Rothrock Drug: A Blytheville landmark since 1945

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

Rothrock Drug Company, family owned pharmacy, is a landmark in Blytheville serving the community for almost 80 years.

Perry C.Rothrock, Sr. opened the Blytheville business in 1945. Perry C. Rothrock, Jr, and his wife, Linda, were the second generation and their daughter, Kathy Rothrock Elliott, followed the family tradition. She is presently the owner/pharmacist. The certified pharmacy techs are Janice Brandenburg and Michelle Harris.

The staff agrees that their customers are like family members. They have served several generations of families.

The original location was on Blytheville Main Street where Russell’s Sales is now located. Many of the doctors offices were located in the downtown area. Later the business was moved next to the Ritz Theater next to the railroad track until 1972. It was relocated to its present location at 700 North 6th Street by Perry Jr., and Linda.

The new location had the first drive-through window in Blytheville.

Kathy has been the only pharmacist for Rothrock since 1986.

The business has received the Best of NEA Gold in Pharmacy by the Jonesboro Radio Broadcasting Group for the last four years.

“The winner is chosen by the most votes by their customers and to me, it is a great honor to receive this award again,” Kathy said. “I’ve worked here for 40 years and I feel like my customers are my family.”