Charles Wanger were married in Rocky Ford in 1931. Both came from large Jewish Russian immigrant families. They moved to Denver after the birth of their three children.

Dates: 1981

Martin and Lou at Soda Fountain, March 16, 1942

 Item
Identifier: B390.02.0002.00017
Abstract

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.

Dates: March 16, 1942

Newsclipping, June 20, 1982

 Item
Identifier: B390.01.0001.00004
Abstract

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.

Dates: June 20, 1982

Newsclipping, 1986

 Item
Identifier: B390.01.0001.00002
Abstract

(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.

Dates: 1986