E.M. Matthews Co. Inc. Pharmacy, 1898 – 1932

Dr. E. M. Matthews (1870 – 1938) began practicing pharmacy in Florence in the early 1890’s. He was initially a druggist with the Gregg & Lynch Drug Store, located in the Opera House Hotel on North Dargan St. (1)

Around 1898, Matthews left Gregg & Lynch and opened a pharmacy on the north side of East Evans Street. The storefront was immediately adjacent to the first floor of the Central Hotel. (2, 5)

In 1899, Matthews was elected as an Alderman of Florence City Council, an office he held for three terms. His effectiveness and apparent popularity resulted in a continuing presence, as Matthews held appointments in several county positions, including Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. During the early 20th century, Matthews was said to have exerted, “a strong political influence,” over the city’s affairs. (1)

Dr. Matthews was a three-time master of local Hampton Lodge of Freemasons, and President of the Florence Shrine Club. He also served on the State Board of Administration for the South Carolina Industrial School in Florence. (1,2,4)

The E.M. Matthews Company made and marketed its own brands of medicine, and filled prescriptions for the patients of Florence’s early physicians. (6)

The man leaning on the post at right in this photograph is Matthews’ business partner, Ancy Lonza Baskin. Baskin was a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and had worked with Matthews as an assistant pharmacist beginning in 1902. (2)

During WWI, Baskin left Matthews’ pharmacy to join the American Red Cross, where he served the American Expeditionary Force as a field physician in the cities of Brest and Dijon, France. (2,3)

Another of Matthews’ assistants was Dr. W. H. Darby, who had established his own successful pharmacy in Florence around 1900. (7)

In 1914, E.M. Matthews’ pharmacy relocated from East Evans Street to Front Street, where it remained in operation until around 1932. (5)

After closing his drug store, Matthews became partner in the business of Oulla’s Furniture Store (formerly Vaughn’s). Like other similar businesses in town, Oulla’s sold caskets, and their furniture delivery trucks served double duty as a hearse and ambulance service. Matthews was the company’s undertaker for several years before his own death from pneumonia in 1938. (4)