It was built by Antonio Gomaas in
1739. He built it as a place of revelry, within the the jurisdiction of
the city, for protection, but away from the actual settlement. They sold
liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian remedies.
They also sold their own medical
concoctions. T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought the building from
Gomaas decendant. In 1880 he moved the building to 46 1/2 Bay Street
and then the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire of April
1887. The firm was registered August 1, 1875 in the Centennial
Autographic Register and the National Directory. This Book was deposited
in the archives of The Smithsonian in Washinton, D.C. The building went
through many owner changes and many renovations. It was purchased in
the late 1980′s by and is still owned by the Harris Foundation. They
made many repairs and opened this facinating Museum free of charge to
the public. The Authentic Old Drugstore is maintained and supported by
the sales in the gift shop. The gift shop is contained in the area that
was once a courtyard and has made no impact on the original historic
building.
The Authentic Old Drugstore takes you
back to the early days when St. Augustine was but a Spanish hamlet. It
was built by Antonio Gomaas in 1739.He built it as a place of revelry,
within the the jurisdiction of the city, for protection,but away from
the actual settlement. They sold liquor, tobacco, medicine and Indian
remedies.They also sold their own medical concoctions.
T.W. Speissegger, a pharmacist, bought
the building from Gomaas decendant.In 1880 he moved the building to 46
1/2 Bay Street andthen the moved it to 31 Orange Street during the fire
of April 1887.
Be sure to visit the gift shop where you can pick up collectibles, jewelry and seasonal items.
