Tellis Pharmacy in the Charleston Historic District
Charleston’s beautiful streets and elegant architecture make our charming seaside town a favorite among tourists, and we love to explore the rich history behind some of our favorite buildings.
Today, we’re delving into the story behind one of lower King Street’s most recognizable storefronts and our soon-to-be new Flagship store location, the Tellis Pharmacy.
We cannot wait to welcome you through the doors below that iconic vintage mortar and pestle sign. We intend to fill this space with light, love, laughter, and whimsy.
The Grit & Grace Family recently came together to bless our new space, burn some sage, and set our intentions. We covered the walls with heartfelt messages, inspirational quotes, words of wisdom, and one very meaningful quote by Jay-Z. It’s safe to say the Tellis Pharmacy is beginning to feel like home
We have a lot of work yet to do before our grand opening, however, so we’ll start by taking you on a journey back in time.
History of King Street’s Tellis Pharmacy
The building known so fondly today as the Tellis Pharmacy was built in 1887, one year after the great earthquake that shook Charleston to its core and destroyed some 2,000 buildings across the South.
Possibly for this reason, the Tellis Pharmacy is one of the few remaining Queen Anne Style wooden commercial buildings in Charleston, SC. While the neon mortar and pestle sign is one of the more Instagrammable aspects of the storefront, we’re smitten with the elaborate trim work, massive windows, and lovely detailing on the facade.
The first business to thrive at 125 King Street was Guillemine and Riley, a firm dealing in tinware and stoves. The Guillemine family lived upstairs above their storefront until it became the new location for Schwettmann's Pharmacy, previously located around the corner at King and Broad streets.
James Anthony Tellis purchased 125 King Street in 1946, and turned the space into a soda fountain, pharmacy, and convenience store. The Tellis Pharmacy quickly became a neighborhood hub and beloved gathering place for locals. James Tellis’ children Vera and Tony graduated from the Medical College of the State of South Carolina, School of Pharmacy in 1952 and joined the family business.
Vera and her sister Alice Tellis Critikos continued to operate the Tellis Pharmacy until 2012. "It was the most wonderful place in the whole world," said co-owner Alice Tellis Critikos. "It was so many people (sic) and children and families around here that this place was cluttered every minute of the day."
Since the official closure of Tellis Pharmacy, the gorgeous space has been home to a number of local businesses, including a long-standing antique store and our friends at J. Stark.
We are thrilled to be the next local business to call this slice of historic Charleston home! It’s an honor to set up under this iconic sign, and we look forward to welcoming you into the new home of the Grit & Grace Studio Flagship.
Stay tuned to our Instagram stories to watch our renovation progress and visit our satellite location at 478 King Street to catch up with our team and stock up on all your favorite G&G products.
Are you looking to bring a little piece of Charleston home from your summer vacation? Let us personalize a strand of our Gilded Oyster Blessing Beads or pick up a locally made Lowcountry Oyster Tabby Candle for your living room.
If you haven’t dropped by our 478 King Street location in a while, be sure to come to say hello. We’ve updated the shop with so many beautiful artisan-crafted products that you’re sure to love, such as the Moon & Stars Earrings, new colors of the beloved Renewable Fiber Beach Tote, and the Leather Wrapped Mason Jar Mugs.
We look forward to seeing you!
One Love & Blessings,