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“Collin’s Drug Store: A Frankfort Institution”
Presented by: Rob Jones, MD
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The Collin’s Drug Store on Main Street in Frankfort, re-named The Community Drug Store in 1972, has a long and storied history. It opened its doors in 1868 and was started by the adventurous and friendly John B. Collins. The store was a huge success and remained in the Collin’s family for an impressive 106 years. It was considered the cornerstone of Frankfort, and if walls could talk, they’d tell the whole story of the city, both its triumphs and its mishaps.”
Last year (2024), the pharmacy closed its doors and relocated to Benzonia. The reasons behind this move are numerous and complex, but they reflect the challenges that small-town pharmacies face in today’s market. In this article, we’ll delve into the store’s history and explore the predicament faced by pharmacies like ours in Frankfort.
Presenter: Rob Jones, MD
Rob Jones received his BA from Williams College in Williamstown, MA, his MD from Rush Medical University in Chicago, and his training in general, thoracic, and cardiovascular surgery from Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC. He performed thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for 34 years in the Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City areas. In 2021, he retired and established permanent residence in Frankfort, where he and his wife, Mica, have had a home for 28 years. He sings in the choir of the First Congregational Church of Frankfort and the Benzie County Community Chorus. Rob is the President of the newly formed Benzie Youth String Program. He also plays the violin for the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra and as part of a duet for the annual Memorial Day Celebration held by the Benzie Area Historical Society.