Community Corner

Arlington to Unveil Historic Marker to Honor County's First African American-Owned Pharmacy

Event is Saturday at noon at 2415 Shirlington Road in Arlington.

The Arlington County Historic Preservation Program will unveil a historic marker Saturday, Nov. 8 in honor of Leonard “Doc” Muse and the six-decade history of the Green Valley Pharmacy, Arlington County’s first African-American owned and operated pharmacy, according to a news release from the county. Here’s more about the event, from the release:

The public is invited to join Doc Muse, the Nauck Civic Association, County Board members and others to celebrate this historic pharmacy, its owner and operator, and the Nauck community.

Doc Muse has operated the Nauck neighborhood pharmacy since September 1952. Designated an Arlington County Historic District in 2013, the Green Valley Pharmacy is among the most successful, well-known and cherished businesses in Nauck.

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Pharmacy opened during segregation

When Green Valley Pharmacy first opened, no other pharmacies in Arlington welcomed the African-American community. Typically, African-American customers had to use rear entrances and received poor service. At Green Valley Pharmacy, customers could not only get their prescriptions filled, they could dine at the pharmacy’s counter, where breakfast, lunch, dinner and an array of ice cream desserts were served.

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Doc Muse, a 1948 graduate of the Howard University School of Pharmacy, continues to operate the pharmacy with the assistance of his granddaughter and his volunteer staff. The pharmacy is open every day of the week, including holidays.

Background

The Nauck Town Square is in preliminary planning, and a community process will begin in 2015. The pharmacy is within the boundaries of the Nauck Village Center Special Revitalization District and proposed town square area. The central intersection of Shirlington Road and 24th Road South will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly town square that will serve as the neighborhood’s main shopping, entertainment and social core. Green Valley Pharmacy’s designation as a local historic district helps protect the building and can help guide the development of sensitive and compatible new development.

What

  • Green Valley Pharmacy Historic Marker Designation

When

  • Saturday, Nov. 8 at 12 noon (rain or shine)

Where

  • Green Valley Pharmacy, 2415 Shirlington Road

Who

  • Leonard “Doc” Muse
  • Nauck Civic Association
  • County Board members
  • County staff and leadership

PHOTO: ”Doc” Muse with Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette; county photo


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