Pioneer Pharmacist Lionel Waghorn Newspaper Article

6 INSIDER, Sunday, March 24, 1991

N O R T H S H O R E

B U S I N E S S

Lionel Waghorn: Terrace Bay pioneer pharmacist

* Druggist always ready to lend a hand

By Mary Deschatelets

Terrace Bay Correspondent

Lionel Waghorn opened the doors of his pharmacy Sept. 25, 1952 and began providing a vital service to a new and rapidly developing Terrace Bay.

Many things have changed in the town over the past 39 years, but the pharmacy has kept pace to continue fulfilling the needs of the community.

Waghorn, originally from Nipigon, ventured to Toronto for his schooling and upon graduation in 1949 returned to his home town. After finding employment in Kenora and working there for two years, he felt a desire to return to the North Shore. He looked into a much-talked about new community called Terrace Bay and found an opportunity to open his own business.

Back then, medicines were dispensed thorough Dr. Mike McCausland at the hospital, then located at the south camp at the pulp mill.

Waghorn's Pharmacy originally opened in a section of a clothing story owned by S. Bucovetsky of Timmins.

"All I had was a 14-foot by 60-foot space in which to fit my stock room, dispensary and story," he recalls. "It was very confining. It was also difficult to find a place for my family to live."

BUILT STORE

In 1956, Waghorn remedied both situations by hiring the Sillman Construction Company of Thunder Bay, who were in Terrace Bay to build the local elementary public school. They built him a store and a living area above it.

It was located next door to the post office. The new building allowed Waghorn to increase stock of magazines, smokers' supplies, stationary, greeting cards, cameras, film and other sudry items.

Waghorn was associated with the Rexall Drug Company, a pharmaceutical franchise, selling their line of products. But eventually Rexall went into receivership. Waghorn worked alone, except for the help of one assistant to tend the store.

In the 1950s, a local girl, Mary Lou Elliott, apprenticed with Waghorn in the dispensary and now works as a pharmacist in Kapuskasing. In the 1960s, he hired pharmacist Sung Ying Chang ("we called him Andy," laughs Waghorn) to help him with the increased business that was generated by the growth of the community.

"Andy left to go back to school and I had another fellow, Gor Ming Lee, to help out for awhile," said Waghorn.

In 1971, he hired newly-graduated pharmacist Tarmo Ronkainen from Nipigon to help run the dispensary.

In 1981, Waghorn had the interior of the store renovated with new shelving islands and counters to improve use of space and service. In 1988, some exterior renovations included new windows and doors. "We've never expanded the structure of the building," he says.

"There was never any need for it."

PLANNED RETIREMENT

In 1986, with his six children grown, Waghorn planned his retirement. In December of that year, Ronkainen bought him out. "I couldn't have found a better guy to take up where I left off," he says.

Nowadays, Waghorn enjoys his days at his camp at Kama Bay and participates in activities such as cross-country skiing and fishing. He works part time for Ronkainen, covering for him when he wants time off.

Interviewed while working a shift for Ronkainen, who was on vacation with his wife and two daughters, Waghorn summed up some of the changes made by the new owner. In 1987, a computer system was installed in the dispensary to update and improve service. Ronkainen now employs four full-time and one part-time staff. The business hours have been slightly changed to take out evening services and some store items have been changed, including the removal of all tobacco products from the shelves to promote good health.

"I don't think he plans to expand," says Waghorn. "He has his hands pretty full with the way things are."

Ronkainen's Pharmacy continues to fulfilling the need of the community that Waghorn discovered 39 years ago.

Lionel Waghorn still works part time at his former post

The pharmacy, now owned by Tarmo Ronkainen

Tarmo Rankainen bought out his former boss in 1986

29 cm (width) x 34 cm (height)