BUCHANAN'S ANNIVERSARY PLANS PHILANTHROPIC , GOLDEN

One of Coudersport's oldest and most active businesses is celebrating its golden anniversary in a manner that speaks volumes about its founding family and current management.

Rather than pat itself on the back, Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy plans to step up to an even higher level in its remarkable record of supporting the community.

The business will make financial donations to 10 area organizations and present a scholarship to a potential future business leader.

The family's milestone may have come and gone without any recognition at all if not for a recollection Richard Buchanan had in the spring.

"I remembered the day Mrs. Smith asked me 'how does it feel walking into your dad's store?," Buchanan recalled. "It was 1958 and dad had just taken it over."

Realizing the milestone was just around the corner, the family began discussing what they would do to celebrate it.

The current owners, Joseph Marzo, Julie McCusker and Christie Keglovits, came up with the idea of celebrating by supporting community projects and people.

Representing Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in accepting the 2007 business of the year award from Chamber President Gerry Montgomery (left) were three family pharmacists affiliated with the business (l. to r.): Joe Marzo, Christie (Buchanan) Keglovits and Julie (Buchanan) McCusker.

"They talked it over and came to the conclusion that the truth is you can run a big sale or promotion anytime," Richard Buchanan explained. "They thought it would be more meaningful to give something back to the community as a way to say 'thank you' for all these wonderful years."

The Beginning

Buchanan Brothers began in downtown Coudersport as Smith's Drug Store, which was acquired by Charles Buchanan in 1958. Since that time, the business has endured despite changes in the pharmaceutical industry and the arrival of franchised competitors such as Rexall and Rite Aid.

Charles Buchanan's three sons, Richard, John and Greg, joined the business and, in 1979, assumed ownership. They ended up adopting the current business name in 1980 and, years later, acquired the adjacent Olympic Confectionary and Restaurant for expansion of the North Main Street pharmacy.

Today the business is owned and operated by the third generation, grandchildren of Charles and Margaret (Lapp) Buchanan: Joseph Marzo, Julie McCusker and Christie Keglovits.

There are branches in Coudersport, Smethport, Eldred, Elkland and Westfield, with more than 47 employees and 12 professional pharmacists.

Family members and employees have been involved in community activities for decades. Richard Buchanan has been the driving force behind the establishment of the Coudersport Arboretum and has played a leadership and advisory role with the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce for 20-plus years.

John Buchanan has chaired the Potter- Tioga Maple Festival for many years. He also served for many years as a member of the Coudersport Area School District Board of Directors.

Greg Buchanan has been an active member of Knights of Columbus and was the driving force behind the formation of that organization's scholarship program.

These examples just scratch the surface of a family legacy that the three brothers are anxious to pass on to the next generation.

The birth of the family business can be traced to loyalty, as pharmacist Jack Smith mentored Charles Buchanan. In 1934, the graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy returned to his hometown of Coudersport and began working for Smith.

Smith was also a philanthropic businessman who remembered many of his faithful employees in his will.

When Smith died in 1958, he left Smith's Drug Store to his faithful sidekick, Charlie Buchanan.

John, Dick and Greg Buchanan all graduated from their father's alma mater and found their way back to their hometown. John doubled for a time as pharmacist at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and retired from active duty in 1994.

Dick announced his retirement in 2000. However, he can still be seen running occasional missions to the pharmacy to help needy customers during off-hours and otherwise helping out around the store or around the town.

Greg is still dispensing prescriptions and volunteering his time with youth activities in McKean County.

Third-generation owners Julie (Brian) McCusker, Christie (Erik) Keglovits and Joe (Sue) Marzo have made a statement about their commitment to continue serving the community with this anniversary announcement.

Donations will be made to Christmas House, Coudersport Public Library, Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport Arboretum, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, the Coudersport Senior Center and the Coudersport Area Recreation Board.

Additionally, the family will present a scholarship to a student from the Coudersport Area High School class of 2008 pursuing a career in a business-related field.