Serving Summerville, SC Since 1871

Guerin’s Pharmacy, located in the heart of downtown Summerville, is the oldest drugstore in South Carolina and has proudly operated as an independent apothecary since 1871. Founded during the Civil War era, its roots trace back to Dr. Schwettman, a Charleston pharmacist who relocated his business to Summerville during the war. After completing his military service, Dr. Henry C. Guerin purchased the Summerville side of the business, establishing what would become a long-standing community drugstore dedicated to personal care and trusted service.

The business remained in the Guerin family for generations, passing from Dr. Henry C. Guerin to his son, Dr. Joseph A. Guerin, and later to Dr. Herbert F. Dunning, who continued the tradition of independent ownership. Charles H. Dunning, Jr. began working at the store at just 12 years old and later purchased Guerin’s Pharmacy in 1975, further strengthening its legacy as a family-focused, locally owned drugstore serving Summerville.

Today, Guerin’s continues its commitment to exceptional care under the ownership of Barbara A. Dunning, pharmacist in charge since 2014. She works alongside Joshua Kister, PharmD, who has been a valued member of the care team since 2009. In recognition of its historical significance and lasting impact on the community, Guerin’s received an official South Carolina historical marker from the Summerville Preservation Society in September 2017, proudly displayed outside the storefront on the Richardson side of the building.