JOHN O'MARA

John O'Mara, who trained under Thomas McMurdo and Company, opened a drug store on Water Street (opposite St. John’s Lane) in 1874. O’Mara’s store was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1892, however, he rebuilt on the corner of Military and Monkstown Roads (Rawlins Cross). John O'Mara died shortly after opening, leaving his wife Mary as propreitor. Mary relied on John's assistant, John T. Tarahan, to manage the business. Around 1909, the business was sold to Thomas McMurdo and Company. In 1918, Leo O'Mara, who was a clerk with McMurdo,purchased the premises. Leo O’Mara died on January 21, 1969.

Photo 1: Light blue oval-shaped prescription bottle embossed "O'MARA'S DRUG STORE / ST. JOHN'S/ NEWFOUNDLAND." Two bottles known to exist, c.1900.

Photo 2: Milk glass bottle with a paper label for "DERMAVITA." c.1900