News Summary
Detroit recently held an event honoring Jewish pharmacists and community leaders, showcasing their pivotal role in the city’s healthcare and business landscape. Attendees shared personal stories reflecting the deep connections fostered in local pharmacies, while also recalling the history and resilience of the Jewish community in Detroit. The event highlighted notable drug stores and celebrated the legacies of individuals who significantly contributed to the community.
Detroit Celebrates the Contributions of Jewish Pharmacists and Community Leaders
Detroit recently hosted an event honoring the lives and legacies of Jewish pharmacists and community leaders, highlighting their significant contributions to the area’s healthcare and local businesses throughout the years. The celebration featured personal stories from several attendees, many of whom have familial roots in the city’s vibrant Jewish drug store history.
Barbara Cohen, a Holocaust survivor and widow of Allen Cohen, who owned Carlysle Drugs in Dearborn and Mel’s Save-a-Lot, shared her memories of working at Carlysle Drugs, where she prepared festive meals for customers during the holiday season. She recalled that the relationships between pharmacists and their customers were deeply personal at that time, reflecting a close-knit community dynamic.
Another participant, Nancy Serlin, spoke about her family’s ownership of Serlin Drugs, originally located at Dexter and Elmhurst. The pharmacy later relocated to McNichols and Greenfield following the opening of Sinai Hospital. This transition represents the evolving landscape of healthcare facilities in Detroit and the role local pharmacies played in supporting those changes.
Mark Hauser brought attention to several other Jewish-owned drug stores that have left their mark on Detroit’s history. Brown’s Drugs, which was owned by Meyer Zacks and his son Joel, was destroyed during the 1967 Detroit riots but was remembered for its unique display of photographs showcasing jazz musicians. Barbas Drugs, operated by brothers Sid and Dave Barbas, was celebrated for its cigar business and popular ice cream sodas made by Sid. Other notable mentions included Don’s Drugs and Dewey Drugs, which were part of the local pharmacy landscape.
Lawrence Katz shared his father David Katz’s journey, revealing that David opened Brady Drugs on Hastings Street after serving in World War II and earning a Bronze Star. Ronda Brodsky also reflected on her grandfather George Victor, who owned George V Drugs for over 60 years, contributing significantly to the region’s business ecosystem.
The event not only served as a tribute but also ignited a wave of engagement and reminiscence among attendees regarding the rich history of Jewish drug stores in Detroit. A correction was addressed regarding the previous article’s mention of Lupi Drugs, which is owned by Al Lupiloff.
Barbara Cohen Seiden of Tenafly, NJ, passed away at the age of 90 on June 6, 2025. Her remarkable life was characterized by determination and resilience, beginning with her birth in South Bend, Indiana, in 1924 as the only daughter in an Orthodox Jewish family. Barbara graduated from Purdue University with a degree in mathematics, later marrying Norman Seiden. They became influential figures in the burgeoning Jewish community of Bergen County, actively contributing to various charitable organizations.
Throughout her life, Barbara demonstrated unwavering commitment to community service by engaging with numerous Jewish organizations, including Hadassah and the UJA Federation. Norman Seiden, a noteworthy developer, frequently consulted Barbara on philanthropic endeavors, emphasizing their partnership in making impactful contributions.
The couple raised three children—Stephen, Pearl, and Mark—and celebrated the joy of being grandparents to 13 grandchildren. Barbara faced a significant medical accident in 1976, which left her in a coma. Against the odds, she regained consciousness and embraced life despite ensuing physical challenges. Her formidable willpower and desire to live continued to inspire both friends and family, motivating her to conquer her disabilities.
Friends and colleagues, including members of the medical community, have lauded Barbara’s accomplishments, particularly her steadfast resolve and refusal to yield to defeat. Her commitment to justice was evident in her relationship with her housekeeper, ensuring her well-being later in life.
This commemoration of Jewish pharmacists and community leaders reflects not only their individual stories but also the shared history and resilience of the Jewish community in Detroit, celebrating the enduring impact they have had on the fabric of the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Legacy of Jewish-Owned Drug Stores in Detroit
Additional Resources
- The Jewish News: Remember These Jewish Drug Stores?
- KCJC: Obituary of Robert Frager
- The Jerusalem Post: Arrivals – Dr. Barbara Gordon Cohen
- Legacy.com: Obituary of Barbara Cohen
- Jewish Standard: Remembering Barbara Seiden
- Wikipedia: Jewish Pharmacy in Detroit
- Google Search: Jewish Pharmacies Detroit
- Google Scholar: Jewish Communities in Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewish Community
- Google News: Jewish Community Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
