11/14/2024
We're celebrating 70 YEARS! Since November 14, 1954, Haines has been a family owned and operated small business that's all about serving our larger "family" of Wi******er and the surrounding area. So many stories, smiles, and little moments over the years. It has been a joy to continue the family business, started by Wally and Maxine Haines, carried on by their son Tom and now their daughter, Janis, for the last decade. Along with the store came employees who even to this day continue to play a role in the success of Haines.
In the fall of 1954, Mr. Wallace Haines, a newly licensed pharmacist, arrived in Wi******er, Indiana. Moving from Tipton, he brought not only his wife and newborn child, but also his youth, energy, passion, and a drive to go out into the world to make it a better place for the people living around him.
Wally purchased the downtown drug store Beasley & Waltz on November 14, 1954. Although the name was changed to Haines, the storefront on Washington Street, on the north side of the square, maintained its character and dedication to serve the people of Wi******er. The store was a Rexall Pharmacy selling prescription medication, over the counter supplies, cards, medical supplies, magazines, comics, books, cosmetics, and was equipped with the classical soda fountain, which for years adorned drug stores across the country.
When a new storefront opened up on the corner of Meridian and Washington streets in the fall of l976, Haines Rexall Drugstore made its move down the street. Occupying the former By/Lo Furniture building, the store had room to grow. The larger building allowed for an expanded family reading section and more space for the pharmacy.
To this very day, we strive to uphold the values which have become our code of conduct: know the customers, work to meet their needs, and make the store a pleasant place that people want to come and visit.
With a rejuvenated classic soda fountain, Haines Hallmark, Gift Shop, & Soda Fountain continues to be a staple of downtown Wi******er with the seats that have the best view in town.
