Antique Bay State Drug Rexall Vanilla Extract Bottle Willimantic Connecticut CT For Sale

Fresh from the era when neighborhood druggists mixed, bottled, and labeled many of their own products, this original Bay State Drug Co., Inc. vanilla extract bottle is a wonderful piece of early American pharmacy history. The label proudly identifies Michael J. Fallon, Registered Pharmacist, operating The Rexall Store in Willimantic, Connecticut, while noting that the extract was prepared using Parke-Davis vanilla extract.

Unlike mass-produced grocery store bottles, this example represents the local pharmacist's role as both merchant and trusted community professional. Rexall stores commonly purchased high-quality pharmaceutical ingredients from manufacturers like Parke-Davis, then bottled them under their own house labels for local customers.

This bottle was almost certainly produced circa 1935-1945.

Several details help narrow the date:

• "Bay State Drug Co., Inc." corporate designation.
• The classic blue-and-tan Rexall label design popular during the late Depression and WWII era.
• Telephone listed simply as "Phone 750," typical before seven-digit dialing became common.
• Reference to Parke-Davis, America's premier pharmaceutical manufacturer.
• Machine-made clear glass with a cork-finish neck.

Located in Willimantic, Connecticut, Bay State Drug Co. served as the local Rexall pharmacy where residents filled prescriptions, purchased cosmetics, toiletries, medicines, candies, soda fountain treats, and household necessities. The named pharmacist, Michael J. Fallon, Reg. Pharm., would have been a licensed professional responsible for compounding medications and overseeing the pharmacy.

The label states:

• Alcohol 30%
• Prepared from a special blend of true vanilla beans
• Contains no artificial color or flavor
• Intended for puddings, custards, whipped cream, frozen desserts, cakes, cookies, candies, and beverages.

The use of alcohol was—and still is—essential for extracting vanilla's aromatic compounds. During the 1930s and 1940s, genuine vanilla extract was considered a premium baking ingredient.

Founded in Detroit in 1866, Parke-Davis became one of America's most respected pharmaceutical companies. Their reputation for purity and quality made them a trusted supplier to independent pharmacies nationwide. Many Rexall druggists bottled Parke-Davis products under their own store labels, giving customers nationally recognized quality with hometown service.

When this bottle sat on the shelf:

• Downtown Willimantic bustled with textile mills and neighborhood businesses.
• Families still depended on independent drug stores rather than chain supermarkets.
• Home baking was a daily routine, especially during the Depression and World War II.
• Vanilla extract was purchased from the local pharmacist alongside medicines, toiletries, and household staples.
• Telephones were still identified by short exchange numbers like "750."

Excellent collector condition.

• Measures approximately 4½ inches tall
• Bright, crystal-clear glass
• No chips or cracks observed
• Original paper label is exceptionally well preserved with strong color and sharp printing
• Displays beautifully

An outstanding little advertising bottle that combines Rexall, Parke-Davis, Connecticut pharmacy history, and vintage kitchen advertising in one attractive package.