Don’s Pharmacy has been sold. It has been a vibrant part of our community now for 60 years. 

We owe many thanks to Don and the Hoglund family for their years of excellent pharmacy service. Shopping, getting your prescriptions refilled and getting a snack at the same time has been a huge part of what we love about our small town. We always took visitors to the “soda fountain” for a burger and shake. Usually, they also did shopping while in the store.

Unfortunately, I have heard that the new owner owns two other pharmacies and plans to eliminate the fountain to enlarge the pharmacy. We will now be part of his small chain and probably not have a consistent person as our pharmacist. 

I know many people went to Don’s to have someone local and constant who could help them monitor their medications. I know that privately owned pharmacies have a harder time making a profit than the big chains.

The soda fountain was probably not a huge money maker for the store, but I loved it. I went there several times a week, always for my ice cream and loved seeing the employees. I hate that this is going to happen. It feels like we are losing part of our community and Port Townsend is just becoming another “cookie cutter” little town where money is more important than the people of the community. What will we be if we have nothing special about our town left?

Jacqueline McInvale
PORT TOWNSEND