Founded in 1904, San Augustine Drug Co. has stood the test of time as a place to still enjoy a trip to the soda fountain and slow down during your busiest days.

“We do have prescriptions prior to 1904 that we have on file, but it was actually founded in 1904,” said owner Debbie Jackson. “And it’s been in continuous operation ever since.”

Nearly 120 years ago, Pharmacist Alonzo Rushing & his brother Ace Rushing started the store and thus a legacy began through great times and hardships. Ownership changed hands over the years before coming to Mike & Debbie Jackson who took over the store in 1990 from Debbie’s father Therman Bridges.

For many, the store takes people on a trip through memory lane. The closest the store ever came to closing was a fire in 1988, but the community came together to help as the pharmacy continued to operate just a few short days after down the street while the original location had to be rebuilt.

“Our most popular drink, the Grapefruit Highball, actually outsells coke here,” said Jackson. “It was invented in 1928 by Casey Jones and he was a soda jerk, and he was also the last man that was grandfathered in as a pharmacist.”

A must have staple over the last century, the Grapefruit Highball is a recipe handed down from owner to owner after Casey Jones invented it. Even though the years keep coming, this landmark in East Texas continues to stand strong and provide a rich history for the town of San Augustine.

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