The History of Seminole Hartzog PharmacyBefore the Hartzog Family
Donalsonville, Georgia was first chartered as a town in 1897, and became the City of Donalsonville in 1922. Donalsonville is the county seat of Seminole County, which was formed in January 1920.
Our building has been in the heart of Donalsonville since the beginning, but it wasn’t always a pharmacy. This historical building has worn many hats, from general store. business offices, a soda fountain, and more.
We’re proud to be a part of the history of this little town, and we invite you to come see our little piece of Donalsonville history.
Street scene, 1940s. Pharmacy is the left-hand building in the photo.
A. R. Benton & Shingler’s Store, ca 1902.
1965 - Present
Seminole Hartzog PharmacyLarry Hartzog
Larry Hartzog was born in 1939 in Panama City, Florida. He and his mother moved to Sylvester, GA in 1943 after his father, Terrell, was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Terrell Hartzog was not a pharmacist, but he worked at the soda fountain that was located in Seminole Hartzog Pharmacy before moving to Panama City, FL. This makes four generations of Hartzogs that have worked in this building.
Larry married Mary Tatum in 1960, and Larry graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy. Larry and Mary bought Seminole Pharmacy from Judge Julian Webb in 1965 after a chance encounter at a football game.
Larry worked as Head Pharmacist, as well as running the business and raising two kids, with the help of his family and team of employees from 1965 - 2007.
A Lucky Encounter at a UGA Football Game…
Larry and Mary Hartzog met Mrs. Jo Webb, Judge Julian Webb’s wife, at a University of Georgia football game in the fall of 1964.
The newly-graduated pharmacist and his wife were discussing their plans for the future. Where to live, where to work, and where to raise a family. Mrs. Jo Webb, Judge Julian Webb’s wife, overheard their conversation and politely interrupted to tell them she might be able to help.
Mrs. Webb, who was sitting in the row in front of the Hartzogs, informed the young couple that Seminole Pharmacy, which was owned by her nephew, was for sale.
The following year, Larry purchased the business and changed its name to Seminole Hartzog Pharmacy.
…Turns Into a Family Business
Scott Hartzog
Early LifeScott was born in 1967 to Larry and Mary Hartzog.
He started helping around the family business when he was 12 years old. His first job was sweeping and mopping a few days per week after school, and he gradually took on more responsibilities as he grew older.
Adult LifeScott married Mary Carr in 1987, and the pair went off to college at the University of Georgia. Scott graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy in 1990, and worked at pharmacies including Big B’s, Rite-Aid, and Winn-Dixie.
Scott and Mary have two children, both of which have also worked at the family business throughout the years. Their daughter, Suzette, is currently a pharmacy technician and the Creative Director for Seminole Hartzog Pharmacy.
Scott bought the business from Larry in 2007, and became the head pharmacist. He still works as the head pharmacist today, so feel free to stop in and say hello!
