Last month, I wrote about my third great-grandfather, William Wallace Wickel—“Grandpa Wickel”—who ran the pharmacy from 1877 to 1915. In 1915, his son-in-law, Louis Oswald, purchased the pharmacy and would go on to have the longest tenure in our family’s history, running Oswald’s until 1955. He then passed it on to his daughter and son-in-law, Harold Kester—my great-grandfather.

Louis Oswald’s story starts on the South Dakota plains near Mt. Vernon, where he lived as a child on a homestead with his family. Let’s just say, homesteading didn’t quite work out—and the family soon packed up and moved to Southern California. When it came time for college, Louis chose North Western College in Naperville—what we now know as North Central College.

It was there he met Susanna Wickel, the only child of Grandpa Wickel. Susanna was quite ahead of her time. She earned her undergraduate degree at North Western in 1896, graduated from the Chicago Musical College in 1898, and went on to complete her master’s at the University of Chicago! She spent her life in Naperville as a music teacher, while Louis managed the family pharmacy.

When Louis officially took over in 1915, he hit the ground running. Just two years later, in 1917, he installed Oswald’s first soda fountain. It was located to the right of the entrance—likely near the front register off Jefferson Ave., for those who remember our downtown store. The fountain served Green River, Coca-Cola, and other classics. You can see both drinks in the image below—which also happens to be the centerpiece of our 150th Anniversary Puzzle. It’s a beautiful snapshot of a 1910s American pharmacy.

In the 1920s, Louis tried his hand at expanding the business by opening a variety store next door. It didn’t last long—just a year later, he rented the space to a grocer. But that seemingly small decision paved the way for his son-in-law, Harold Kester, to double the size of the pharmacy in the 1950s!

One of my favorite stories, passed down from my grandmother Jean, was how she used to deliver prescriptions with her Grandpa Oswald to the Martin Mitchell Mansion—now the iconic centerpiece of Naper Settlement. Back then, it was still a private home!

When Louis passed away in 1955, the Naperville Sun ran the headline: “Naperville Loses Colorful Citizen.” If the family stories are to be believed—and I think they are—“colorful” was a fitting choice. I’d love to share some of those stories with you next time you’re in the store. Just ask for a “Grandpa Oswald story”—and I’ll be happy to continue the tradition.

As our 150th anniversary celebration rolls on, make sure to check out our front display table. We’ve got exclusive Oswald’s candles, soda, puzzles, and more for sale. And don’t forget about our monthly gift basket giveaways—just visit the front of the store to enter, or online here.     ꝶ