Snouder’s Drug Store

All Work | Snouder’s Drug Store, Oyster Bay, New York

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Snouder’s Drug Store

Oyster Bay, New York

Scope

Established in 1884, Snouder’s Drug Store is the oldest operating business in Oyster Bay. The first telephone in Oyster Bay was installed here, and for several years it remained the only one in the town. When Theodore Roosevelt became Governor of New York State, and later President, the press corps gathered at Snouder's to transmit news from Oyster Bay; the store was a center of commercial and social life in Oyster Bay. It is a Town of Oyster Bay Landmark.

Purchased by a real estate developer who sought to demolish the building - indicating that it was unrestorable, the Town of Oyster Bay enlisted the services of JHPA, Inc. to perform an evaluation of the building. The forensic examination proved that the building was eminently restorable, and in the course of the on-site examination JHPA, Inc. found the timber structure of an 18th century building incorporated into the Snouder’s store construct.

Guided by the Conditions Assessment Report, the Town denied the demolition of this historic building, it has now been restored and will be an historic touchstone in Oyster Bay for years to come.

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