Tazewell County Photo of the Month

Francis Ambrose Blue
(1877-1948)

Franicis Ambrose Blue, Tremont Druggist Frank A. Blue, a registered pharmacist, operated the Tremont Rexall Drug Store, a prominent Tremont landmark, for forty years until his death in 1948. Mr. Blue was an active member of the community, serving as mayor of Tremont from 1915-1916. The first city water system was installed while he was Mayor.

As can be seen from the labels displayed below, medicines during the period were mainly prepared by hand or bought in bulk and labeled by the druggist - rather than being bought pre-packaged. Be sure to read the directions on the labels! Makes you glad you live in the days of antibiotics and high tech medical care!

Mr. Blue's drugstore, as most drugstores during the early part of the twentieth century, was a focal point of the community. The store carried dry goods, farm supplies, and contained an ice cream parlor as well as serving the health needs of the community.

According to his obituary in the Tremont News, "Mr. Blue was a man of quiet disposition, admired for his steadfastness and integrity. His life was founded on the principles of honor and he was diligent and conscientious in his work. He will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by the many who knew and respected him throughout the years."

Mr. Blue is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Tremont.