Beckley Post-Herald The Raleigh Register from Beckley, West Virginia • Page 7

Post-Herald and Register. Beckley. W. Sunday Morning, -7 to The White Cross, Tin Roofs And Old Drug Stores By BRENDA MeDANlEL Women's Editor; Sodas going for 15 cents Saturday, Cokes were a nickel apiece, a malt was a quarter. Like in the old days.

But "soda fountain specials" at the White Cross Pharmacy signaled the end of yet another Beckley Institution. The White Cross Pharmacy, where a tight group of old regulars met every day for lunch 0 or a cup of coffee and some gossip, is no more. The death certificate on the White Cross was actually signed Aug. 3 0 sisters, Edith Bruster Corsica and Mary Alice Bruster Mayse, signed the papers closing the deal. The drug store, which had been in the Bruster family for 55 years was sold to Mr.

and Mrs. Charles Kleusner. The first thing Kleusner did was change the name to Professional Pharmacy The second thing he did was make plans to close down the fountain, the last drug store soda a i a i i Beckley. JAMES BRUSTER came to Beckley from Princeton in 1919 to take inventory of what was then the'Red Cross a a One of the owners, a Dr. Bickel had died.

The other owners talked Bruster -into buying a third 'interest in the store, then located on Main Street where Columbia Gas Co. is now. Bruster moved his -wife, Nina D. Bruster. and his two 'daughters, Mary Alice, 13, and Edith, Beckley.

Fire hit the Red Cross Pharmacy "(the name was changed to White Cross during World War I presumably to avoid confusion with the American Red Cross) six months after Bruster bought into the business. The fire started in the Candy Kitchen on the corner of Main and a a a streets where Home Insurance now stands. The fire stopped in the Red Cross Pharmacy where'new fountain fixtures had just-been installed. For a few months after the fire the Red Cross in the a of the Beckley Hotel; At that time there was only one'' other drug store in town, the Beckley Drug Co. located across Main Street from the Raleigh County Courthouse.

The Red Cross opened its new store on Main Street next door to its old The American Finance Corp. is located in that. building now. a bought out his partners and become sole owner the White Cross Pharmacy; In April of 1927 James Bruster died, leaving the business to his wife 1 and daughters. MARY ALICE, who was teaching at Central Grade School at the time of her father's death, finished out that year in the classroom then entered the drug store She and her mother ran the drug store and in September of 1927 they bought out the Kelly Drug which operated where Embees now is and moved across the street to.

that store. The White Cross remained at that location until 1932 when it moved to its present location on the corner of 'Main and North Kanawha. In 1941 the Brusters acquired the other part of the bottom floor of the Building and opened the gift shop with a $25 selection of items. Nina Bruster ran the gift -shop until her death in 1966. In 1934 Edith Bruster a a Louisville College of Pharmacy.

She was the only woman in her graduating class and the only woman to state board licensing test that year. i "learned to jerk sodas when I had to stand on a box to reach the counter," jumped into her late father's shoes and joined the family at White Cross. FOR A LONG time Edith Bruster was Beckley's only woman pharmacist. 'She says she experienced no discrimination because of her sex once she got home, but her presence in pharmacy school was resented by some. "One professors" told me on the first day in class.

Til do my power to fail Edith says she thanked him. told him she was at least glad to know where they stood with each other. "By the time- I a a though, I never had a better friend than that professor," 'she says. Edith'ended her reign as Beckley's only female pharmacist in the late '40s or early '50s when she talked Betty Conner McCorkle into i in a a school and into working for her. Mrs.

McCorkle now a- pharmacist at Southern West Virginia Clinic. Other. pharmacists who have worked behind the White Cross counter have Ray B. Sigmund, who joined the White Cross-staff in 1959 after. working at Watkins for 25 years, and the Bruster sisters' cousin, a graduated.

from pharmacy school with Edith. In 1938 Edith Bruster married a a league baseball pitcher from New Jersey, John J. Corsica Jr. "I met him when he came to town to play for Beckley's team, the Bengals," she says. The Gorsicas had one son, John Joseph Grosica graduated in pharmacy from the Medical College of.

Virginia in 1962. Young Corsica was a pharmacist at- White Cross from 1962 to 1971, when, as his mother "he left to go back to his real love, hospital pharmacy." At the present he-is a pharmacist at Beckley A a a i a Regional Hospital. NINA BRUSTER was proud of the fact she had watched three generations of her family graduate from a a school. Mr. Bruster got the ball rolling when he graduated from Ohio Northern University School of Pharmacy.

The elder Corsica played professional ball from 1939 to 1951 and "helped in the -store between seasons." With the help of his-wife, John Corsica Jr. managed Bowl Wick Lanes from 1960 until this past July when he decided to retire. "Edith would work in the (drug) store until 6 o'clock in the evening, run home and cook a bit then go out to the bowling, alley with Johnny and work there until closed," her sister, Mary Alice, recalls. Edith was the bookkeeper at Bowl Wick. THE PROGRAM for a "Woman's Day Observance" to be held at the Welcome Baptist Church, Oct.

20 is discussed by five members of the planning committee (from left) Mrs. Virginia Lawson, secretary; Mrs. Marie Richardson, publicity chairman; Mrs. Ada Walton, treasurer; Mrs. Lettie Smith, publicity committee; and Mrs.

Leila Nabors, chairman. Guest speaker for the program will-be Mrs. Eliza Duckworth of New York City, president of the New York Progressive Baptist State Convention Women's Auxiliary. Other members of the committee not shown are Mrs. Cleo James, co-chairman; Mrs.

Alma Evans, publicity committee; Mrs. Annie Duren, hospitality committee; Mrs. Alease a i i a i a secretary; and Miss Cynthia Johnson, chairman of young women. The Rev. Thomas Pryor is pastor of the church.

Hearty Soup and Sandwiches By CAMILLE J. STAGG Chicago Sun-Times Back to school means, back to scheduled lunches- for the children; whether they eat school cafeteria food, brown-bag -it or come home for a i youngsters who come home to eat is no small a a famished, often fussy about' what they eat and in a hurry to get back to school on time. In addition, the food should be nourishing and well-balanced. is becoming more common for several mothers to a i i lunchtime responsibility, freeing the rest for shopping and other chores. Usually, each child brings his own 'sandwich, and the hostess provides the rest.

When it your turn, pair hot soup with 'the bagged sandwich the youngsters bring. Round out the menu simply with fresh fruit, milk and perhaps some cookies. Canned soup is a convenience you may want to rely on, but instead warming it up, vegetables for extra nourishment and flavor. and top each child's serving with something fun, like rings. School-Bell Soup small onion, chopped 1 a or 2 (11-ounce) cans condensed tomato-beef noodle soup 2 soup-cans water 1 (10-ounce) package frozen' peas and carrots, cooked.

and drained cheese curls and pretzel rings In. i saucepan, cook onion in butter until tender. Add soup, water and vegetables. Heat, stirring occasionally. Garnish with' cheese curls and pretzel rings.

Serves 6. Here are a few sandwich ideas that children should like: a a on Spread 1 slice i a i margarine, top with slice of cold meat loaf, top with catsup if desired and second slice of bread. a Spread 1 slice oatmeal bread thinly with peanut butter, top with about 2 ounces sliced chicken, a sprinkling of coconut and. The Bruster sisters plan to' enjoy their retirement and. the freedom it brings, but they delighted in their years of working in the store and they like to talk about the 'old days.

They are part i a of the reputation they built and-of their loyal customers. Gorsica estimates that near the end, the'drug store joyed the patronage of 40 or 50 regular customers who came in every The- sisters knew them 'all- by name and a a the store a friendly, homey atmosphere. THE CHANGE has not left the old White Cross guard happy. "What will we- do without you?" they lament to the'sisters. Some have cried and some-have gone 'so far- as to say that selling the store was an.

in- 'considerate act on the part of the sisters. The a remark is "It just won't be the same." And it won't be. Kleusner has big plans for his new pharmacy. He intends to concentrate on 'what he calls "quality prescription service." With the fountain out of the way Kleusner- will-' move the customers." prescription counter to the To help, dull the pain front of the store. It will "somewhat for the devoted i his words a customers who.

have lost their fountain, Kleusner and his will put in two lounges, one the gift shop and one in the- prescription department, -where patrons may a spell and drink free coffee and hot chocolate or buy a Coke from the machine. This is the first White Corss Pharmacy, then called the Red Gross Pharmacy and located on Main Street where the Columbia Gas Co. is now. James Bruster bought a third interest in this store and eventually bought out his it open. But to do that we particularly excited about would have been forced to the projected lounge for the raise prices to at least dpu- gift shop.

The focal point of ble what they are, and that, that area will be a large fire- a i a place which has been hidden behind' shelves. partners. This first store with its marble-countered soda fountain burned in 1920 shortly after Bruster became a. partner. "modern apothecary." Kleusner explains his reasons for closing te fountain as purely financial.

"The books show that every year for the past five or so years the fountain has lost about $3,000, that comes out to about $10 a day. We were between a rock and. a hard place. We could close the a i and eliminate customers, or we could keep Kleusner says "you don't have to buy anything in the store to come in and rest a while." The new owners are Coming Events Local organizations are -invited to use this column, for announcements of regular or special meetings. Telephone 253-3321" or "mail' your' notice' to the" Women's Department-of Beckley Newspapers.

Notices received by 10 a.m. will be used the same dav. Sunday calendar announcements must be received at'the office before noon on Saturday. raisins, and another slice of bread. a Spread 1 slice whole wheat bread with-mayonnaise, top with 1 bologna slice and 1 cheese slice, top with pickle relish and other breas slice.

If you are not packing sandwiches, you might make them the night before, wrap well in plastic wrap or foil and chill. Any of the above suggestions freeze well without the lettuce. (If i pack lettuce separately to be added to sandwich at lunchtime.) Each of the above makes one a i Cut into halves or quarters for easy eating. Incomes Down Farm incomes declined each month of the first quarter of 1974. During the same period, consumers' per capita disposable incomes rose from $4,350 to $4,402.

Retail meat prices in the i a also declined. Beef prices were the same as a year ago, but were down 4.6 per cent from the start of 1974. SUNDAY Amicae Club', silver tea, home of Mrs. Lois Lewis, 126 Segmon 3-6 p.m. Raleigh County Garden Council Flower.Show, Comm i i Street, p.m.

John Scott Lodge-1070, Elks Home, S. Fayette 5 p.m. Raleigh County Branch, NAACP, regular meeting, Central Bpatist Church, 4 p.m. a a Eagles, Beckley Aerie 2377, covered-dish family picnic, Beckley a a i p.m. American Legion Post 70, post home, 319 S.

Fayette 7 p.m. a i a Temple, No. 738, "special meeting, Elks Home, South Fayette Street, 6 p.m. MONDAY a a i a Garden Mrs. Margie Anderson, 931 Scott 7 p.m.

A i i a to Raleigh County Medical Society, woman-s UUD 'of Beckley Clubhouse, 12:30 p.m.-;. executive board meeting at-11 a.m. 'Coal City Chapter 136, Order of Eastern Star, friendship night, Masonic City, i i a Circle 3, Ebenezer Baptist Church, home of Mrs. Martha Woodson, Springdale- Avenue, 1 p.m. TUESDAY Golden Gate Rebekah Lodge No.

206, IOOF Lodge Hall, Mabscott, regular meeting and initiation of new members, 7:30 p.m. Beginners square dance' classes, Fred T. Stacy, a a i former Teen Town, IIS 1 Prince 8.to 10 p.m. Rhododendron' Garden Club, Wilkes residence, i i a former members will 'be guests, 7:30 p.m. i i a i 3 Welcome Baptist Church, of 216 Saunders 7 p.m.

Senior Choir of Welcome Baptist Church', at the p.m. WEDNESDAY Raleigh County 409, American Association of Retired Persons, First Christian Church, social hour at 11:30 followed by carry-in luncheon. Births Appalachian Regional a a Wayne Chapman, Route 1, Mount Hope; Ricky- Dale, Sept. 3, 8 pounds, 15 ounces: Mr. and Elmer Lee Nagye, son, Mark Anthony, 7 pounds, 12 ounces; a I a a Williams Henry Ward Route 3, Beckley, daughter, Lori Ann, Sept.

pounds, 8 ounces; Mr. and Mrs. Robert a i Fayetteville, son, Robert Dwayne, Sept. 4, .7 pounds, .13 ounces; Mr. Earl Arthur, 340 Mankin son, Terry Jason, Sept.

6,6 pounds; 11 ounces; Mr. and "Mrs." Richard Darip Culicerto, 118 Wilson Beckley, son, Mathew Ryan, Sept. 6, .7 ounces; Mr. -and Mrs. Jackie Lee Tyree, 210 Earehart Beckley, daughter, Misty Dawn, Sept.

7, 7 pounds, 12 ounces; a Pa.ul. Michael Legg, Oak Hill, daughter, Tanya Ann; Sept. 11, 4 ounces; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Glen Holdren, Artie, son, Travis Glen, Sept.

12, 8 pounds, 4 and Mrs. Sterling Larry T. Pennix, Helen, a a i a Danyeal, Sept. 12, 7 pounds, 4 ounces; Mr. and'Mrs.

Howard Lee Simms, Route 12, Rainelle, daughter, Rebecca Lee, Sept. 12, 8 pounds, 5 ounces; KODACOLOR Film a i In Own KING PHOTO i 1 9 8 for years '-'That's where.we will put our large Christmas tree each year," Kleusner says. MRS; GORSICA that her fountain service was losing money.and that in fact the gift shop carried the other, departments, but she says, "what you have to consider is that the fountain drew people in and they' would spend money in other parts of the store." Last year, the store showed the highest profits in its history. Mrs. Gorsica and Mrs.

Mayse hope the pharmacy stays in downtown because, Mrs. Gorsica says, "I think the city needs an independent pharmacy." Kleusner hopes he can make a go of it in downtown. He plans to spruce up the building by lowering the ceiling and putting in new lights. And he will over offer 2 4 prescription service. wants to see Chuck Kleusner fail in.

his new venture, but the old i a Tin aficionados will miss the high "ceilings -and-the dark interior, a place to gather and chat. James Bruster used to a i "meet friends at the White-Cross" in the Beckley newspapers. But progress says we must say goodbye to the White Crdss and Tin Roofs (the- enduring White Cross speciality of. the' house, a scoop of. vanilla ice topped wth chocolate syrup -and whole peanuts) and the memory of James and Nina Bruster.

and Flappers (a fizzy Coke with ice cream; in it, a speciality which died out when the soda jerk- no-longer had to mix the Coke syrup a a water), the memory of King of Pain Tonic, which every could; be taken internally or on," and the wine the Brusters sold as tonic in the' days of 'Goodbye to Beckley's last- old time drug It won't ever be the same. PO LKA DOT 320 NEVILLE STREET, BECKLEY PRESENTS ANOTHER ORIGINAL Acetate nylon lurex long dress. Shirt style bodice, rhineitbrte buttons, french cuffs, tach with fringe defining waistline. Cream color. Sizes 8 to 18 About $50.

very lattit in Fashions tornado Inn, Wtdrwday, 25, 11 A.M. To 8 P.M. "WHERE SMART WOMEN SHOP".