Ridgefield History Club: Memories of Bissells & Other Ridgefield Pharmacies

The closing of Bissell’s – the end of three centuries of independent local pharmacies in Ridgefield – is the topic for the Tuesday, Dec. 16, Ridgefield History Club gathering at 10 a.m. at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s Scott House headquarters, 4 Sunset Lane. Town Historian Jack Sanders will lead a discussion of the evolution of pharmacies here, from the earliest days when doctors often compounded medicines themselves, to the long history of Bissell’s, which was begun in 1853 by Col. Hiram K. Scott and acquired by pharmacist H.P. Bissell in 1895.

All are welcome and attendees are invited to share their own memories, stories and objects related to Ridgefield’s pharmacies and druggists.

The Ridgefield History Club is an informal community discussion program of the Historical Society. The group meets for an hour on the third Tuesday of every month to explore a specific topic in Ridgefield’s history through shared conversation. Each session is recorded and cataloged in the Historical Society’s archive to preserve these stories for future generations.

Everyone is invited, just bring your curiosity and your love of history. Some attend every month, while others join when a topic holds special meaning for them. Longtime Ridgefield residents and newcomers alike are welcome. This free program is a wonderful way to connect with others and discover new insights into our town’s heritage.

For more information, contact the Historical Society at 203-438-5821 or aW5mbyB8IHJpZGdlZmllbGRoaXN0b3JpY2Fsc29jaWV0eSAhIG9yZw==. Parking and seating at the Scott House are limited, and registration is requested for this free program here.