Landmark pharmacy closing after 95 years

LEWISTON – The anticipated economic boon from lower Lisbon Street’s gateway project was the final straw in Dan Boisse’s decision to close the nearly 100-year-old pharmacy he took over from his father more than four years ago.

“I just can’t handle more business without more help,” said Boisse, who is closing the landmark National Pharmacy on Wednesday.

Boisse said he has tried for years to hire another pharmacist to share the workload, which is bound to increase as a result of the $20 million neighborhood revitalization project. He advertised online and through newspaper ads, but kept running up against candidates who expected $80,000 to $100,000 salaries to start.

“I’d have to increase my prices to my cash customers” to pay for that kind of salary, said Boisse. “And I’m not willing to do that.”

Many of his customers are residents of downtown housing complexes for the elderly. The pharmacy makes free home deliveries, extends customer credit, speaks French and often ranks near the top of the state’s list of lowest-priced pharmacies.

Opened in 1908, the business was initially named Pharmacie Nationale and catered to Lewiston’s predominately Franco population.

The store today offers an eclectic mix of merchandise. In the back is the pharmacy, but the front portion of the store has an assortment of knickknacks and gifts, including Merry dolls festooned in lacy dresses and hats.

Apothecary jars filled with herbs such as Jacob’s ladder, sassafras and penny royal line a portion of one wall. Boisse said his dad began offering herbal mixtures back in the 1970s; several of the jars sport labels written in French.

Jimi Bellmore has been using National since he moved back to the area four years ago. On Friday, he came in to settle his account and drop off a thank-you card.

“I’m very sorry to see them go,” said Bellmore. “They’re great people, very personable. You don’t get that kind of personal service from … chains.”

Boisse said many of his customers have expressed disappointment, but after several years of six-day work weeks, he’d like to spend more time with his family. He will begin working at the CVS pharmacy on East Avenue, which is where all remaining prescriptions will be transferred.