As a sixth-generation family owned business, Oswald’s Pharmacy has provided quality care to the residents of Naperville and beyond for 145 years and counting. Established in 1875, it is the second-oldest business in Naperville and the oldest continually owned family pharmacy in Illinois. A full-service pharmacy and home to one of Chicagoland’s largest medical equipment showrooms, Oswald’s also offers gifts, toys, games, puzzles, and health and beauty items. Whatever you need, or never knew you needed, you’ll find it at Oswald’s – where wonder meets wellness.
1875
The pharmacy opens in the small farm town of Naperville, IL. Original proprietors Strayer & Cassem sell to employee William Wallace Wickel in 1883. This begins over 140 years of family ownership that continues to this day.
1915
Wickel's son-in-law Louis Oswald buys the store in 1915. The arrival of prohibition drove customers from the taverns into the pharmacy. which had a soda fountain added in 1917.
1952
Oswald's son-in-law Harold purchases the pharmacy in 1952. During his tenure he doubled the size of the store, removed the soda fountain and dramatically increased the pharmacy's selection of beauty products to compete with the rise of chain drug stores.
1977
Kester's son-in-law Robert Anderson takes ownership in 1977. He kept the pharmacy ahead of the chains by extending hours and becoming the first pharmacy in town to computerize.
1991
Robert's four children buy the business in 1991. Cosmetics and beauty aids gave way to an expanded gift and toy selection. In 2004 Oswald's moves to Naperville Plaza, as downtown Naperville had outgrown most service-oriented businesses Bill becomes the sole proprietor in 2012.
2021
Bill expanded the store in 2015 to include 5,000 square feet of medical equipment. In 2016 Bill's son Alex joined the business with a focus on digital marketing and more community engagement. In 2021 Alex became the sixth generation owner. He continues to work with his brother Wil on digital marketing and is excited to carry Oswald's to it's 7th generation!
2023
In 2023, Alex Anderson (6th generation owner of Oswald’s) acquired Riley’s in Geneva to expand the services we have provided to the Naperville community for almost 150 years!
