Summer’s in full swing, and so is our July flyer—packed with sunny-day essentials and Oswald’s favorites for all ages. Whether you’re stocking up on SPF, finding a fun toy for the grandkids, or grabbing your go-to protein bar, we’ve got something for everyone. We’re especially excited about the Savannah Bee Pollen (our new favorite supplement) and the Bluey Summer Set that’s already flying off the shelves. And don’t miss the power chairs and walkers—we’ve got great options to help you or your loved ones move with ease and comfort. As always, stop by and ask if you want a hands-on look or just a classic Ozzie’s recommendation.
As we age, maintaining our health and vitality becomes increasingly important. Dietary supplements can play a supportive role in this journey. As a pharmacist, I make supplement recommendations every day. These suggestions tend to be similar for many individuals.
The nutrients essential for bone, nerve, and gut health can often be obtained through a healthy and diverse diet. However, many of us fall short—and that’s where supplementation becomes necessary.
When recommending a supplement, I need to understand your diet, medical conditions, and current medications or supplements. These factors affect nutrient absorption and help me make the best recommendation for you.
One of the first supplements I recommend is vitamin D3. This fat-soluble vitamin helps the body absorb calcium and supports immune health. We can make vitamin D from sun exposure, but only if large areas of skin are exposed. Most people don’t get enough.
Food sources include fish and fortified foods. Still, deficiency is common. Vitamin D is available over the counter in many forms. I usually suggest a vitamin D3 + K2 combination, as they work together to guide calcium into bones and teeth.
That brings me to my next recommendation—calcium. Adequate calcium is crucial for bone density and lowering the risk of fractures. Dietary sources include yogurt, milk, tofu, white beans, kale, spinach, and oranges.
Even with all these foods, most Americans don’t get enough calcium from their diets. In general, 1,000 mg/day is a good goal. For women over 51 and men over 71, that increases to 1,200 mg/day.
When supplementing, remember our bodies absorb only about 500 mg of calcium at a time. That’s why it’s best to split the dose. The two most common types are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. I often recommend calcium citrate for older adults or anyone taking heartburn medications. It absorbs more efficiently in those cases.
Next up—vitamin B-12 (cobalamin). This vitamin is key for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. It’s naturally found in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy. Fortified cereals can also be a source.
Many people should supplement B-12, especially if their diet lacks these foods or if they take certain medications. Absorption also decreases with age. The recommended daily amount for adults is 2.4 mcg. You’ll find that in most multivitamins, though higher doses are available for those with a deficiency.
There are many other supplements I recommend, but these three—vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B-12—are the basics. They’re essential for keeping your body functioning as you age.
As always, talk to your friendly Oswald’s Pharmacist or your physician before starting any supplement. We’re here to help you navigate your options and support your health every step of the way.
When I think of Oswald’s Pharmacy, I think of family—and few people represented that more to me growing up than my great-grandfather, Harold Kester. Or as we all affectionately called him, Pampy.
Unlike Grandpa Oswald and W.W. Wickel, whom I only know through family stories and newspaper clippings, Pampy was a regular part of my childhood. He lived just a few blocks away from the store and my childhood home, and would stop by the pharmacy often well after retirement. I grew up just across the alley from the house he once raised his family in—the same house W.W. Wickel built in 1892. That meant I wasn’t just surrounded by the physical legacy of the pharmacy—I was surrounded by the family members who built it.
Pampy was a fixture in our lives. A devoted White Sox fan, I have fond memories of sitting in his living room, watching games together. Even going to games with him in Chicago when I was younger. While I never worked side-by-side with him at Oswald’s, I’ve heard from my dad more than once that the way I run the store and engage with customers reminds him of Pampy. That’s about as high a compliment as I can imagine!
He began working at the pharmacy in 1930, hired by Louis Oswald—who also happened to be his future father-in-law. He married Louis’s daughter, Helen, in 1931 and earned his pharmacy degree from UIC in 1940. He and Helen took over ownership in 1953, leading the business through some of its biggest changes. Pampy expanded the store twice and moved the soda fountain multiple times before ultimately removing it to make way for a robust cosmetics department—decades ahead of the chains on that one. As much as I’d love to still have that fountain, I have to admit, outside of that one decision… Pampy did just about everything right! And being honest with myself, at the time, that was the right move too. Though I’ll bring it back one day!
But his impact went well beyond the four walls of the store. He was deeply invested in Naperville’s growth and community. He served two terms as a city commissioner and was a founding member of the Central Areas Renewal Development Organization—he even came up with its nickname, “CAN DO.” He was instrumental in solving downtown’s parking woes and played a key role in Naperville’s postwar expansion. His legacy isn’t just Oswald’s. It’s in the very fabric of this city.
Pampy was also a reader. He loved books so much that in 1964 he opened Paperback Paradise above the pharmacy. That little shop would go on to become Anderson’s Bookshop—run today by my Aunt and Cousin. So if you’ve ever found a good read at Anderson’s, you’ve got Pampy to thank!
Thanks for reading, and Happy July. If you’ve got a memory of Pampy, I’d love to hear it next time you’re in the store. ℞
The Fountain That Started It All
Growing up in Oswald’s Pharmacy, I spent a lot of time staring at the old black-and-white photos that lined the walls and storage rooms—images that felt like time capsules from a Naperville long gone. One of my favorites is of Grandpa Oswald, proudly standing next to his brand-new carbonator in the early days of our soda fountain. Another, dated 1917, shows the shiny fountain itself, freshly installed and ready to serve up cold drinks to neighbors and passersby. That fountain wasn’t just a cool feature—it was a gathering place, a piece of the community’s daily rhythm.
But in 1960, the tides of the pharmacy industry changed. Grandpa Kester—“Pampy” to us—made the decision to remove the soda fountain and expand our cosmetics department instead. Practical? Sure. Heartbreaking to a nostalgic kid like me? Absolutely.
So today, in honor of those fizzy memories and the legacy of our founders, I’m beyond excited to introduce our brand-new Oswald’s Soda Line. Sweet, classic, and made to make you smile—just like the originals.
Introducing Oswald’s Classic Fountain Soda Line
Root Beer – This one’s the real deal. A full-bodied blast of sassafras, wintergreen, and vanilla that’ll take you straight back to the golden age of soda jerks and checkerboard floors. It’s bold, bubbly, and built for float-making.
Orange Soda – Orange you glad we didn’t hold back? Bursting with sweet citrus flavor and that iconic electric color, this soda is sunshine in a bottle—and it tastes exactly like childhood.
Cream Soda – Vanilla-forward, smooth as butter, and sugary in all the right ways. This is the kind of soda you sip slow—or gulp fast—depending on your mood. Either way, it hits every time.
Grape Soda – Loud, purple, and proud. This one packs a juicy punch with that unmistakable grape flavor that’s made it a classic for generations. It’s basically liquid candy—and we’re not ashamed to say it.
Raspberry Lime Rickey – My personal favorite. Bright, tangy lime meets juicy raspberry for a refreshing kick that’s equal parts sweet and tart. It’s a soda with personality—and probably the first one I’d take to a desert island (as long as there’s a fridge).
Independent Pharmacies and Fizzy Pit Stops
Whenever I travel, especially for work, I make a point to stop at other independent pharmacies—especially if they have a soda fountain still kicking. One of my absolute favorites is The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain in Knoxville, Tennessee. I make a pilgrimage every year during the Big Ears Festival, and on my last trip, I ordered a classic Lime Rickey right at the counter. Next time, I may just have to tell them to toss in some raspberry and bring a little Oswald’s flair to Tennessee.
Come grab a bottle and taste a little piece of history—sugar, fizz, and all. After 150 years in Naperville, we figured it was time to bring the bubbles back.
Summer is heating up—and so are the deals at Oswald’s! Our June 2025 sales flyer is packed with limited-time specials to celebrate our 150th anniversary in style. From nostalgic gift items and Father’s Day favorites to must-have summer essentials, toys, and top-rated medical equipment, there’s something for everyone. These deals are available while supplies last, so don’t wait to stop in and check them out. Click below to view the full flyer and make your shopping list!
As we inch toward our 150th anniversary here at Oswald’s, I find myself in a state of grief much more than usual. I see the daily Instagram posts and the slideshow of both familiar and unfamiliar faces, and I grieve for the people we have lost along the way. The owners, employees, and customers who will not be here to celebrate with us, but who were so integral in making us the pharmacy we are today. This grief led me on a search for healthy and not-so-healthy ways to process loss to maintain a positive outlook and live each day to the fullest.
As humans, we can be overcome with grief from any type of loss, from the loss of a job to the loss of a loved one, and unfortunately, both our brains and our bodies are affected by these losses. It surprised me to learn that our risk of a heart attack increases by 21 times the first 24 hours after the loss of a loved one and continues to be six to eight times above normal for the first week post-loss. This is due to intense grief-emotions increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and incidence of blood clot formation. It is essential that we monitor grieving individuals during this trying period and offer support, even if it’s just to listen.
There are several steps we must go through to process grief. These include acknowledging the loss, allowing ourselves to feel the emotions (sadness, anger, etc.), seeking support from friends, family or professionals, engaging in coping mechanisms (exercise, gardening, meditation or basically anything that brings joy), practicing self-care (healthy-eating, getting enough sleep), remembering and reflecting (sharing stories of our loved ones), and focusing on the future (finding new routines or a new purpose). Even with these steps, we must remember that not everyone will grieve the same, as the experience of losing someone or something is unique to each person. Importantly, as we grieve, we should not isolate ourselves entirely, as this can deepen our anguish, and we should focus on healthy coping mechanisms, avoiding excessive alcohol and illicit substances.
As a community, we must support one another. Be there for a friend in need. Give an extra hug. Pass down a story. Keep a memory alive.
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
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
When I was 21 years old, while shopping for food for my brother’s dog, I saw the most adorable little white furball and decided to adopt him. As getting a pet was not in my immediate life-plan, I was ill-prepared and had a lot to learn. I purchased a couple of books on owning a dog and started to bond with my new puppy. I named him Ralph Macchio (Ralphie for short) and he came everywhere with me, even inside the convenience store next to my apartment (the owners said he was cuter than most of their customers). Ralphie was with me through my last 2 years of pharmacy school, my move across the country (and back), getting married, the purchase of my house, and through 6 months of my first son’s life. The first 7 years of his life were easy. The next 7 years tested my abilities as a caregiver and spawned the admiration I have for the people who will do anything they can for their pet’s health and happiness.
Ralphie’s Diagnosis and My Journey Into Veterinary Pharmacy
On Ralphie’s 7th birthday, he started showing symptoms of granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME), which is an inflammatory disease involving the brain and/or spinal cord. Within an hour of symptom onset, his hind legs were paralyzed, and he couldn’t control his bladder. He was hospitalized and underwent numerous tests and treatments. After 5 days, he was discharged with an unknown prognosis and on a long list of medication. As a pharmacist, I handled his medications fairly well, but I quickly learned that there are stark differences between medication for animals and medication for humans. I started completing continuing education relating to veterinary medication so that I could help my dogs and the few pets I filled prescriptions for at my pharmacy. It is not uncommon for pharmacists to know very little about medication use in animals. There are not required courses in pharmacy school related to veterinary medicine, so we need to seek out this knowledge on our own.
Bringing Veterinary Care to Oswald’s Pharmacy
When I came to Oswald’s Pharmacy one and a half years ago, though it had been years since Ralphie passed away, my desire to help both people and animals remains. We currently fill prescriptions for some local pets but have been limited in what we could stock. Recently, we were able to contract with a company who has a pet-meds program and can now procure both medications made for humans and medications made solely for animals. With this new ability, we will be able to care for the humans in our community and their whole families, even the furriest members.
Check out our May 2025 specials at Oswald’s Pharmacy! From Mother’s Day gifts and allergy relief to backyard lighting, fun games, and top-quality medical equipment, we’ve got everything to brighten your month. Shop in-store while supplies last!
When I returned to Oswald’s Pharmacy in 2016, one of the first things I did was sit down with my grandparents, Bob and Jean Anderson—the fourth-generation owners of the business. They’ve lived in the same Naperville home that my great-great-great-grandfather, William Wallace Wickel, built back in 1892. It’s a house filled with stories… even if some are a little fuzzy.
What We Know About Grandpa Wickel
Our conversations often turned to the early years of the family business. Unfortunately, my grandparents never met Grandpa Wickel. He passed away in 1927—before either of them was born. Most of the stories they had came from his daughter, Susanna Wickel, who married Louis Oswald in 1907. That marriage marked the start of the Oswald name in our pharmacy’s legacy.
Childhood Memories from the Heart of Naperville
I grew up just across the alley from my grandparents in Naperville’s Historic District. The original pharmacy location—now Ramsay’s Kitchen on Jefferson—was only a few blocks away. As a kid, I’d walk down Van Buren, cut through Central Park, and cross Washington Street to visit.
My grandma used to tell stories about how Grandpa Wickel always carried candy in his pockets to hand out to children in the park. Even without ever meeting him, I felt like I knew him just a little through those sweet stories.
A New Story from the Euclid Lodge Archives
Not long ago, I came across W.W. Wickel’s obituary from Euclid Lodge No. 65—located right above Naperville Running Company, just across from the original pharmacy site. That’s where I learned that Grandpa Wickel had one very specific community job: setting off the fireworks for Naperville’s annual Fourth of July celebration! Even my grandparents had never heard that one.
Honoring a Legacy That Still Shapes Us Today
Even though I never knew W.W. Wickel, I feel his presence in our family’s story every day. I’m lucky to know as much as I do about the five generations that came before me. Each one played a part in building what Oswald’s has become today.
Over the next few Ozzie Gram issues, I’ll be sharing stories from each generation as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. From Wickel’s bold decision to buy a small-town pharmacy, to earning his pharmacy degree in 1886, and passing the store to his son-in-law in 1915—that foundation has carried us through six generations of family ownership.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious, click here to go to FindaGrave.com to read his full obituary from the Euclid Lodge.
We’ve got some exciting things planned this year to celebrate Oswald’s Pharmacy History and our 150th anniversary. Follow the Ozzie Gram, check us out on social media, or sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay in the loop. Don’t forget to pre-order your commemorative 150th Oswald’s Puzzle too!
Here’s to a spring full of stories and celebration!
–Alex
