Miller’s Drug Store
Quality service with a small-town feel—that’s what Miller’s Drug Store has given to Malvern since 1890, when Mr. Rhoden and Lee Miller (previously a traveling medicine man) opened the doors as Rhoden & Miller in downtown Malvern, Arkansas. The A-framed building housed the store until a fire engulfed the town and destroyed most of Main Street in 1898.
Lee Miller and his son, James "Colburn" Miller, reopened the drugstore a block or 2 away. It was opened under the name Lee Miller & Son. Changes have been made since then, but the location has remained the same.
After Lee's death in 1915, Colburn took over. The Great Depression caused a severe strain on the store, and Colburn's wife, Roberta, took out a promissory note to keep the store out of bankruptcy. Colburn and Roberta had three sons - James Colburn Jr. (J.C.), Robert, and Lynn. All three graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1941, 1950, and 1957 respectively. The three assumed ownership of the store after Colburn's death in 1952.
Around this time a second location, known as Miller's Pharmacy, was opened on Highland St. across from the County Hospital. A soda fountain was also added to the original downtown location, which became the source of many stories about root bear floats, nickel drinks, curb side service, and blown straws stuck in the ceiling. Some of these straws remarkably remain stuck. The soda fountain was sadly closed around 1960.
Lynn and Wanda Miller's son, Lynn "Dixon" Miller graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1982. He started working as a pharmacist the same year as a tornado destroyed the second location, Miller's Pharmacy. Dixon happened to be in the store when the tornado hit and has many stories to tell from that day.
Dixon and Dorathy Miller's daughter, Sable, graduated from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015. Dixon and Sable now run the store, which is still located in downtown Malvern. There are many remnants and much memorabilia from previous generations proudly displayed throughout the store today.
Miller’s Drug Store also features a gift shop and offers immunizations, over the counter medications, school and office supplies, oral hygiene products, and countless other essential items. The also operate as a long-term care pharmacy.
As a long-term care pharmacy (LTCP), we provide medications and consultant pharmacy services to longterm care facilities such as nursing homes. As a LTCP, we provide continuous access to a pharmacist as well as offer emergency delivery of medication. Our main focus is to ensure that patients have access to their medication therapies in a timely manner.
Miller’s Drug Store is housed at 231 S. Main St. in Malvern and is open for business Monday-friday, 8 a.m.5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8-11:30 a.m. Call 501-3322351 for more information.