SkySnapper
Clark's Pharmacy
Promotional photo of Clark's Pharmacy taken for the Belding High School yearbook in 1963. That is my grandfather, the owner, behind the counter. He earned a business degree from Bryant Stratton College and a pharmacy degree from Ferris State College. After graduating in 1937, my grandfather borrowed money from his parents to open his own business, choosing the small town of Belding, Michigan. Mr. Clark soon earned a reputation for his strong work ethic and impeccable customer service. You could call him in the middle of the night and he would go downtown, open the store and fill a prescription for you. You would always be greeted by name and a sincere smile along with expert product recommendations. This level of personal service and dedication gave Clark's a very loyal customer base.
Probably the best remembered part of Clark's Pharmacy, though, was the soda counter. Kids would come here after school and on weekends, sit on the bar stools, and order up treats. Malts, milkshakes, ice cream, floats - all served with a smile by the "soda jerks". One of them was a hard working and friendly teenager named Patricia Martin who would so impress the boss that he married her! She is my grandmother.
My grandfather spent long hours in the store to secure a good life for his family. My grandparents raised 3 sons and a daughter in their unassuming little house. Just as they were preparing to retire, I came along and they raised me too. The greatest parents, grandparents, mentors anyone could ever hope to have. My heroes. Then, now, and forever.
Clark's Pharmacy closed in 1973, but lives on in so many memories. To this day people I've never even met come up to me. "Are you Artie Clark's grandson?" "Yes, ma'am I am." "Oh my dear, I fell in love at your grandfather's soda counter. That is where I had my first date, my first kiss. And, well, I guess you know the rest". Or "my daughter woke up with a terrible deathly cough one night. Must have been past midnight. In a terrible panic, I called your granddad. Artie met me down at the store and knew just what we needed. Some special elixir nobody else had. Worked like a charm. He just put it on my tab and sent me on my way. I'm forever grateful". My heart just swells with pride when I hear these stories from complete strangers nearly forty years after the store closed for good. I just smile and say "that what kind of man he was!"
In loving memory of Arthur Jacob Clark Sr. (1912-2003). I miss you Grandpa.
Clark's Pharmacy
Promotional photo of Clark's Pharmacy taken for the Belding High School yearbook in 1963. That is my grandfather, the owner, behind the counter. He earned a business degree from Bryant Stratton College and a pharmacy degree from Ferris State College. After graduating in 1937, my grandfather borrowed money from his parents to open his own business, choosing the small town of Belding, Michigan. Mr. Clark soon earned a reputation for his strong work ethic and impeccable customer service. You could call him in the middle of the night and he would go downtown, open the store and fill a prescription for you. You would always be greeted by name and a sincere smile along with expert product recommendations. This level of personal service and dedication gave Clark's a very loyal customer base.
Probably the best remembered part of Clark's Pharmacy, though, was the soda counter. Kids would come here after school and on weekends, sit on the bar stools, and order up treats. Malts, milkshakes, ice cream, floats - all served with a smile by the "soda jerks". One of them was a hard working and friendly teenager named Patricia Martin who would so impress the boss that he married her! She is my grandmother.
My grandfather spent long hours in the store to secure a good life for his family. My grandparents raised 3 sons and a daughter in their unassuming little house. Just as they were preparing to retire, I came along and they raised me too. The greatest parents, grandparents, mentors anyone could ever hope to have. My heroes. Then, now, and forever.
Clark's Pharmacy closed in 1973, but lives on in so many memories. To this day people I've never even met come up to me. "Are you Artie Clark's grandson?" "Yes, ma'am I am." "Oh my dear, I fell in love at your grandfather's soda counter. That is where I had my first date, my first kiss. And, well, I guess you know the rest". Or "my daughter woke up with a terrible deathly cough one night. Must have been past midnight. In a terrible panic, I called your granddad. Artie met me down at the store and knew just what we needed. Some special elixir nobody else had. Worked like a charm. He just put it on my tab and sent me on my way. I'm forever grateful". My heart just swells with pride when I hear these stories from complete strangers nearly forty years after the store closed for good. I just smile and say "that what kind of man he was!"
In loving memory of Arthur Jacob Clark Sr. (1912-2003). I miss you Grandpa.