Reuss Drugstore – Cuero, Texas
Established in 1845 Reuss Drugstore closed for good this week. There are no more home-grown independent pharmacies left in the small town of Cuero, Texas anymore.
History of Reuss Drugstore
In 1845, Dr. Joseph Martin Reuss emigrated from Germany to Indianola, Texas and opened, what is now, the oldest operating drugstore in Texas.
The first structure was a tent shared with Dr. Reuss’ medical practice. In 1872, J. M. Reuss and his son, Dr. August Reuss, opened a branch in the new town of Cuero. They built a one-story wooden structure on Main Street and named the store J. M. Reuss & Son Drug Store.
Following a major hurricane in 1875, the Reuss’ decided to dismantle and relocate their home and business to Cuero. A year later, Dr. August Reuss passed away after battling tuberculosis. His brother, Oscar Reuss, after graduating from Pharmacy School, joined the family business.
The wooden building was relocated in 1885 to make room for a new modern two-story brick building. The drugstore’s location was on the first floor with the second floor housed a doctor’s office.
The Cuero Star newspaper recorded the store to be “handsomely furnished in all white fixtures and stock of drugs, chemicals, oils, paints, varnishes, proprietary medicines, toilet articles, school supplies and druggist sundries all in full and complete stock.”
Dr. J. M. Reuss passed away in 1908, and a week later, Oscar passed away. Dr. Joseph H. Reuss, the youngest child of Dr. J. M. Reuss, returned from Dallas and managed the store for approximately two years. Oscar’s son, Edward Reuss, then managed the store for a couple of years before dyeing of consumption. His brother, Theodore Reuss, purchased the store from the estate in 1912.
Theodore’s son, Joe Reuss, joined him in 1957 as his associate. In a short time, Theodore fell sick, needed to retire, and left management of the store to Joe. In 1971, Joe Reuss built a larger building at 515 North Esplanade which still houses the Reuss Pharmacy.
Continue Reading Here: Cuero Pharmacy History
