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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v01n02)
Lobraico's Rexall Drugs - A historic look back - part 1
by Alan Hague
posted: May 27, 2004

The corner of Westfield and Guilford has a rich history. Originally the meeting place for the IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows), the post office and Watt's Drug, later became the home of Lobraico's Rexall Drugs for over 60 years. Here is part one of the story of Mike Lobraico.

Previously the home of the I.O.O.F., the Post Office and Watt's Drugs, it was Lobraico's Rexall Drugs for sixty-six years. It is now Chelsea's. Ivy (Opal Wilson) Lobraico is behind the counter in the center, also pictured is Cal Hughey.
Previously the home of the I.O.O.F., the Post Office and Watt's Drugs, it was Lobraico's Rexall Drugs for sixty-six years. It is now Chelsea's. Ivy (Opal Wilson) Lobraico is behind the counter in the center, also pictured is Cal Hughey.
image courtesy of Lobraico family


Mike Lobraico's father, Joseph Maria Lobraico, came to America from Laurenzana, Italy at age 13 as an indentured immigrant. He married Judita "Sarah" Pantone in 1884 in Indianapolis. Mike was born in Indianapolis on April 9, 1894. He was the fifth of ten children.

Joe Lobraico and his ten children in the late 1930's: Tony, Dollie, Frank, Anna, Mary, Joe, Angelina, Ida, Flora. Mike and Rocco in front
Joe Lobraico and his ten children in the late 1930's: Tony, Dollie, Frank, Anna, Mary, Joe, Angelina, Ida, Flora. Mike and Rocco in front
image courtesy of Lobraico family


Mike Lobraico
Mike Lobraico
image courtesy of Lobraico family


Mike carried newspapers and played solo trumpet in Venderworker's Newsboys Band. Mike worked in his father's fruit store before earning his Pharmacy degree in 1912 at the Indianapolis College of Pharmacy. The college was in the Indiana Trade School where Arsenal Technical High School is now. He was 18 years old at graduation and grew the mustache that he would keep for the rest of his life.
His first pharmacist job was at a drug store across from Union Station. One day when Mike was working at the downtown store, a girl came in and bought the most expensive box of stationery they offered. She was Ivy Opal Wilson and worked and lived at the Spencer House Restaurant across the street. It was love at first sight. Mike and Ivy married in 1916. They had seven children, Maria Carmela, Adele Virgina, Marjorie Alice, Joseph Edwards, Delores Ann, Michael Angelo and Mary Judith.

Mike and Ivy relaxing at Riverside Park before they were married.
Mike and Ivy relaxing at Riverside Park before they were married.
image courtesy of Lobraico family


Mike worked at the Indianapolis Ford plant on the assembly line putting the backs on the Model T. He worked hard and eventually earned the full pay of $5 per hour. Mike left Ford and worked as a pharmacist in John Brown's drug store. In 1923, John Brown loaned Mike and Ivy the money to buy their first store. It was located on the northeast corner of 12th and West Streets, near Crispus Attucks High School. He sold it to his brother Frank two years later.
Mike bought Watts Drug Store located at 902 Westfield Boulevard in Indianapolis (formerly the town Broad Ripple) from Frank and Fannie Watts in 1925, when they retired, and renamed it Lobraico's. His previous employer, John Brown, again loaned the money to the Lobraicos. Mike worked very long hours and was able to pay back the high interest loan in less than five years. He would open the store at 6am and would stay open "until the last street car went by" around 1am.

The Broad Ripple store in its early years
The Broad Ripple store in its early years
image courtesy of Lobraico family


Established in 1877, this building was the meeting place for the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) No. 548. The lodge met upstairs, Watts Drug Store was in the west half of the ground floor and the Broad Ripple post office and a grocery store was in the east half.
In the early days of Lobraico's Drug Store there was a stove near the back and a "loafer's" bench. Men would gather around the stove on cold days. One day a couple of the men started causing trouble. Once Mike physically threw them out of the store, there was never any trouble again.
- END PART ONE -

An original Lobraico's ad from the 1936 Broad Ripple High School yearbook, The Riparian.
An original Lobraico's ad from the 1936 Broad Ripple High School yearbook, The Riparian.
Quan


This is an early postcard of Westfield, then named Hancock Street, and the IOOF No. 548. Watt's Drug store in on the ground floor and the IOOP is upstairs.
This is an early postcard of Westfield, then named Hancock Street, and the IOOF No. 548. Watt's Drug store in on the ground floor and the IOOP is upstairs.
Quan




alan@broadripplegazette.com
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