My grandfather, Robert John Anderson Jr.—or “Pa,” as we grandkids called him—was born in October 1931 in Princeton, Illinois. His father and grandfather (Alex Anderson—my namesake!) ran the town tavern, dance hall, and swimming pool. Growing up around entrepreneurs shaped him into the man who would eventually continue our family pharmacy tradition.

Pa met my grandmother, Jean Kester, the daughter of Harold Kester, Oswald’s third-generation owner. (I wrote about Harold in last month’s Ozzie Gram.) After college, Pa served a few years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Puerto Rico, before returning to Naperville with Jean. He attended UIC Pharmacy School while working at Oswald’s, balancing work, study, and family life.

Before becoming a pharmacist, Pa worked behind the pharmacy’s soda fountain in the 1950s. I love imagining him serving cherry phosphates and sundaes to Naperville families, just like his father-in-law Harold once did. Pa took ownership of Oswald’s in 1977, purchasing the store from Harold. His time as “official” owner was shorter than most of our earlier generations, but he worked at the store for over 30 years.

I often talk about how each generation of my family has adapted the pharmacy to meet the needs of the times. Pa’s big leap forward? He computerized Oswald’s Pharmacy in the 1980s—making us the first pharmacy in Naperville to embrace technology. My great-grandfather Harold, firmly a “typewriter” pharmacist, was skeptical of computers. But Pa saw how technology could improve efficiency and patient care, a decision that helped shape our store’s future.

In 1991, Pa sold the pharmacy to my dad and his three siblings. While my dad’s siblings ran Paperback Paradise (the bookstore Harold opened in 1964, which evolved into Anderson’s Bookshop), my dad continued the family tradition of managing the pharmacy. That story will be the focus of next month’s Ozzie Gram.

A 1991 snapshot of Bob Anderson behind the pharmacy counter with the next generation—Alex, Wil, and Max—keeping the family tradition alive.

What’s New This August

Now that our remodel is nearly complete, I hope you’ve had a chance to see the updated floors and fresh paint! We’ve also expanded our toy and puzzle sections, making them bigger and better than ever. These are two of my favorite parts of the store, and I think they make Ozzie’s a special place to visit.

Coming this month, we’re also resetting our over-the-counter (OTC) medicine section, adding new products to give you more options for your health needs. From cold remedies to vitamins, you’ll find a fresh selection on our shelves.

Counting Down to 150 Years

If it feels like this year is flying by, you’re not alone! Next month, we’ll celebrate Oswald’s Pharmacy’s 150th anniversary. We’re planning a huge event at the end of September, with giveaways, local vendors, and special in-store surprises. This milestone is a chance to look back at all the generations who built Oswald’s, while also celebrating the future of community pharmacy here in Naperville.

If you haven’t signed up for our 150th anniversary giveaways running through the end of the year, now is the time. Visit oswaldspharmacy.com/150 and get your name in the drawing!

I hope you and your family are enjoying these last summer weeks. Thank you, as always, for supporting our family business. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with you next month. Happy August from all of us at Ozzie’s!