Robert F. Holmes


Company Names, addresses, dates: 1
  Lawrence & Holmes, 76 Main St., Norfolk VA (1895-1896) 2,3
  Robert F Holmes & Co, 196 (76) Main St., Norfolk VA (1896-1906)
  East Main Pharmacy (Robt F Holmes prop.), 471 Main St., Norfolk VA (1908-1928)

Notes:
Edward. F. Lawrence (ca.1860-1896)4 and Robert Francis Holmes (1855-1931)5 opened the "Lawrence & Holmes" drug store in January of 1895.2

In prior years, Lawrence was working for the John W. Burrow drug store. The firm "Lawrence & Holmes" was short-lived, because Lawrence passed away in 1896. 6
Later in 1896, Holmes took over the store and it was renamed "Robert F. Holmes & Co".3
I could not find who the "& Co" referred to.

In 1906, Holmes incorporated and dropped the "& Co" from the name. He also announces his intent to enlarge and upgrade the store.7
That year he also petitions for bankruptcy.8
In September of that year, he severs his connection with the drug store9, and it becomes the "Howard Drug Co"1.

In subsequent years, Holmes is listed in city directories as the proprietor of the "East Main Pharmacy".1 I found no indication that he owned that store.


Bottles:
holmes_01 This is a clear 4.2" bottle embossed:
vertical: ROBT F. HOLMES & CO / DRUGGISTS / NORFOLK, VA.
base: C L G CO


1 Norfolk City directories, 1851,66,70,72,74-75,77,80,82-83,85-86,88-89,90-92,94-95,97-99,1900-20,22-25,27-28,30
2 Norfolk Virginian, 17-Jan-1895, p.6 (Lawrence & Holmes opening announcement)
3 Public Ledger, 17-Mar-1896, p.4 (Lawrence & Holmes dissolution announcement)
4 Find-a-grave entry for Edward F. Lawrence
5 Find-a-grave entry for Robert Francis Holmes
6 Norfolk Virginian, 21-Feb-1896, p.2 (Obituary for Edward Lawrence)
7 Norfolk Landmark, 06-Feb-1906, p.6 (Article: "Robert F. Holmes Company Incorporated")
8 Public Ledger, 07-Mar-1906, p.10
9 Norfolk Landmark, 11-Sep-1906, p.2


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This page last updated on September 20, 2025.