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Hook’s Drug Stores

Online Lecture and Q&A Session

Join us online via Zoom to explore the history of Indianapolis-based Hook's Drug Stores (1900-1986) with Public Historian and Digital Humanist Justin Clark.

Culture, History, and Society: Historic Indianapolis—When John A Hook established his first drug store in 1900, he saw “a need for a drugstore to fill the medical needs of his community at fair prices, [and] he put his integrity into the filling of his prescriptions.” In its 90-plus years, Hook’s Drugs expanded from a single location in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis to become one of the largest drugstore chains in the United States, with over 380 locations and millions in annual sales. In this free online session, from public historian Justin Clark, you'll learn how Hook’s dedication to excellent customer service, advancements in civil rights, and drug abuse prevention made the brand synonymous with fairness, kindness, and the personal touch. Registration is required.

Presented by Justin Clark, a public historian and digital humanist based in the Midwest. He holds a B.S. in History and Political Science from Indiana University Kokomo and an M.A. in Public History from Indiana University Indianapolis. A specialist in intellectual history and digital humanities, his writing has appeared on the Indiana Historical Bureau’s Untold Indiana blog and in The Sower and the Seer: Perspectives on the Intellectual History of the American Midwest. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Kalie, and their two cats, Bowie and Luna.

Age Group: Adults

This free online program is part of the Culture, History, and Society programs hosted by the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). It is being held as an online meeting/webinar via Zoom. Registered attendees will receive the Zoom link via email approximately 2 hours before the online meeting/webinar. 

Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker | Email

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