Tobin, Lou
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 15 Collections and/or Records:
Lou Tobin, childhood portrait
Photograph shows a young Lou Tobin wearing a suit, posing for a portrait. Written on the back is "Lou". Photograph is in sepia, or a faded black and white.
Lou Tobin in Pharmacy
Photograph Lou Tobin standing in his pharmacy. He is smiling, standing behind the counter. No markins are on the front or back of the photograph. Photograph is in black and white.
Lou Tobin standing in Tobin's, April 3, 1941
Photograph shows Lou Tobin standing behind a counter in Tobin's Pharmacy. He is standing behind a large display of nuts for sale. Written on the back is "1. Denver, CO 4/3/41; 2. 39 1/2 # tins, 36 cashews on display; 3. Tobin Drug, Mr. Tobin, 3738 W. Colfax Denver, Colorado; 4. Arnold Parker". Photograph is in black and white.
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.
Sherrie and Lou Tobin
Photograph shows Lou and his daughter Sherrie Tobin standing outside together. Sherrie looks about 10 years old, and the two are dressed nicely. Written on the back is "Sherrie and Lou Tobin". Photograph is in black and white.