growing up in a drugstore
OUR FAMILY LEGACY
BY MELISSA CAIN LEE
I grew up in a drugstore. My dad, Wilson Cain, was a pharmacist. Along with my mom, they ran Southside Pharmacy in Myrtle Beach.
Some of my fondest memories are of playing in that drugstore. I would stroll the aisles for hours, pretending to shop. I’d take my pretend purse and a cart (that’s what we call it down south) and “buy” items for my imaginary family. I made up how many kids I had and their names, then roamed the aisles “shopping” for them. After “paying” for my items, I’d put everything back and start again!
I remember a small cabinet in the school supply aisle with sliding doors. I was little enough to fit inside, pretending it was my home. There was also a corner with stacked baby formula boxes in a “U” shape, which became my imaginary house.
I met one of my best friends in that drugstore when I was about five. She would come in during summer to buy a scoop of chocolate ice cream for a dime. She loved chocolate so much that my parents nicknamed her “Little Miss Chocolate,” and they would still call her that if they were here today. She was my maid of honor at my wedding to Willie and is still one of my closest friends. (Hi Amy!)
Every morning before school, my dad took my brother and me to the drugstore, where Miss Mildred and Miss Clara made us breakfast. I loved having strawberry ice cream on my toast instead of jelly. While waiting, I read comic books, especially “Richie Rich” and the “Archie” series. As I grew up, I started reading “Tiger Beat” and “Seventeen” magazines.
During breakfast, local men would gather to talk about solving the world’s problems. This continued even after Southside Pharmacy closed, with my dad meeting these men every morning.
After breakfast, our delivery driver, Raleigh Wall, would take my brother and me to school in my mom’s olive-green station wagon. By middle school, we asked to be dropped off on the side of the road to seem cool—middle school can be tough.
I played with paper dolls on the steps of my mom’s office while she handled bills and accounts. Some of my birthdays were celebrated at the Soda Fountain, which had everything from hot dogs to lunch specials. My favorite was Chicken Bog Day on Tuesdays—made in a big silver pressure cooker with yellow rice; it’s still one of my favorite meals.
When I felt sick at school, Raleigh would pick me up and take me to the store until my mom could come get me. The first 27 years of my life were tied to Southside Pharmacy, filled with many memories and lessons.
Growing up in that drugstore shaped who I am today. Every aisle and person I met there is clear in my mind. Willie’s family, who lived in the Inlet and Surfside, would drive to Myrtle Beach for prescriptions—a common thing back then.
Willie interned with my dad at Southside, which started our friendship. Now, three decades later, we’re happy to continue the legacy at Lee’s Inlet Apothecary, serving our community just like my dad did.
There’s something special about growing up in a drugstore. To everyone who has supported Lee’s Inlet Apothecary over the years, you’re part of our family.
Although Southside Pharmacy is just a memory now, my parents and many friends have passed on; their legacy lives on in my heart. Watching Willie work reminds me of my dad. Folding Salty Goat t-shirts brings back memories of my younger days at Southside. As our children grow at The Apothecary, I’m reminded of my parents’ legacy and the blessed life we live. Thank you for twenty-two years!
-Melissa Cain Lee
