Ernest L. Robey
Company Names, addresses, dates:
Herndon
William I. Robey & Son, Pine Street, Herndon VA (c.1888-1900) 1
Ernest L. Robey, Pine Street, Herndon VA (c.1900-1917) 1,2
Fairfax
Ernest L. Robey, Main Street, Fairfax VA (c.1904-1927) 1,3
Washington DC
Ernest/Frank Robey, N. Capitol & H Streets NW, Washington D.C. (1911-1922) 4,5
Robey's Drugstore, 200 Upshur St. NW, Washington D.C. (1922-c.1927 5
Frank Robey, 5017 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington D.C. (c.1927-1930) 5
Frank Robey, Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C. (1931) 5
Notes:
Ernest Lee Robey (1869-1938)6
had drugstores in Herndon, Fairfax City, and (with his brother Frank) Washington DC.
When he was in his teens, he worked in the Falls Church drug store of
M.E. Church.
He later worked for a pharmacy in Washington D.C. before coming back to Herndon
where he started a drugstore. Besides his drugstore business, he
was the president of the National Bank of Herndon, served as the town mayor, and
became an Insurance agent.7
Herndon Drug Store
Ernest started a drugstore in Herndon with his father,
William Isaac Robey (1832-1906)8,
about 1888. His father left the store in Ernest's hands in November 1900.1
In 1917, there was
a large fire in Herndon that burned down (or at least damaged) the store. 2
The new store was housed in the building that is now the Zeffireli restaurant. 9
Fairfax Drug Store
Ernest opened a second drugstore, this one in Fairfax, about 1902.
Dr. Harry L. Burrows managed the Fairfax store. Harry died on June 10, 1927.
In September of that year, Robey sold the Fairfax store to T. Ramsay
Taylor
of Norfolk VA
although it appears that the building remained in the ownership of one of Ernest's brothers,
attorney George B. Robey. 10
Washington DC Drug Store(s)
Ernest opened a third store, this one in Washington DC, in March of 1911. At some
point, this third store was taken over by Frank Robey, Ernest's brother. In 1922, the
store became a People's drug store, and Frank opened up a new drugstore at 200 Upshur
Street, NW. 5
Other related info
Ernest's brother,
Dr. William I Robey Jr,
had a drugstore in Cape Charles VA, and eventually came back to Fairfax County, so he
may have helped out Ernest at some point.
Bottles:
Drugs & Patent Medicines Robeys Syrup White Pine Compound Robey’s Emulsion Cod Liver Oil Robey’s Little Liver Pills Eumenthynol Toilet Cream Chest Protectors Hardware White Lead Window glass Food & Drink Lowneys Chocolate Bonbons Sanitary Ice Cold Water |
Paints Ready mixed paints, all colors Paint brushes Carriage paints Varnishes Putty Turpentine Oils Linseed Oil Castor Oil Floor Oil |
Toilet articles Toilet soaps Perfumes Hair Brushes Combs Tooth Brushes Nail Brushes Infant Brushes Flesh Brushes Tobacco & Cigars Stationary, School Supplies |