Anna Louise James

Anna Louise James at the James' pharmacy c. 1909-1911

Anna Louise James (January 19, 1886 – June 17, 1977) was an influential African American pharmacist and businesswoman in the early 20th century. She is best known for being one of the first African American women to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States and for her significant contributions to her community in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Early Life and Education

Anna Louise James was born in Hartford, Connecticut, to Willis Samuel James and Anna Houston. She was the eighth of eleven children in a family that valued education and hard work. Her father was a former slave who escaped to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The James family moved to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where Anna spent most of her childhood.

In pursuit of her education, James attended the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York City, now known as the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences of Long Island University. She graduated in 1908, making her one of the first African American women to earn a degree in pharmacy in the United States.

Career

After obtaining her pharmacy license, Anna Louise James initially worked in a pharmacy in Hartford. In 1911, she moved back to Old Saybrook to help her brother-in-law, Peter Lane, in his pharmacy. When Lane retired in 1917, James took over the business, renaming it James Pharmacy. This establishment became a staple in the Old Saybrook community, serving not only as a pharmacy but also as a social hub for the town's residents.

James Pharmacy was known for its homemade ice cream and soda fountain, in addition to being a reliable source for medical needs. Anna Louise James ran the pharmacy until her retirement in 1967, after which the pharmacy continued to operate under new ownership but maintained its historic name and legacy.

Legacy

Anna Louise James' contributions to her community and her pioneering role as an African American woman in the pharmacy field have been recognized in various ways. Her legacy is preserved in the history of Old Saybrook and in the annals of African American history and women's history.

In recognition of her impact, the James Pharmacy was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, ensuring that her contributions and the history of the pharmacy are remembered and honored.

Death

Anna Louise James passed away on June 17, 1977, at the age of 91. Her life and work left a lasting imprint on her community and the field of pharmacy, inspiring future generations of African American women pharmacists.

See Also

• History of Pharmacy
• African American firsts
• Women in pharmacy