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In July 1946, Donald Tate returned to Albemarle after having worked at a drug store in Charlotte. With partner Hatcher Kennedy, Tate opened Tate’s Drug Store on Montgomery Avenue in August.

Unfortunately, the business was closed just three years later in August 1949.

In early 1950 the drug store was purchased by Kennedy, who had worked for Tate, and Thomas
G. Loftin. The name of the business was changed to K & L Drug Store.

During the early 1960s a second location, known as K & L Drug Store No. 2, opened on East Main Street near the bowling alley. This new store was originally managed by Ophelia Loftin.

According to the 1967 city directories it was closed by 1967. K & L Drug Store on Montgomery Avenue was closed in late 1970.

(Thanks to John Williams for sharing today’s photo.)

{Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}