View Edit

1919 ad 2

The Federal Drug Company was a small local chain of drugstores, with the first store opening in 1917 in the Federal Realty Building (aka the Cathedral Building).

The first store opened May 5, 1917, and was managed by C.E. Condon and Thomas P. McCarthy. It occupied two floors, with the drugstore at street level, and a tea and luncheon room in the basement. 1

Less than two years later, the store was purchased by Clair V. Keenan and C.A. Leudeking. 2 By 1930, they had 5 locations: the Cathedral Building, 14th and Harrison, 3301 Grand Ave., Telegraph at 19th, and E14th and 35th Ave. 3

Keenan retired in 1944, and died in 1946. 6

The company lasted until at least 1960, though ads in the 1940s and beyond only mention the Grand Avenue and the 14th and Harrison locations. 4

excerpt of 1925 photo
courtesy Tim Sanchezc.1920 5

Links and References

  1. New Drugstore Will Open Monday Oakland Tribune May 4, 1917
  2. ad Oakland Tribune February 20, 1919
  3. ad Oakland Tribune January 9, 1930
  4. ad Oakland Tribune September 11, 1953
  5. Federal Realty Building by way of Facebook's Oakland History group
  6. Services Set for Drugstore Founder Oakland Tribune December 27, 1946
Edit tags