Sawtelle’s Drug Store on Bohemia Avenue

Here’s a south view of Bohemia Avenue, with Sawtelle’s Pharmacy at left. At one time our post office was in this building. The house next to it was the residence and office of our dentist, Dr. Smithers. I never had the pleasure of being his patient, but an older resident told me that Doc Smithers once drilled his teeth by working a foot pedal. He had his practice when I was a young boy, and I remember him very well. He was a tall, slim man who used to take daily walks down East Second Street on his way past Borger’s Wharf, Stone Bridge, and Bethel Road. I recall his long strides, aided by his long, ever-present, walking stick.