The History of Wingate's Pharmacy
Wingate’s Pharmacy has been a trusted cornerstone of downtown Nashua, New Hampshire since it was founded in 1900. With over 125 years of service, the pharmacy has remained family-owned and operated across four generations, building a rich legacy of dedication to health, community, and innovation.
From Apothecary Roots to Community Anchor
The story of Wingate’s begins with Frank H. Wingate, who was born in Sanford, Maine and later moved to Nashua to open the original Wingate’s Pharmacy at 129 Main Street. In its early days, the pharmacy was known as an apothecary, complete with a mortar and pestle, a penny candy counter, and a classic soda fountain. Customers fondly recall root beer barrels, sundae stools, and visits to the store as a highlight of downtown life.
Frank’s son, Homer Wingate, became the second-generation pharmacist and ran the business during a time when the store’s soda fountain was one of the most popular lunch spots in town. His innovations included expanding the pharmacy’s offerings and establishing it as a hub for locals—serving everyone from city officials to lawyers, bankers, and doctors from nearby offices.
Growth, Setbacks, and Resilience
Homer passed the torch to his son, Dearborn Wingate, a Nashua native who continued the family tradition after earning his pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1951. Dearborn’s leadership spanned decades of growth and change, but one of the most defining moments came in 1963, when a fire destroyed the Beeson Block, the building that housed Wingate’s.
In true Wingate spirit, Dearborn responded with determination. Thanks to support from family, staff, and the community, prescription records were saved, and the pharmacy was temporarily relocated to 175 Main Street. After several years of operating from alternate locations, the business returned to a brand-new building on its original lot—the Patriot Building, where it remains today.
Passing the Baton
In the 1990s, Dearborn’s son Gary Wingate returned to Nashua after a successful career as a pharmacist and manager in Seattle and Toronto. With a background in both pharmacy and business (MBA), Gary brought fresh energy and a forward-thinking vision to the store. He modernized the pharmacy with computerized systems, doubled the store’s footprint by expanding into the neighboring storefront, and added specialized services to keep Wingate’s competitive in an evolving marketplace.
Evolving to Meet Community Needs
Gary and his wife Brenda transformed Wingate’s into a full-service healthcare destination. Key developments included:
- A State-of-the-Art Compounding Lab: Providing customized medications for veterinary, pediatric, hospice, dermatology, and hormone therapy needs.
- Medical Equipment Services: Brenda, certified in diabetic footwear and home medical supplies, expanded offerings such as compression wear, wound care items, and mobility aids.
- Assisted Living & Hospice Support: The pharmacy developed partnerships with local assisted living facilities, offering specialized packaging and delivery.
Wingate’s has also led the way in veterinary compounding, offering tailored solutions for pets ranging from cats and dogs to ferrets, rabbits, and even snakes. Gary’s background in veterinary science and dedication to precision dosing has earned the pharmacy national recognition.
In 2013, Derick Anderson and his wife Kristyn purchased Wingate’s Pharmacy and also transitioned to a compounding-only pharmacy.
A Tradition of Service
Throughout its long history, Wingate’s has always prioritized people. From Dearborn’s days of opening the store at midnight to deliver vaporizers, to Gary’s community leadership with local nonprofits and national pharmacy associations, service has been at the heart of the business.
Today, the store continues to serve Nashua with the same values that guided its founder: personal care, integrity, and innovation.
From a penny-candy counter to a cutting-edge compounding lab, Wingate’s Pharmacy remains a proud testament to what it means to be truly local—and truly committed to community health.