Claremore’s REXALL- City Drug Store Building (aka Happydashery) – 407 W. Will Rogers Boulevard, Constructed 1925/1926 by Minor H. Gordon, MD.
The doctors Gordon dashed about Claremore caring for the health and well-being of the entire community for decades. Minor Elliott Gordon, MD, the son, followed in the footsteps of his father, the noted pioneer physician Dr. Minor H. Gordon.[1]
June 9, 1905, two years before Oklahoma statehood when Claremore’s Cooweescoowee district was still part of Indian Territory, the Claremore Messenger announced, “Dr. M.H. Gordon, whose card appears in our professional directory, has opened an office over the City Drug Store where he will be pleased to see his friends at any time and especially when in need of medical advice.”[2]
In those days before the discovery of penicillin and CT scans, Dr. M.H. Gordon walked his patients through countless medical horror stories.
In September, 1906, Zack Woodward jumped from a freight train and broke his leg. “Zack Woodward, of Centralia, had his leg broken Tuesday just south of town while jumping from a freight train. Woodward was in the company with Bob Johnson and they had rode [sic] on the freight from Chelsea so as to be here in time to catch the night passenger to Tahlequah where they had expected to attend school at the male seminary. The freight was a through one and they jumped from it, while running at high rate of speed with the above result to Woodward. He was at once taken to the office of Dr. F.A. Anderson and he and Dr. Gordon reduced the fracture and he was placed on the afternoon train and sent to Vinita.”[3]
After 1903, Claremore’s famed, medicinal “Radium Water” was regularly prescribed to heal the sick. Mr. and Mrs. Harris posted this grateful statement in the Claremore Messenger in December 1906. “A Card of Thanks. To the people of Claremore for their help and kindness during our stay with our sick baby. He took sick the first day of August and was given up to die, but through the healing power of the Radium Water and the successful treatment of Dr. Gordon, was restored to health. We leave for our home in Muskogee, and with loving, tender thoughts, will ever remember the people of Claremore. Mr. and Mrs. Harris.”[4]
When Miss Anna Hughes fell from a wagon and broke her arm, in March 1909, Dr. Gordon was called to set the fracture.[5] Then when “the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Blakely fell on a piece of glass… cutting a two-inch gash in the forehead,” that same year, Dr. Gordon was the one called upon to stitch the wound.[6]
With many patients returning to health under the doctor’s expert care, his work was rewarding. Countless babies, and even the twins of Joe Breeden were delivered by Dr. Gordon.[7]
Matrimonial rumors flew fast and furiously in 1910 being confirmed in February. “Dr. M.H. Gordon is now a happy benedict, having married Miss Pauline Elliott (Pearl Elliott) at Kansas City last Thursday. Dr. Gordon is one of our prominent physicians and an upright citizen while the bride comes highly recommended. We welcome them to a permanent home in our city.”[8]
Four years later, on July 2, 1914, The Claremore Progresses announced there was, “A New Doctor in Town. Dr. M.H. Gordon, the portly physician whose face radiates good humor everywhere, is a happy man today, and a very busy one, so do not take occasion to become ill for Dr. hasn’t time to wait on you. It’s a big bouncing boy baby which arrived at his home Thursday morning and he’s too busy taking care of that son to pay much attention to anything else. Just look at him and you’ll catch him grinning when there’s no joke anywhere. There’s a new doctor in our town and last report have it that mother and baby are doing nicely.”[9] This new baby, who also became a medical doctor, was the well-known Minor Elliott Gordon.
January 1917, Dr. and Mrs. M.H. Gordon also became “the proud parents of a New Year’s present, a bouncing 10-pound boy, who arrived at their home at 3:30 Monday morning.”[10] This baby who also studied medicine was named Jack Elliott Gordon.
As happened too often in the early days, Georgia Gregg suffered severe burns when her oven exploded and Dr. Gordon attended to her injuries. [11] That same year, in October 1920, the shocking story was recorded that “E. Wall had the misfortune of running over the youngest son of Art Kelsey… Dr. Gordon was called and (reported) that outside of a few bruises the lad (was) not injured.”[12]
Astonishingly, in March 1922, Eddie Pittman accidentally shot himself with his own rifle. “He got out of bed to shoot a rat in his room over the Ault Drug Store and in getting his 22-rifle from a closet, accidently discharged the gun. The bullet entered his left breast, just to the right of the shoulder bone… Assistant Chief of Police Tom Dean and Dr. M.H. Gordon were called. Dr. Gordon dressed the wound… Pittman said, ‘Oh I am feeling pretty well. It was a close call. But it sure is tough to have to shoot yourself to get your name in the paper.’”[13]
No respecter of persons, the good doctor also cared for inmates in the county jail. “Dr. M.H. Gordon was summoned to the county jail Sunday night to attend Bessie Leyon, who had drank [sic] a quantity of Lysol. She being held on a burglary charge. Dr. Gordon gave her medical assistance and Tuesday she was reported to be getting along nicely. Those at the jail believe she was trying to end her life.”[14]
And with ultimate sadness, Dr. Gordon was called upon to examine dead bodies to verify or determine their identities and perhaps the cause of death.[15] “Dr. Gordon conducted a post-mortem examination,” in May 1921, for “evidence in the preliminary hearing of Bruce Collins and George Rowden (who were) charged with the murder of Eullis and Albert Jones, brothers in Hickory Hollow.” [16]
October 1925, Dr. Gordon had a new business investment in mind, a “New Brick Building For Claremore. The Claremore business section, between the two depots, on Third street (Will Rogers Boulevard), is to have another new brick building. It is to be built by Dr. M.H. Gordon. Ground was broken Tuesday afternoon for the structure which is to be built on a 25-foot frontage between the Hill Henley Hardware building (to the west), which Dr. Gordon also owns, and Felt’s Bakery (to the east on the south side of Main Street). It is to be two stories, half of the way back to the alley, so Dr. Gordon may have an office upstairs and a store room for rent down stairs… This building is being erected on a lot, formerly owned by Joe L. Gibbs, who operated a curio shop there in a frame (building) for a number of years. Dr. Gordon grumbles a lot about the conditions but he still believes in the ultimate future of Claremore as is evidenced by the latest move.”[17]
That November, building materials were hauled to the job site and the announcement made, “R.D. Pollard will oversee the work and he says plans call for one of the nicest buildings on the street.” The projection was it would take about 40 days to complete the structure.[18]
Construction of the building continued into January of the new year, 1926. When completed, the first floor would “be occupied by the City Drug store.”[19] This was the same City Drug Store business that had been in existence in Claremore as early as 1895, when it was said to have also housed a circulating library where patrons could “get any book you want for 10 cents.”[20]
The brick Gordon building was two stories in front, one story in back, 30 feet wide and traversed all the way to the back alley.[21] The second story was reached by entering a separate street-level door, typical of many Claremore buildings of the era. From this door, patients who had an appointment with Dr. Gordon, ascended a steep narrow stairway which was, of course, difficult for wheelchair, injured, and older patients to climb. A mezzanine level was sandwiched in between the building’s primary floors towards the back and entered from the first floor business space. Dr. Gordon’s name can still be seen written on the pieces of lumber chosen by “RD Pollard, Claremore, Okla., M.H. Gordon Job,” reserved for this project by the local lumber company, and used to construct this part of the building.
Finally, by mid-January, “The City Drug store moved into its new home, in the new M.H. Gordon building, first door west of Felt’s Bakery. It was quite a task moving this drug store which has been in the same location for the past 27 years. ‘But,’ said Mrs. Carlson, ‘it was really the only way to house clean.’
“The new home is very attractive. The business room was designed especially to house this drug store and everything fits as nice as pie. There is a balcony at the back which gives the store additional floor space and the spacious confines of the room proper makes it one of the nicest drug stores in the city. The front area floor is of tile, while the room proper is rat and bug proof. It was built on the sanitary lines of modern buildings; the construction being supervised by R.D. Pollard. And added to this is the fact that Dr. Gordon did not spare money in material and the best labor that could be had in the community, the result being that he now has the nicest building on Third street between the two stations. He will have his offices upstairs, the building being two stories half way back.
“The management of the City Drug store, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Carlson, invite the people of Claremore to pay them a visit in their new home. It is stated that the effort will be put forth to give even better quality and service in the future than in the past. The facilities are better for the rendering of such service and every effort will be expended in this direction.”[22]
With celebration in mind, in February 1926, Mrs. J. Leon Brogan entertained her friends “at the messanine [sic] floor of the City Drug store, with a bridge luncheon from 1 o’clock until 3. This newly constructed balcony was prettily decorated for the occasion and was an ideal setting for a jolly gathering. Covers were laid for forty guests and an elegant luncheon was served, after which the afternoon was spent at auction (bridge).”[23]
By April, “A new up to the minute beauty Salon (was being) installed in the mezzanine floor of the City Drug store. Only expert operators will be employed. The place is being made most attractive and will be open for business in a few days.”[24] The newspaper ad read, “The City Drug Store invites your inspection of and solicits your patronage for The Rexall Beauty Parlor which will open Wednesday, May 5th, 1926. A modern parlor, with competent operators, specializing in every department of Beauty Culture. Permanent wave, hair dye, massage, Marcelle (“a hairdo characterized by deep regular waves that are made by a heated curling iron”[25]), manicure. Phone 34 for appointments.”[26] Miss Hope Ames was operator of the Rexall Beauty Parlor by that July.[27]
By June, “The Fountain at the Rexall Store, The City Drug Store, Roy Carlson, Prop.” was up and running. “For refreshments you will find the ideal place – delicious, refreshing soda.”[28]
The following year, W.F. McCray, of Little Rock, Ark., took “charge of the Rexall luncheonette, operated until recently by Clark Adams, at the City Drug store. Mr. McCray is an experienced man in the sandwich business and should make a success of his venture here. The first change in policy will be to reduce the sandwiches to popular prices. Mr. McCray will carry a full line of sandwiches, chili and hot drinks. He invites the patronage of the people of Claremore and vicinity on merit of quality and service alone.”[29]
Once the City Drug store project was complete, in August 1926, Dr. M.H. Gordon leased and began a $5,000 to $6,000 “modern” remodel of the building he owned to the west of the drug store to make a space large enough for a J.C. Penny Company store to locate in Claremore.[30]
July 12, 1928, the unexpected announcement was made, “The City Drug Store closed its doors Tuesday afternoon when its proprietor, Roy Carlson, failed to put in an appearance after he left the city Sunday night for parts unknown. The National Bank of Claremore held a mortgage on the stock of the drug store. The City Drug Store was Claremore’s Rexall drug store. It apparently for a long time had been on the down grade. The store was opened again Thursday afternoon by E.A. Church, representing the bank, and an invoice of the stock is being taken. Afterwards the stock will be replenished and the store operated under Mr. Church’s management. The location is a good one and with the proper management the trade of this drug store can be built up again.”[31]
That September, Tschauner – Leeds purchased the City Drug Store. “The City Drug Store recently purchased by John A. Bell from the National Bank of Claremore has been sold by Mr. Bell to R.L. Tschauner and E.W. Leeds. Mr. Tschauner is here in charge of this store while Mr. Leeds manages a drug store which they have in their home town, near Omaha, Nebraska. The store is being re-stocked with a large supply of Rexall and other drugs. This community is fortunate in acquiring such live business men as these as citizens.”[32]
Long-time Claremore residents may remember Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Tschauner who once owned the Rexall Drug Store business with its beauty shop at the mezzanine level towards the back of the building. The drugstore had the customary pressed tin ceilings from front to back. The pharmacy counter was on the left side of the store and a soda fountain was located on the right of the room. Root beer in tall frosty glasses cost 5c. Other kinds of soda cost a dime. The store also offered S&H Green Stamps which were given with purchase and redeemed for prizes.
At this time, “Mrs. Lucile Lessert leased the Rexall Beauty Shop, at the City Drug Store” and took charge personally while retaining the former operator Mrs. Nellie Thorn.[33]
With the transition of ownership, by September 1928, the City Drug was remodeled. “The interior of the City drug store is being completely renovated and remodeled by the new management. The sales floor is being shortened by some 20 feet and the stock is being arranged in a more compact manner. The interior is also to be repainted and the front of the store will be (redesigned). When all of the contemplated work is done this will be one of the very nicest drug stores in the city. A $6,000 stock is also being placed on the shelves, including the Rexall line and other drugs.”[34]
That November, the Rexall Beauty Shop re-opened under the operation of Hope Ames who had returned to Claremore from her home in Arkansas City, Kan. The beauty shop had also gotten a face lift having “been re-varnished and completely renovated.”[35] Ames changed the name of her salon to The Cara Nome Beauty Shoppe advertising “At the Cara Nome Beauty Shoppe, on the balcony of the Rexall Drug Store, Frederic’s Vitatonic permanent waves at $6 and $8, marcels at 60c, and manicures for 50c are given by experienced operators. At such prices, any woman may look her well-groomed best, and still not deplete her bankroll. In addition, S.&H. Green Stamps are given on accounts at this shoppe. Two-fold value, as well as excellent services.”[36]
Mrs. Jack was owner and operator of the Cara Nome Beauty Shoppe on the balcony of the Rexall Store by December 1931.[37] Then in January 1932, Mrs. Phifer installed a new permanent wave machine at the Cara Nome Beauty Shoppe. The new machine was a “Shelton Croquignole – one of the very latest models, and enables the Cara Nome to give any kind of wave desired by the public. The price of permanent waves at this popular beauty shop are $5, $8, and $10, with satisfaction guaranteed. Mrs. Phifer is an expert operator – one of the very best in Northeastern Oklahoma. She is backed by years of experience in the work. Mrs. Phifer also announces that she is soon to install a Turbinator drier. This is conceded to be the latest, quickest and best drier on the market, and when added will place the Cara Nome one step higher on its march of perfect service to the patrons. The Cara Nome stands ready to serve the public of this locality with beauty culture that leaves nothing to be desired by Milady who wants to look right.”[38]
The tall permanent wave machine was placed on wheels to be easily moved to each customer’s chair. Curlers hung from the machine on long electric cords. When curlers were attached to a woman’s hair, she looked as if she was being attacked by a giant mechanical alien. If a woman stayed hooked up to the machine for too long her hair got fried.
It was with sad hearts that the Claremore Progress reported the passing of Dr. Minor H. Gordon, who died of pneumonia on November 11, Armistice Day, 1935. “Dr. Gordon is not dead. His spirit will live in this community forever. He touched the lives of many people that even a minister of the gospel could not reach. He did good that was never known. He hid his best qualities always, from a fine sense of modesty that few knew he had, but he did… Such men write their life history in indelible ink which never fades and which never grows dim. This kind of a man was our friend, ‘the big doctor.’”[39]
Of course, the younger, Dr. M.E. Gordon’s medical practice was of a more modern nature than his pioneer doctor father’s. Accepted and entering Medical school at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark., in 1938,[40] Dr. M.E. Gordon graduated with his M.D. degree, was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the U.S. army, and served an internship at St. John’s hospital, Tulsa, in 1942.[41] Called to active duty in June 1943, M.E. Gordon married Miss Marjorie Kilgore (Elizabeth Kilgour), May 21, 1944,[42] and eventually returned to Claremore, moving into the home formerly owned by George D. Davis.[43] It was in Claremore or more specifically at Tulsa’s St. John’s hospital, that the Gordons’ eight-pound son, Minor Kilgour was born.[44] This announcement brought Capt. M.E. Gordon home to Claremore from his military outpost in Manila.[45] This announcement was made, “Capt. Minor Gordon arrived in the city Friday of this past week for a short visit with his wife and son. He will go to Camp Chaffee, Ark., for his discharge. He has been in the service for the past four years. Captain Gordon will take up the practice of medicine in this city upon his discharge from the service.”[46]
August 24, 1947, the Gordon’s seven-pound and eleven ounce son, Minor William, was born at Claremore’s Franklin hospital.[47]
Dr. M.E. Gordon located his office above the REXALL Drug Store, just as his father had done before him. The building was constructed when the younger Gordon was just over a decade old.
A checkerboard designed gray, white, and black tiled floor welcomed guests into the doctor’s office downstairs entryway. Matching tile was found in the bathroom above and in the drugstore on the ground floor. Transom windows above the doorways in the doctor’s office allowed for air flow from exterior windows into the waiting rooms and Dr. Gordon’s private office in the front of the building. “Dr. M.E. Gordon, M.D., by Appointment Only” was painted on the window of one of the interior office doors. The other doors said “Private.”
Now a happy new chapter has commenced for the M.H. Gordon building. Happydashery has recently moved into the downstairs floor space of the old City Drug Store, and lovely vintage living spaces have been created for lease in what used to be the doctor’s offices. Slow your pace and step into Happydashery sometime soon to enjoy a deep, satisfying, and healthy breath of Claremore’s medicinal pioneer history. We trust a visit will refresh your soul.
By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
Unless otherwise noted Oklahoma newspapers were sourced through the Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
[1] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33785369/minor-h-gordon Dr. Minor H. Gordon. Birth 1877. Death 1935 (aged 57-58). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot NA.-1.-L7.-6E. Created by Erice Wilcox. Spouse: Pearl Elliott (1877 – 1966).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33785411/pearl-gordon Pearl Elliott Gordon. Birth 1877. Death 1966 (aged 88-89). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot NA.-1.L7.-5E. “Dr. M.H. Gordon 1877-1935 His wife Pearl Elliott 1877 – 1966.” Created by Erice Wilcox.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33785352/minor-elliott-gordon Minor Elliot Gordon. Birth 25 June 1914. Death 14 Mar 1994 (aged 79). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot DA.-3.-L61-4W. Created by Erice Wilcox. Spouse: Elizabeth Kilgour Gordon (1920-1985).
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15416656/jack_elliott_gordon CPT Jack Elliott Gordon, Sr. Birth 1 Jan 1917, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Death 9 Dec 2004 (aged 87), Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Created by Jo Melton. Spouse: Janelle “Franny” Stallings Gordon (1918-1994).
[2] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, June 9, 1905.
[3] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.). Vol. 14, No. 35, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 22, 1906.
[4] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.). Vol. 12, No. 51, Ed. 2 Friday, December 14, 1906.
[5] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 17, No. 5, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 13, 1909.
[6] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 17, No. 12, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 1, 1909.
[7] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 17, No. 6, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 20, 1909.
[8]The Claremore Progress and Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, February 4, 1910. P. 5. Newspapers.com.
[9] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 22, No. 28, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 2, 1914.
[10] Claremore Progress and Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, January 4, 1917. P. 13. Newspapers.com.
[11] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 16, No. 35, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 5, 1920.
[12]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 16, No. 44, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 7, 1920.
[13] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 30, No. 4, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 2, 1922.
[14] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 28, No. 22, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 29, 1920.
[15] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 17, No. 15, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 19, 1921.
[16] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Vol. 17, No. 15, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 19, 1921.
[17] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, October 22, 1925. P. 5. Newspapers.com.
[18] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, November 12, 1925. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
[19] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, January 7, 1926. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[20] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, September 7, 1895. P. 3. Newspapers.com.
[21] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma, December 1925, Sheet 3.
[22] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, February 4, 1926. P. 6. Newspapers.com.
[23] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, February 11, 1926. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[24] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, April 29, 1926. P. 6. Newspapers.com.
[25] Vocabulary.com.
[26] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, April 29, 1926. P. 3. Newspapers.com.
[27] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, July 8, 1926. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[28] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, June 10, 1926. P. 3. Newspapers.com.
[29] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, December 8, 1927. P. 6. Newspapers.com.
[30] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 12, 1926. P. 6. Newspapers.com.
[31] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, July 12, 1928. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[32] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 13, 1928. P. 8. Newspapers.com.
[33] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 20, 1928. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[34] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 27, 1928. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
[35] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, November, 1928. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[36] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, November 4, 1930. P. 3. Newspapers.com.
[37] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, December 30, 1931. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[38] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, January 12, 1932. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[39] Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, November 12, 1935. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[40] The Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, September 14, 1938. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[41] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, June 17, 1942. P. 7. Newspapers.com.
[42] Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, June 8, 1944. p. 2. Newspapers.com.
[43] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, July 11, 1945. P.1. Newspapers.com.
[44] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, January 24, 1946. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[45] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, February 5, 1946. P. 5. Newspapers.com.
[46] Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, February 19, 1946. p. 1. Newspapers.com.
[47] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, September 2, 1947. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
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