Kiesling’s Drug Store – One of a Kind in Houston

Kiesling’s Drug Store made history as a Houston institution for over 100 years. It was founded in 1879 by Charles Kiesling, a German immigrant who came to Houston with a dream of opening his own business.

Tourist Attraction

Kiesling’s was located at the corner of Main and Congress. It became a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The store offered a wide variety of goods, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, candy, and cigars. It also had a soda fountain that was known for its delicious ice cream floats.

Kiesling’s was more than just a place to buy goods. It was also a place to gather and socialize. The soda fountain was a popular spot for people to meet up with friends and family, and the store also hosted a variety of events, such as book signings and political rallies. Kiesling’s was a beloved part of the Houston community, and it played an important role in the city’s history.

Milestones

Here are some additional details about Kiesling’s Drug Store:

The store was originally located at 101 Main Street, but it moved to 502 Main Street in 1900.
Kiesling’s was one of the first stores in Houston to offer a drive-through window.
The store was also one of the first in the city to have air conditioning.
Kiesling’s visited by celebrities, including President John F. Kennedy.
The store was featured in several movies and television shows, including “The Houston Story” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Timeline

Here is the ownership history of Kiesling’s Drug Store:

1879: Charles Kiesling founded the store at 101 Main Street.
1900: The store moved to 110 Main Street.
1910: Charles Kiesling’s son, Harry, joined the business.
1920: Harry Kiesling bought out his father’s share of the business.
1940: Harry Kiesling’s son, Charles II, joined the business.
1960: Charles Kiesling II bought out his father’s share of the business.
1980: Kiesling’s Drug Store closed its doors.
The store was owned by the Kiesling family for over 100 years.

Closure

The store closed its doors in 1980 after 101 years in business. The building was later demolished, and a parking lot now stands in its place. Kiesling’s Drug Store closed in 1980 for a number of reasons. First, the store was facing increasing competition from chain drugstores. Second, the store’s location in downtown Houston was becoming less desirable as the city’s population shifted to the suburbs. Third, the store’s owner, Charles Kiesling II, was nearing retirement and did not have any family members interested in taking over the business.