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About Us
Located in Alva, OK
580-327-3332
Located in Alva, OK
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About Holder Pharmacy

Opening the Pharmacy

In April 1952, Jim purchased the bankrupt Hester Drug on the south side of the square in Alva with a loan from his father-in-law, JH Pyeatt. "We bought inventory for the pharmacy with credit from a wholesaler," stated Jim and put all the money they had left into the cash register. Mary said, "We had to charge to get groceries." Our dream of Holder Drug was then a reality.
Holder Drug store
Holder owner

Working With Doc Southern

In 1953, Monford Drug burned, and at that time, L.O. "Doc" Southern and Elizabeth bought into the store, Holder / Southern Drug was formed. They were partners until 1973 and Jim bought out his interest.

Mary was an integral part of the store, in charge of the gift department as well as bookkeeping.

Expanding the Store

The store at 525 Barnes was remodeled and square footage added during the years. In 1967, the store was robbed. Jim recalls the robbers were very professional, taking only drugs that were marketable. The robbery moved Jim to install the first alarm system in Alva.
Alva expansion
Holder on newspaper

Moving to a New Location

In 1979, Jim and Mary bought the JC Penney building and moved down the street to 513 Barnes Avenue, the current location. During the move, the pharmacy was never closed.

In the mid-80s, the drive-through window was added to Holder Drug.

Mentoring New Pharmacists

Jim was an advocate for pharmacy in Oklahoma. He was a continuous supporter of SWOSU, mentoring new pharmacists during their school rotations in Alva. He received an award from Southwestern for his efforts. In 1991, Jim served as President of the OPHA (Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Association) after many years of service in that association.
Holder staff
Holder family

A Family-Owned and Operated Pharmacy

In February 2017, we lost our dad, Jim Holder, at the age of 90, but his legacy lives on at Holder Drug. It is still owned and operated by the Holder Family.

"It has been and still is a family affair," Jim always said, "All of our employees do not just work for us...they are family."
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