A Place Called Home: Pingle’s place
By Sally Sehn on March 23, 2021.
In 1901, new pharmacist Charles Pingle arrived in Medicine Hat. With hopes of becoming a successful drug store operator, Pingle purchased an existing pharmacy. Within four years, Pingle’s Drug Store was thriving. In 1905, Pingle decided to build his own store. He hired contractor A.P. Burns to build a two-storey building located at 387 Main, today 627 Second St. SE. At the time, Burns had the sole right locally in the manufacture of double-air-space concrete blocks. Burns used bevel-faced concrete blocks to front the building. Concrete block was ultra modern and expected to succeed stone and brick. The new building would have been the talk of the town as this may have been the first commercial building in Medicine Hat to feature concrete blocks. Walking into the new store, a customer would have been impressed with the lofty ceiling and oak shelving supported by massive quarter cut oak pillars, with large handsome plate glass mirrors inserted at intervals. Hand-carved wood panelling was used extensively. The drug department was located on the right side, with the dispensing counter in a private room at the rear. A book department, which also served as a lending library, was located on the left side. A stairway led to a balcony where toys and gifts were sold. The opulent interior is long gone. What remains of the historical concrete block has been painted. But Pingle’s Drug and Book Store has become a landmark for other reasons. Within a few short years of the building’s construction, Pingle agreed to allow the tobacco company which made Sweet Caporal cigarettes to paint a large sign on the east side of the building. Sweet Caporal had a 50% share of the Canadian cigarette market in 1908 and advertised heavily. Signage on buildings was a popular form of advertising at the time. Pingle’s business is also featured. But in 1911, the sign disappeared when the Becker Block, later known as the Central Block, was constructed, concealing the east side of the Pingle building. In 2007, when the Central Block was demolished, the iconic advertisement was revealed. Although being hidden behind the Central Block for 96 years may have led to its preservation, the historic advertisement, commonly referred to as a “ghost sign,” would have been painted with an oil paint that contained lead, which adhered strongly to masonry. Pingle was a sports enthusiast and musically inclined. He saw combat during World War 1. Civic minded, Pingle served a term as alderman. As our local MLA, he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 1920. Although Charles Pingle died in 1928, the Pingle Drug Store continued to serve the community for many years. The building operated as a pharmacy until 1969. Charles Pingle’s outstanding dedication and his unique building have both earned a place in our local history. Sally Sehn is a past Member of the Heritage Resources Committee of the City of Medicine Hat 15-14
