Downtown Toledo pharmacy closing after 138 years

Doyle's Family Pharmacy will end a 138-year tradition Friday, Dec. 16, when Toledo's only downtown pharmacy closes its doors.

Owners Mary and Tom Doyle, who've owned and operated the business for 31 of the 138 years, are retiring, Tom Doyle said. The pharmacy building at 108 E. High St. is for sale, and the prescriptions will be transferred to the Pamida store on Highway 63 South.

While the business would be a viable one for another pharmacist couple, Tom Doyle said efforts to find a young, energetic couple to take over the business have been fruitless.

"The young pharmacists probably aren't wanting to work 60 hours a week, and do the deliveries, and unplug their own toilet and do their own wiring," Tom Doyle said. "We did all that, and we were also the IT manager, HR manager, and advertising manager."

The pharmacy opened in 1873 and operated under six owners, Tom Doyle said. Many physical features of the red brick storefront are still unchanged, including the 14-foot-high pressed tin ceilings.

The Doyles were having one of their busier days on Thursday as many customers stopped by to make a final purchase and say their farewells.

"It's been a zoo here," Tom Doyle said.