Cape's oldest wooden sign undergoes refurbishment

Broadway Prescription Shop's Original Sign Restored by Local Artist

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO., Aug. 12, 2011 -- The next time you're driving along Broadway you may notice a local staple has received a facelift.

Broadway Prescription Shop's original wooden sign, which dates back to the 1970s, has been restored to its original glory. After hanging proud for nearly 40 years, the sign was in drastic need of repair.

Tim Birk Roth, local artist and wood carver, is responsible for the signs recent rejuvenation. He restored rotted wood, painted and sealed the sign. According to Roth it is the oldest hanging wooden sign in Cape Girardeau.

"It was an interesting piece to work on," says Roth, "I wanted to respect the signs original integrity and keep it true to Broadway Prescription and downtown."

The sign is a mortar and pestle, a tool used to compound pharmaceuticals and a common pharmacy icon.

Carroll Snead, a pharmacist with Broadway Prescription for 54 years, who recently retired in 2009, originally constructed the sign. Snead carved the sign from western red cedar. It is a replica of a sign that hangs in the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum in Louisiana.

"The comparisons between Broadway Prescription Shop's downtown location and wooden sign are pretty interesting when you consider the New Orleans sign origins," says Roth.

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the historic French Quarter, while Broadway Prescription Shop resides in historic downtown Cape Girardeau. Both of which have a rich history as river towns along the Mississippi.

Lee Schlitt and Kevin Wood, who recently purchased Broadway Prescription Shop, see the sign restoration as a small part of a larger downtown revitalization plan. "Restoring Broadway Prescription's sign to its original integrity is just a beginning phase in contributing to Cape's downtown revitalization," says Schlitt. "We want to keep downtown Cape active and beautiful. Broadway Prescription Shop is a part of the great businesses and organizations that reside downtown and we're all excited to do our part to keep it great."

Broadway Prescription Shop is the oldest pharmacy in Cape Girardeau, dating back to 1932. To learn more about Broadway Prescription Shop call 573-335-8207 or visit www.broadwaypharm.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook at facebook.com/broadwayprescriptionshop.

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About Broadway Prescription Shop: Opened in 1932 by Homer George, Broadway Prescription Shop is the oldest pharmacy in Cape Girardeau. Broadway is a full service pharmacy offering prescription drugs, diabetic supplies and footwear, nebulizers, ostomy supplies, immunizations, long term care packaging, walking aids and offers free delivery.