Historical Note

Hebberds Drug Store was the oldest operating business in La Crosse when it closed in 1957. The corner retail drug store opened for business in April 1852 when the city of La Crosse counted only 300 residents. The business, owned by George Hoare and S.D. Hastings, was originally located at the corner of Front and State streets across from the cabin built by Nathan Myrick, the original white settler. Later the store was moved to the corner of Main and Fourth streets. George Hoare changed his name to Howard.

After Howard's death, his son Herbert sold the drug store to the Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Southwick Hebberd in 1894. Their son, Edward Smith Hebberd, was put in charge as manager. A soda fountain was added and ice cream was made daily in 10 gallon cans. In 1921 a lunch counter was added and the store was remodeled. Edward worked at the store until his son Arthur began to manage the operation in 1932. In 1957 Edward, by this time 85 years old, and his son Arthur decided to close the store so Arthur could devote his attention full-time to manufactured cosmetics under the Dumont brand.