James Pharmacy

The James Pharmacy is a historic building at 2 Pennywise Lane in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. It is a two story wood frame structure, built in an evolutionary fashion beginning c. 1820. The building combines a residential space and a retail one, and has a predominantly Colonial Revival character now. This character is largely due to alterations made by Anna James, the owner of the pharmacy 1918-44. Anna James (1886-1977) was the first African-American woman pharmacist in the state, and was a well-known local fixture of the community. It is also the birthplace and childhood home of author Ann Petry, who was James' niece.The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It is a contributing element in the Old Saybrook South Green district.