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DOCTOR
FRED WOODHULL (1863-1919) began his medical practice in Deloraine in
1888. But when a fire consumed all his belongings in 1889 he bought a
drug store from the doctor in Hartney – on the condition that he not
practice medicine in competition.
“Doc” Woodhull abided by this agreement, and for 30 years Woodhull’s
Drug Store provided top-notch pharmaceutical services to Hartney. Early
on “Doc” was assisted by his sister, Miss Margaret L. Woodhull, who
registered as an apprentice and graduated in 1900. And when Fred
Woodhull opened a drug store in Alameda, Saskatchewan it was Margaret
who managed that operation.
“Doc” Woodhull led a very busy and productive life as a local
apothecary, and some extracts from our local history suggest the
character of that life: Six years after the store opened it was doubled
in size. During the years they progressed from coal-oil to electric
lighting. But according to some, the building of the new store seemed
to change the complexion of things and most of the glamour departed.
Prescription files however must contain the names of most of the people
who lived here at one time or another. We have customers still living
here who have dealt with us through five generations, and it gives much
pleasure to be able to count them our friends.
Dr. Woodhull was six feet tall and weighed over 250 pounds. He appeared
distinctly stout and was slow in his movements. He was seldom seen to
hurry as his rotund figure moved easily between his home and his
business. His face was round, his lips somewhat pouting and his eyes
dark and friendly as he greeted all.
Dr. Woodhull inaugurated The Hartney Star, of which he was editor. It
was printed in rooms behind the drug store. That enterprise ultimately
was sold to Walpole Murdoch in 1901. Until that time Dr. Woodhull
involved his father, brothers and assistants in its production, and for
many years Dr. Woodhull used this opportunity to record the events of
the district, the opinions of the editors and of subscribers with many
prodding suggestions for the building and improvement of the community.
The lack of poetry was remedied with poems old and original in many
issues.
Dr. Woodhull, besides conducting his business and editing The Hartney
Star was interested in music, in sport and in civic improvement. In
1893, with assistance of Mr. Isabey, he organized a brass band which he
conducted for many years. The band practiced over the Pierce Pump
Factory and played at community gatherings. Later Dr. Woodhull started
an orchestra which enlivened many public gatherings and supplied music
for entertainment in Hartney and in nearby towns. The Woodhull store
sold musical instruments of all kinds and prices, from violins at $5.00
with bow and case, to more valuable ones priced at $300.00.
Many who were interested in music gathered in the evenings at the drug
store, especially when a piano awaiting sale was on display, and heard,
or took part in, an informal concert, or listened to the phonograph
records that were to be found there. At one time a dispensary quartet
was formed, the leading signer of the group being Percy Hollingshead,
whose ability Dr. Woodhull recognized and encouraged.
Adapted from The Mere
Living, page 138.
Miss
Margaret Woodhull
Miss Margaret Woodhull preceded her brother as apprentice and graduated
in pharmacy in 1900 – the first woman pharmacy graduate in Manitoba.
Dr. Fred Woodhull opened a second drug store in Alameda, Saskatchewan,
which Miss Woodhull managed. After her mother’s death in 1907 she
returned to the Hartney store, but later she owned and operated drug
stores at Davidson and Asquith in Saskatchewan. When Dr. Woodhull died
in 1919, Miss Woodhull returned to the Hartney store which she operated
until another brother, Harvey, returned to Hartney. Miss Woodhull
retired to rooms over the drug store and followed her hobby of painting
pictures of scenes along the Souris River.
Adapted from The Mere
Living, page 143.
Miss Margaret Woodhull.
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