Benzer Pharmacy removes decades-old sign

COLFAX — An iconic piece of Colfax history representing a 110-year family business in downtown Colfax is now gone.

Workers removed the decades-old “Weirick’s Drug Store” marquee Dec. 12 from above the pharmacy’s awning on North Walnut Street in downtown Colfax.

The sign was originally to be purchased and preserved by Colfax antique dealer Russ Briggs, but the business owner worked with another private citizen to save the sign for posterity.

The Jasper County Tribune spoke with the private Colfax citizen who acquired the sign, and they said they prefer to remain anonymous at this time. The Colfax resident, who has collected other town memorabilia, said they have no personal use in mind for the sign but wants to insure the iconic piece of Colfax history stays in town.

The signature cursive Weirick’s Drug Store lettering was removed one-by-one and replaced with the green and orange Benzer Pharmacy logo.

Former fourth generation family-owner Brenda Weirick Pierce announced the pharmacy’s sale to Benzer in August. The Georgia-based drug chain officially took over operation in early September.

Weirick’s celebrated its 110th year as a single family-owned pharmacy this year before the sale. It was founded by H.A. Weirick in 1906. Brenda’s grandfather George S. Weirick took over the pharmacy in 1928, and Brenda’s father George T. Weirick took ownership in 1948.

Reaction on social media by local businesses, residents and Colfax Main Street was immediate, but removal of the sign was always part of Benzer’s plan.

Benzer Pharmacy Acquisitions Manager Carly Tietz said in August that the Weirick’s Pharmacy name would change to Benzer Pharmacy within 60 to 90 days of the transition, however, Tietz said the majority of the pharmacy — including the stores historic soda fountain and its partnership with neighboring Colfax Medical Associates — will remain unchanged.

In reality, the pharmacy waited nearly four months before removing the sign for the Benzer Pharmacy logo.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at
mmendenhall@jaspercountytribune.com