Oswald's Pharmacy in Naperville celebrates 145 years while navigating second global pandemic

Alex Anderson often wishes he could consult with his ancestors about carrying Oswald's Pharmacy in Naperville through the COVID-19 crisis.

The sixth-generation family business has adapted and persevered through some of the most critical moments in its 145-year history: the Prohibition era, the Great Depression, countless economic changes, the shift to computerization - and in 1918, the influenza pandemic that infected half a billion people worldwide.

There's no information on record about how Anderson's great-great-grandfather, Louis Oswald, navigated that era. But as he and his family now lead the pharmacy through its second global pandemic, Anderson imagines it was no easy feat.

"Clearly, that fighting spirit has gotten us through a lot of changes in the world," he said. "We face this challenge with that same approach."

Since the initial coronavirus outbreak this past spring, Oswald's has had to shift its focus and develop creative ways to continue serving customers with a personal touch, said Anderson, the general manager.

The pharmacy ramped up its free prescription delivery service, he said. A special phone line was set up to allow patrons to place orders for delivery or curbside pickup. And a portion of the store transformed into a laboratory, offering the latest COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing.

Even in the throes of a public health crisis, Oswald's operators have found reason to celebrate.

In honor of its 145-year anniversary, Naperville's second-oldest business is holding a virtual giveaway this weekend and is donating $1 for every flu vaccination to local Rotary groups. Through Dec. 8, 5% of its game, puzzle, vitamin and supplement sales will go toward the Loaves & Fishes organization.

The pharmacy also worked with Naper Settlement to curate an assortment of historic artifacts and family memorabilia, now on display inside the store along with a timeline of its history.

"It's a physical representation of our journey over the last 145 years," Anderson said.

History

Naperville was a small farm town of about 2,000 people when the store opened in 1875 in the city's downtown. It was sold eight years later to Anderson's great-great-great-grandfather, William Wallace Wickel, who eventually turned it into a pharmacy and kicked off "an incredible family legacy," Anderson said.

Wickel's son-in-law and the pharmacy's current namesake, Louis Oswald, purchased the business in 1915 and "probably had the roughest go of it," he said. He led Oswald's through the 1918 pandemic, both world wars and the Great Depression - "the closest we ever were to going out of business" - and also was responsible for adding a soda fountain that many longtime residents still remember, Anderson said.

The store continued evolving as it was passed down over the next several decades, shifting its focus from cosmetics to gifts and toys, and eventually becoming the first pharmacy in town to computerize.

By 2004, downtown Naperville had grown into a destination that no longer centered around service-oriented businesses, Anderson said, prompting the pharmacy's relocation to the Naperville Plaza, 88 W. Gartner Road. The store was recently expanded by Anderson's father, Bill, who ran Oswald's with his three siblings before becoming the sole proprietor.

Leaving the downtown was tough, Alex Anderson said, "but I don't think we'd be here today if it wasn't for making that move."

Legacy

Growing up, Anderson's summers were spent at Oswald's, and family vacations were centered around drug trade shows. He started helping out at an early age, eventually earning a paycheck for his work, but he never intended to one day take over the business.

After working as a marketing specialist at Whole Foods for several years, Anderson returned to Oswald's to help boost its brand. He quickly recognized an opportunity to "carry on this really special legacy," he said.

Slated to take over ownership next year, Anderson said his goal is to remain innovative as he leads the business into the future. In its current state, Oswald's also functions as a post office, a gift shop and a medical equipment store.

"We carry a much more diverse and unique selection of items than your regular chain drugstore," Anderson said. "My focus is on getting people in our doors who weren't familiar with (the Oswald's experience) and letting them know it's so much more than just picking up your prescription."