Sunday, July 21
Curator Conversation: The Kirby Drugstore & Soda Fountain
2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
$10 per person
Downstairs /Elixir, our Soda Fountain
Click here to purchase
Join the Museum’s Curator of Collections Lisa Shockley for a guided conversation discussing the history of Elixir—originally the 1910-era Kirby Drugstore and Soda Fountain.
After the discussion, enjoy a scoop of ice cream in Elixir, included in the ticket price!
In 1926, C.W. (1888-1968) and Wilma (1898-1971) Kirby opened their family drug store and soda fountain in Modena, MO, buying and moving cabinetry from a St. Joseph business to their small community. It remained a part of Modena’s life for over 40 years, selling medicines, candy, and ice cream treats. It also housed the local post office where Wilma was Postmistress. Their children remembered movies being shown on the side of the building in the summers, and growing up in the apartment above the store. The post office and business closed in 1971, with the death of Wilma Kirby. The family donated the furniture and contents to the Museum in 1976.
