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Fredericksburg Flood of 1943 outside of Goolrick's

Over 125+ Years of Sweet Memories

For over a century, Goolrick's Pharmacy has been more than a pharmacy. It’s been a gathering place, a first-date spot, an after-school tradition, and a beloved piece of downtown Fredericksburg history.

 

As one of America’s oldest continuously operating soda fountains, our story is rooted in tradition, community, and timeless treats that generations have grown to love.

For many, a visit to Goolrick's Pharmacy isn’t just about ice cream, it’s about revisiting memories and creating new ones in a place that feels frozen in time in the best possible way.

Goolrick's has endured as one of Fredericksburg's most cherished traditions.

Goolrick's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Downtown Fredericksburg
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg VA
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg VA
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg VA
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg
Goolrick's History Fredericksburg VA
1732 

First title on record for the property

1790's

Record of domestic residence on property

1807

Building destroyed by fire

1808

First iteration of the building (domestic residence) was built at 901 Caroline Street by Benjamin Botts

1822

First record of business at 901 Caroline St (Tailor Shop)

1847

Pharmacy purchased by Dr. C.A. Jones and William Barber Goolrick (Pharmacist from 1847-1909)

1874 - 1921

Operated by pharmacist Keating Nelson Goolrick

1892

Property sold to William Barber Goolrick

1897

Fire

1898

The Daily Star Advertises Goolrick's as the "Coldest Soda" 

1910

First business filing as Goolrick's Modern Pharmacy

Operated by Pharmacist W.J. Lacy (d. 1933)

1919

Fire

1927

Building completely remodeled

1942

Flood

1952

Third floor removed, flat roof installed

1958

Storefront rebuilt

1973

Goolrick's family sold to Gordon Worthington Company

1976

Sold to Pharmacist Charles P. Rector

Operated by the Rector Family Pharmacists (father and grandfather of Charles Rector)

1995

Sold to Pharmacist Stephen May

2019

Business leased to Pharmacist Christopher Conder

2022

Pharmacist Christopher Condor sold to Jarrell Properties Inc.

2026

Goolrick's Soda Fountain reopens to the public

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