Wuest Skills Lab Spaces

Edward D. Becker, R.Ph. Pharmacist, Entrepreneur, Friend to All

As a young father and family man, Edward D. Becker (1914-1995) was a Route Manager for the Cincinnati Enquirer.  He bought his first drugstore in 1941 at the corner of Woodburn and Chapel Streets in Walnut Hills.  The original name was Becker HY-PURE DRUGS.  With his wife Gerry at his side as his cashier and bookkeeper, and his uncle, Winfield “Doc” Cordano as pharmacist.   

Ed spent the first few years striving to build the business while attending the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.  Ed graduated in 1948.  The new entrepreneurs were elated that on the very first day of business, $18.00 was their reward.

Although there were six other pharmacies within a 4-block radius, Becker’s emerged as the neighborhood “go to store”.  Ed was known for his welcoming and friendly services as most customers were on a first name basis.  The popular marble top soda fountain was also a neighborhood favorite for the Purcell High school students stopping in for an after-school treat.

As the sixties arrived so did the era of the chain drug store.  At the prodding of a representative of a major drug distributor, Ed took the initiative for expansion and opened his second drug store in Monfort Heights.  The Business exceeded expectations and customers could depend on high quality pharmacy professional to serve their needs.  

Over the next decade ten more stores were added throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.  

As an early innovator Ed Becker established the first “self-serve” drugstore in Cincinnati.  His attention to detail, creative merchandising, and the simplicity of his block style advertising played a significant role in his achieving success.

Ed was honest, friendly, and well liked.  Ed’s generosity topped the list.  He helped many people along the way, a friend to anyone in need.

His great smile and positive attitude endeared him to all who knew him.   

He would be very proud to know that Becker Drug Company took part in sponsorship in a University of Cincinnati Pharmacy Dispensing Lab. 

Becker Drug locations: Walnut Hills, Monfort Heights, Newport, Loveland, Mt. Carmel, Morrow, Colrain, Price Hill, Bethel, Alexandria, Ross, and Ferguson RD.

He would be proud to know he took part in sponsorship in a University of Cincinnati Pharmacy Dispensing Lab