Renfro, Joseph F 1974-01-01

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Joseph Renfro, longtime pharmacist and former president of Renfro Drug Company, talks about the drug store business.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Joseph F. Renfro

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: January 01, 1974

Location: Brownwood, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 1 hour 45 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Gives background, Born: December 15, 1909, in Brownwood, Names schools attended there, Involvement in drug business, Comments on beginnings by David Kennedy Renfro, Ranching at San Saba discussed, Opened store in Fort Worth, His experiences recounted, Lists names of people in drug business, Expansion noted, Tells about early days in Brownwood.

Tape 1, Side 2: College experiences related, Took State Board of Pharmacy test, Started working in pharmacy in Austin, El Paso transfer explained, Returned to Austin, United Drug Company described, Considers Brownwood situation, Post-World War I years.

Tape 2, Side 1: Continues telling about moves for business, Growth in Austin noted, Open market buying practiced, Comments on growth location, Financial problems discussed, Resigned position with Renfro Drug Division of Sommers Drug Company, Began association with Safeway Drug Store Company, Encountered problems with Kroger over name, Drug business sold out.

Tape 2, Side 2: Returned to Texas, Hired as consultant pharmacist by Texas Welfare Department, Discusses the medical assistance program division of Texas Welfare Department, Other Renfro Drug Stores listed, Fort Worth Store situation explained, Renfro name on stores ended with purchase by Sommers Drug Company.

Range Dates: 1909-1974

Bulk Dates: 1909-1974


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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