A Brief History of Henry Algood and his Drug Store

This is a history that I wrote for Moore Historical Consulting's first client.

     Henry Algood was a descendant of one of Putnam County’s first families. They settled in the northeast portion of the county as early as 1857. In 1893, Henry Algood’s father Joel sold his land to Alexander Crawford and his Nashville and Knoxville Railroad. A railroad depot was constructed, and eventually the town “Algood,” named for Joel, was born. Henry became a prominent citizen and businessman in Cookeville. Around the turn of the century, he established Henry Algood Drugs. The drug store was located on the western side of Cookeville’s courthouse square. Algood was one of the first pharmacists to sell fitted eye glasses. Algood was also one of two members of the Bank of Cookeville’s board of directors. It is unknown how long the drug store was in operation, but it was one of the first in Cookeville. 

     The building that housed Henry Algood Drugs, is located at 17 South Jefferson Avenue, next door to the iconic Cookeville Arcade Building. The structure was constructed no later then 1890, making it the oldest on the block. Based on photographs, it can be determined that the structure falls into the category of “Italianate storefront.” This is true based on the ornamental features toward the roof of the building. The “Italianate storefront” style was a very popular architectural style for commercial buildings from 1850 to the mid 20th century. Not much is known about the businesses that inhabited the structure after Henry Algood, but based on oral accounts of those who have grown up in Cookeville, the building was home to various other businesses such as law practices, a restaurant, and also housed Congressman Bart Gordon’s office. This building is one of the oldest on the square, and even though it has undergone many changes in tenants, its history rivals that of any other structure around it.

Picture of the Henry Algood Drug Store looking south on Jefferson Avenue. The building is the next to last one. This picture is from the 1930s/1940s.

Picture of the Henry Algood Drug Store from the 1980s.

The Henry Algood Drug Store building as it appears today.

The interior of the Henry Algood Drug Store building.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond. Remember to check out the section of the blog devoted to Moore Historical Consulting.