Wise’s Drug Store (1938-2009)
It’s true, I guess, that all good things must come to an end.
Until this afternoon, Gainesville had a wonderful old soda fountain at Wise’s Drug Store on University Avenue, downtown. It had been open for over seventy years, and was the kind of place where sassy ladies with names like Gladys would give you a hard time if you asked for a “hamburger with cheese” or didn’t know the difference between an ice cream float and a vanilla soda. I had been going to Wise’s for as long as I’ve lived in Gainesville. They made the best vanilla milkshakes anywhere, and served them with a spoon, and always gave you the excess in the stainless steel cup they mixed it in. You could get malt added if you wanted, but I like things for their thingness, so I kept it simple.
Earlier this month it was announced that Wise’s would be closing. They’ll still keep a drive-through pharmacy on SW 4th Avenue, but the soda fountain is no more.
As a dyed in the wool nostalgist, this is a sad occasion for me. Clearly, soda fountains aren’t as common as they once were, especially ones still located inside drug stores where you could buy a hot water bottle and a shaving brush one aisle over. Moreover, Wise’s closing means a significant site of Dana Heritage is now lost. I ate at that counter with many close friends over the years, some of whom have moved far away or with whom I have lost touch. I shared many memorable moments there with my one true love. On special occasions when Mrs. Hill would have an afternoon off, we’d have lunch together there at the counter. And I know many others will miss Wise’s. I even have two close friends who went to Wise’s directly after getting married last year in the courthouse downtown. Since the closing was announced there have been long lines to eat, and while we were there this afternoon I could see some people weeping.
The economy being what it is, the building will probably sit empty for a while. Eventually it’ll become a bar or club, or, more accurately, a series of bars and clubs that last a year or less each.
What a sad day.
Filed under: Dana Heritage Project, Food, Gainesville, Musings on January 30th, 2009 | No Comments »