James Pharmacy

The James Pharmacy, located at 2 Pennywise Lane in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, is a historic building significant for being the home and workplace of Anna Louise James, the first African-American woman pharmacist in the state. Built around 1820, this 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure showcases unique architectural features and is notable as the birthplace of author Ann Petry, James' niece. The pharmacy operated until 1955, serving notable customers like Katharine Hepburn and Howard Hughes. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, it stands as a testament to overcoming racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century.