One million years ago, in my college years, the following scene was very familiar to me. Here’s the story: I went to Bryn Mawr College, a short walk from the town center of Bryn Mawr, PA. This pharmacy, Parvin’s, was there then looking pretty much as it does now. It was on my regular shopping route of bank, card shop, and pharmacy, and is right down the street from the train station.
In July 2021 my husband and I went to the farmers’ market in the town square parking lot and I took this photo. The card shop is gone (it was next door) but the bank is still there. And Parvin’s! I made a pen drawing of the scene in my 8×8 sketch book.
Of course I have seen the building many times since my college years, but somehow it seemed that now was the time to set it more firmly in memory in this manner. I guess I am getting old and nostalgic.
Claudia McGill and Her Art World 
How great that it has survived! (K)
Yes, it is surprising but I think it benefits from the kind of community that surrounds it, lots of walk ins. Looks very similar to 40 years ago.
Your drawing is delightful. I think a collection of drawings of “places I have known” would be a fun exercise – maybe that is the family history nerd in me.
Thank you. I’m hoping to return to more drawing soon. This theme of drawing things from my daily life, including scenes from the past and memories, is becoming more important to me.
Great drawing and that is awesome it has survived!
Thank you. Yes, in some ways it is surprising that it is still here, but I think it has to do with its location and tradition, too.
Very interesting pharmacy building!! It reminds me a bit of Portsmouth Village in Kingston, ON. Excepts Portsmouth Villages is way older. Theres an old prison there, harbour, school house, and many stone buildings and houses.
Thank you. This building is set in a small town square and it’s nothing special except if you live there, but it’s a landmark in my own life. The place you mention sounds like it would be a good place to visit and take photos…