BLANCO, Texas — Deep in the heart of the historic district of Blanco, Texas, lies the Blanco Pharmacy and Wellness store. It’s a piece of Texas history dating back to the early 1900s. The store is known as the oldest privately owned pharmacy in the Lone Star State and the only community pharmacy in Blanco County.
Siobhan Atchley is a career pharmacist who purchased the store back in 2012. She believes the storefront is a local treasure that is all about the experience for patrons.
“It’s really interesting because people who are interested in history come in and they’re very intrigued by it,” said Atchley. “Having an independent pharmacy in your hometown is a real treasure, and hopefully if the right people are there, they can make a real difference in their community.”
Atchley says residents in those surrounding cities made it to the pharmacy earlier this year for COVID-19 vaccinations when immunization sites were hard to come by .
The store itself survived the Spanish Flu pandemic in the 20th century. Atchley recalls pivoting during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She created online resource options and health kits to better serve the community.
“Even though we’re the oldest pharmacy in Texas we tried to be more (technologically) advanced,” said Atchley.
With the original building still standing tall with the original doors, floors, shelves and window panes, Atchley believes Blanco Pharmacy and Wellness is the historic experience that will last for centuries to come.
