Some places become landmarks because they're old. Others become landmarks because of the people who fill them every day.

For over a century, Thomas Drugs has been both.

Nestled in the heart of Cross Plains at "the four-way," the building was originally constructed in 1915 and used as a general store for the small community. It was not until the Thomas family purchased the building that it became known as a pharmacy and medical office in 1930.

The quaint location changed hands again in 1976 when the Green family expanded the lunch counter, the soda fountain, and the sweet Southern hospitality.

The familiar storefront has been serving prescriptions, hamburgers, milkshakes, and conversation for generations. Long before chain pharmacies and drive-thru windows, Thomas Drugs became what now-owners Sarah and Jeremy Felker lovingly describe as the community's "watering hole"—a place where neighbors have gathered for decades and where just about everyone has a story to tell.

"If you come to Cross Plains, you have to have heard the name Thomas Drugs," Sarah says. "Whether you're at the grocery store, the gas station, or listening to the radio, it's been a staple of this community for years."

When the Felkers purchased the pharmacy in 2022, they weren't simply buying a business. They were accepting the responsibility of preserving a piece of Cross Plains' history.

"It's definitely both a weight and a privilege," Sarah explains. "A privilege to be part of such a staple of history and to continue serving our community, but also a weight of, 'Do not fail.'"

That sense of responsibility fuels every new idea they bring through the doors, from expanding health services to welcoming boutique shoppers and keeping the beloved soda fountain bustling with lunch customers.

Their goal is simple: honor the past while ensuring Thomas Drugs remains part of the town's future.

But preserving history isn't always glamorous.

Running a building that's over 100 years old comes with its share of surprises, from electrical issues to plumbing headaches.

"We had the basement flood just this week," Sarah laughs.

Still, it's the building's stories that make every challenge worthwhile.

The Felkers love hearing memories of founder Burgess Thomas, especially the tales of him handing candy to neighborhood children and even keeping a special stash for his faithful dog, Lady. Those stories have become part of the heartbeat of Thomas Drugs, reminding them that kindness has always been one of the store's greatest traditions.

For Sarah and Jeremy, serving the community reaches far beyond filling prescriptions.

"As pharmacists, we have a heart for patients that spreads into our Christian heart for helping those who need us the most," Sarah says. "Serving others and healing have been our spiritual gifts. This completes us and allows us to have a fulfilling role in life honoring Him."

That same purpose follows them home.

They hope their daughters grow up watching perseverance, compassion, a strong work ethic, and, above all, a life that shines Christ's light for others.

Owning Thomas Drugs wasn't part of a carefully crafted business plan. It was an answer to prayer.

"I dreamed of owning my own business as a child," Sarah recalls. "About four years ago, God said, 'Well, I have something for you.' We knew independent pharmacy would be a challenge, but we accepted that God opened this door, and He will be the one to guide our feet and hands."

Perhaps that's why walking through the doors of Thomas Drugs still feels different.

Here, you're more than a customer. You're greeted by name, often asked about your family, and cared for by people who see serving their neighbors as more than a profession.

It's a calling.

And in a town like Cross Plains, that's exactly how history continues to be written.

You can visit the iconic Thomas Drugs at 7802 Highway 25, Cross Plains, TN 37049.

Photo Credit: Derek Gillhamer, Dot Road Photography