A new book, 'The Norwich Pharmacal Company, 1885-2009, A History' by local author Sharon Donahe is for sale at several outlets. (Submitted photos)

By Jim Dunne,

Contributor

NORWICH - Former employees and their families of The Norwich Pharmacal Company, which went through several name changes before it disappeared, will be pleased to know that its history is now available. A new book by local author Sharon Donahe is for sale at several outlets.

For those who experienced the era of The Norwich Pharmacal Company, it is difficult to think of Norwich without “The Pharmacy” and its employees. It was the corporate heart of the community around which the city of Norwich grew.

The Company provided hundreds of research, manufacturing, marketing and allied jobs, employing many talented and skilled professionals, delivering quality products and breakthroughs in drug therapy. This book presents the rich history of The Norwich Pharmacal Company and celebrates the accomplishments of the men and women who contributed to its legacy.

The Norwich Pharmacal Company, 1885-2009, A History covers everything from the arrival of Rev. Lafayette Moore at Norwich in 1885 until the sale of the last remnant of the Company by Procter and Gamble to Warner Chilcott in 2009.

Carefully researched by the author, a former employee, the facts in the story are sourced with footnotes, many of which refer to items found in “The Norwich Pharmacal Archive,” a large collection of documents and artifacts donated to the Chenango County Historical Society by Procter & Gamble in the mid-1990’s and made available to the author for research.

The book itself measures 8 ½ by 11 and has over 250 numbered pages of text and pictures, some in color. Considering the thousands of people who worked for the Company over the years, many, but of course not all, are included in the book’s more than 500 pictures.

The story of most products, acquisitions, both successful and not, and important people, are included. The role played by “The Pharmacy” during wartime is carefully researched. In addition, the changing business environment and decisions made over the years that resulted in the Company’s final closure in 2009 are discussed.

The author spent her 42-year career working at both Eaton Avenue and Woods Corners. She has also written several books on local history, including genealogical topics and business organization histories. With a master’s degree in chemistry, she handles the technical subjects with aplomb, and the sensitive ones with good judgement.

The Norwich Pharmacal Company, 1885-2009, A History is for sale at the South Broad Mercantile, the gift shop at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, and the Chenango County Historical Society Museum gift shop. Copies are also available by contacting the author directly by email at donahesm@roadrunner.com.