Central Drug Store is currently owned by John Ochs, but was founded in 1897on the site of the Noble Hotel, by Pharmacist F.N. Chapel, after the hotel had burned down.  The store was later purchased by B.A. Herman.  Harley Ochs, John’s grandfather, started working at Central Drug Store in 1914.  To move to Charlevoix, he traveled by train from Roscommon to Boyne City, and then to Charlevoix by steamboat.  Harley purchased the store from Mr. Herman in 1929.  Frank Ochs, John’s father, started working at the store when he was 13 years old, and continued working until he passed away at age 88.  Not too many people can say that they worked at the same place for 75 years! 

The original building was torn down in the fall of 1957 and replaced by the current building.  From approximately October until January, the business operated across the street in the Murdick’s Famous Fudge building.  Then, Murdick’s was located where Maison & Jardin is now. 

After graduating from pharmacy school at Ferris State College, where his father and grandfather also received their pharmacy degrees, John worked as a research pharmacist for the Upjohn Company for 12 years.  Then, in 1982, John returned to Charlevoix with his wife Lani to take over the family business.

For nearly 100 years, a member of the Ochs family has been on the corner of Bridge and Clinton Streets assisting with the health needs of Charlevoix families.