Dows Pharmacy at Chiltern was established in 1859. The pharmacy holds significant historical value as it is one of the few shops that have been preserved in its original state, providing a unique insight into the past. Although it closed in 1968, the pharmacy’s contents remained untouched, making it a unique time capsule of the past.

The Pharmacy was first run by William Witt, who opened the doors in 1859. David McEwen owned the pharmacy from 1864 to 1891. He was the father of the Australian prime minister, John McEwen, who took over the Prime Ministership in a caretaker role upon the disappearance of Harold Holt. In 1929, Hilda Dow purchased the pharmacy. The Dows ran it for the next 38 years until Hilda retired in 1968. During their tenure, the pharmacy became a thriving community hub, providing essential services to the people of Chiltern.

Hilda Dow

Hilda Dow (nee Grey) was the daughter of police magistrate Charles Grey and sister of Royal Melbourne Hospital Lady Superintendent Helene Grey, OBE. She became a student of the Victorian College of Pharmacy in 1919. In 1929, she worked at Poynton’s pharmacy in Morwell, when she purchased the pharmacy at Chiltern in Victoria. She was elected to the Pharmaceutical Society of Victoria as a member in 1930.

Hilda purchased the pharmacy in 1929 on the eve of the great depression. Until they married in 1931, Hilda resided at the hotel across the street while Roy lived in the residence at the back of the pharmacy. After their marriage, Hilda joined him in the residence. Hilda apprenticed Roy in 1933, and the couple ran the pharmacy in Chiltern until 1968 when they closed the doors.

After retiring in 1968, Hilda Dow attempted to sell her pharmacy, but unfortunately, no buyers were interested in purchasing it. As a result, it remained closed and abandoned for many years. Finally, in 1988, Mrs. Dow generously donated the pharmacy to the National Trust. Dows pharmacy is now a museum for visitors to explore. Hilda Dow was also a highly involved member of various organisations, including the North East branch of the National Trust, the hospital committee, the Infant Welfare Centre board, the Red Cross, and the Chiltern Branch of the County Women’s Association, where she held a leadership position.

National Trust

The National Trust now runs the pharmacy as a museum. A collection of more than 4,000 original items offers an fascinating insight into the history of medicine and pharmacy. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts, such as bottles, jars, scales, measuring cups, dispensing equipment, and displays of medicines, photographic supplies, and shop fittings.

One of the most striking features of Dows Pharmacy is its time capsule-like atmosphere. The contents of the pharmacy were left untouched when it closed in 1968, and as a result, it feels like stepping back in time. The shelves are still stocked with medicines, the jars are still filled with herbs, and the scales are still set to weigh prescriptions.

Hilda and Roy were both active members in the Chiltern community. Roy received an MBE in 1970 for his valuable services to pharmacy in Victoria. Unfortunately, Roy passed away in 1976, and Hilda followed fourteen years later, passing away in a care home at the age of 92.

Fast facts

• The pharmacy was built in the Victorian Italianate style.
• The original fittings and fixtures, including the mahogany counters, brass scales, and glass display cabinets, are still in place.
• The pharmacy’s collection of medicines includes over 1,000 different items dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• The pharmacy also has a collection of photographic supplies, including cameras, lenses, and film.
• Dows Pharmacy was donated to the National Trust of Australia in 1988.

Visiting the Pharmacy

Dows Pharmacy is a valuable historical resource and a fascinating place to visit. It is also a reminder of the important role that pharmacies have played in our communities, and it is a window into the past. If you are ever in Chiltern, be sure to stop by and take a look.

Dow’s pharmacy is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm. The pharmacy is also available for group tours by appointment.

National Trust Members: FREE
Adult: $5
Concession: $4
Child: $3
Family: $12

42 Conness Street, Chiltern