MEDICINE bottle in box from Great grandfather store

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GritsGal

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I have several “medicine” bottles never opened and used. Several years ago I posted here and made an attempt to find out more about the company of each one. The “Costal” bottle is an unknown. I can find no information about that one. I called Savannah historical society, businesses and any other place I could think of just to find out about he company. Has anyone ever come across this? I’m throwing in the photos of the other two for kicks n giggles. Also, are there any suggestions about how I can keep the paper cartons from deteriorating other than not handling. Which I do very minimum of. It causes me pain every time I have another piece flake off.
 

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rickmarbles

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Clare

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Ok, so you have the info on the box as to what the medicine was and what it "cured", so here is a little info about the druggist that sold it and some cool photos of the store!

I give you Mr. Alvin M. Hitt...

Hitt was born in 1884, in Georgia USA; although sources give his date of birth as anywhere between 1884 and 1889. He had quite a sad life if Ancestry is anything to go by!

20210226_005536.jpg

In 1913, Hitt and W.R. McIntyre bought a corner Drugstore. McIntyre was already a Pharmacist and Hitt had been a traveling salesman. They named it 'McIntyre & Hitt'.

1920 Census:
20210226_005730.jpg

Hitt was married to Edith, they had been married for 4 years and he is listed as a Pharmacist in a Drugstore and a homeowner.

Sadly, on 21st July 1920, Edith had a stillbirth and 4 days later, she would also pass away.
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Hitt remarried a lady named Marie and in August 1927 they were blessed with a little boy, Alvin M. Hitt Jr. However, their happiness was very short-lived when only a few days later, Marie would also pass away. This left Hitt alone with a baby and a business. Something had to give. Marie's death was recorded in the local newspaper, alongside an ad for Hitt's 'drugs'.
20210226_005648.jpg


1930 Census:
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Hitt decided to sell his house and rent a new property with his Mother, Sister and her husband. His family could then help take care of his 2-year old son, allowing him to continue working. We can also assume that the Drugstore had gone under, as he is recorded as being an independent Druggist.

1940 Census:
20210226_005703.jpg

Work must have taken a further nosedive, as 10 years later, Hitt is now lodging under his Brother-in-law's roof. He is still listed as a Pharmacist and is working 48 hours a week, 52 weeks a year!

Another random newspaper ad...
20210226_005615.jpg

In this newspaper ad, Hitt's business is listed as 'drugs' and he is a member of the Greater Savannah Com Club (I'm sure I can find out what that is!).

Hitt passed away in 1952, at the age of 68. His Son went on to have a pretty great career in the Royal Forces.
20210226_005809.jpg


Sorry I couldn't find out anything more about the actual product, but I hope you enjoyed this little history lesson! Lol x
 

Clare

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Just because I find all this sort of thing fascinating... the son passed away in 2008 at the age of 80 and he had a pretty incredible life. What a huge difference between the two generations!
20210226_021447.jpg
 

rickmarbles

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SLOW CLAP. I had seen the Hitt obituary, but the other records are amazing, particularly the photo
 

Clare

'Patent Medicine' bottle collector
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SLOW CLAP. I had seen the Hitt obituary, but the other records are amazing, particularly the photo
*takes a bow*

Trust me, once I'm down that rabbit hole, I'm going right to the very end lol. I couldn't find out anything about the Com Club though, but I'm guessing it was probably some form of gentlemen's club.
 

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