1963 Woods Drug Store

The year '1963' marks a 40th anniversary in Fowlerville for Thomas G. Woods.

Forty years in the drug business and forty years of 'living' in Fowlerville, throughout which time Tom and Bess have become a part of theh community, not only through their business service, but in many innumerable ways for the betterment of their hometown.

Three years after their marriage, in 1920, in Clare, Tom and Bess came to make their home in Fowlerville, having purchased the drug business of A.C. Spencer.

This year, 1923, was doubly eventful for them, for in that same year, their daughter, Betty was born. Betty, now Mrs. Glendon Plummer, has added happiness to their life by presenting them with two grandchildren, Glenna and Tommy.

A part of the family also, was 'Grandma' Alger, the late Ann Alger, mother of Mrs. Woods, who made her home with them until she passed away in 1960 nat the age of 94.

Tom is a member and Past Master of Fowlerville Lodge F.&A.M. No. 164, a Past Commander of American Legion Ordson A. Rose Post No. 215, a member since its organization and also Past President of the Fowlerville Commercial Club; a Past Secretary of the Fowlerville Fair Association; and a member of the Fowlerville Development Corporation. In keeping with modern progress, the names of Thomas G. Woods is listed among the members of the newly-organized Independent Druggist League (IDL), which has been formed in order for the independent druggist to offer products to their customers at competitive prices.

In 1962, Thomas Woods was made an honorary member of the Fowlerville High School Alumni Association and invited to give the address at the annual alumni banquet.

Bess is a member and Past Matron of the Fowlerville Chapter Order of Eastern Star and served as Chapter Organist for 25 years. She has been associated in the music department of the Methodist Church since 1924, presently filling the position of church organist, a service she has rendered for many years. She also was actively affiliated with the Philomathean Club for several years.

On Sunday, March 16, all the employees of the drug store during the past 40 years were present with their spouses at a celebration at the Woods' home in honor of the occasion.

Those present were Dr. and Mrs. A.C. Spencer, former owners of the store; Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne Curtis of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Peterson of Hastings; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Haist of Charlotte; Mrs. Kate Swinehart and Bud Swinehart of Mason; Mr. and Mrs. Mac McKenzie; Mr. and Mrs. George Damman; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Benjamin; Mr. and Mrs. Glendon Plummer; Glenna and Tommy; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Russell; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Korteir of Owosso; Mrs. Clarilyn VanSickler; the Misses Ruth Utter, Linda Manning, Karen Monroe, and Glenda Palmerton.

Quoting Tom: 'This was, I feel, the highest honor that could have been paid to me to have all my past and present employees at this gathering.'

Centering the table from which a buffet dinner was served was an anniversary cake made in detailed replica of a soda fountain.

In behalf of those present, Linda Manning presented Mr. and Mrs. Woods with a gift, as a token of remembrance of this very memorable occasion.

Pictures were taken and the remainder of the afternoon spent visiting and reminiscing.

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The above article was published in The Fowlerville Review. According to information obtained speaking with various village residents, the Woods house mentioned is at the southwest corner of South Second Street and Frank Street. That house is currently being redecorated.