$3M needed to restore historic drugstore

A foundation to purchase and restore the landmark Snouder's Corner Drug Store in Oyster Bay must raise $3 million to reach its goal, said its executive director.

Ray Eaton, who runs the fledgling nonprofit, launched Snouders.org as he awaits Internal Revenue Service designation and state approval to solicit donations. The Huntington accountant registered the foundation last year after pharmacy co-owner Eugene King, a client, suggested a way to preserve its history after it closed.

King and his partner Frank Genovese told Eaton he had until June to make progress toward the fundraising goal before they offer the building for general sale. Eaton estimated he would need $1 million to purchase the building and $2 million for the delicate renovations.

"I don't believe there are many people out there willing to take on such a project," said Eaton, 45, of Cold Spring Harbor. "And it will be difficult. Especially in this crazy economy that we're living in."

Snouder's shut its doors Dec. 7, ending a 125-year run as the hamlet's oldest business. Genovese said then that the drugstore had lost money in recent years as the recession hit, but did not blame the presence of larger chains like CVS, which is down the block.

The now-empty South Street building, three stories high with an original Queen Anne tower, remains a local landmark. Historians fondly recall its days as a community hub, complete with a soda fountain.

"It's a very old wood structure that requires a lot of maintenance," said Oyster Bay town historian John Hammond. "How they can go about adapting it for reuse, that's the big question."

The foundation's vision is to install a new working soda fountain on the ground floor, and surround it with a display of Snouder's artifacts. Eaton said he has uncovered a trove of old prescription books and medicine bottles dating to the 1800s.

On the second and third floors, community groups could hold meetings.

"I think there's a real desire in the community to see this landmark restored to its former luster," said Isaac Kremer, director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association. "It's very much on the forefront of people's minds."