📞 Browns Pharmacy  ·  607-467-2298  ·  115 Front St, Deposit, NY 13754
Our History

Serving Deposit since the pioneer days

Browns has been part of life in Deposit for more than 175 years — one of the oldest pharmacies in New York State, and the oldest continuously operated retail business in Deposit.

Since November 1, 1847

It started with a village store in 1847

On November 1, 1847, Allen C. Dean opened a store in the village of Deposit. When he passed away in 1860, the business was bought by his clerk, James E. Brown — who began to feature drugs and medicines. The Brown name has been on the store ever since.

In 1865, James opened one of the earliest drug stores in Binghamton and sold the Deposit business to his brother, Charles K. Brown. Charles became a pharmacist, receiving License No. 18 from the New York State Board of Pharmacy — a board he later served on himself.

In 1888, Mr. Brown built a modern double store to house the growing business, right on the site of the original story-and-a-half frame building. The Brown family tradition carried on with Charles K. Brown, Jr., a 1906 graduate of the Columbia College of Pharmacy.

Brown's Drug Store on Front Street in Deposit, NY, with its striped awning and Drugs & Soda sign
Through the years

More than 175 years in Deposit

1847

Allen C. Dean opens his store in Deposit on November 1 — the beginning of what is now the oldest continuously operated retail business in the village.

1860

After Mr. Dean’s death, his clerk James E. Brown buys the business and begins to feature drugs and medicines.

1865

James Brown opens one of Binghamton’s earliest drug stores and sells the Deposit store to his brother, Charles K. Brown — who earns License No. 18 from the New York State Board of Pharmacy.

1888

Charles Brown builds a modern double store for the growing business, on the site of the original story-and-a-half frame building.

1906

Charles K. Brown, Jr. graduates from the Columbia College of Pharmacy and later carries the family store forward.

1947

Brown’s marks 100 years of serving Deposit.

Today

More than 175 years later, Browns Pharmacy is still independent, still locally owned, and still caring for the families of Deposit.

From the archives

“Brown’s Drug Store — Serving Deposit Since the Pioneer Days”

A look back at Brown’s, as told in a vintage community publication. Tap a picture to see it full size.

Vintage article: Brown's Drug Store — Serving Deposit Since the Pioneer Days Mortar and pestle marked 1847 at Browns Pharmacy

Be part of the next chapter

Stop by 115 Front St, give us a call, or refill online today.

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