About Us
Toomers Drugs® has been an Auburn tradition since 1896. A visit to Auburn would not be complete without visiting Toomers Corner® on the corner of Magnolia Ave and College Street. Toomers® has great food, World Famous fresh squeezed lemonade and other soft drinks. We also have a big selection of souvenirs! Phone in your to-go food order @ (334) 887-3488
History
When Toomer’s first started in 1896, it was a little beacon of a business on a mostly deserted street. The drugstore was founded by Sheldon Toomer, known as “Shel” by most. Shel was a halfback on Auburn’s 1st football team. He graduated from Auburn with both a degree in agriculture and pharmacy and later went on to represent Lee County in the Alabama House of Representatives. The business said to have begun with a $500 loan from John Reese, allowed Shel to enter the drugstore business with his stepfather, Lazarus. He had no idea at the time how important his little drugstore would become to Auburn fans worldwide.
In 1999 the Lipscomb family decided it was time to update Toomers without losing its charm and atmosphere. After considering many options for the property, the Lipscomb family decided to partner with Auburn Pharmacy graduates Don and Betty Haisten of Trussville, Alabama. After three months of renovations, Don and Betty re-opened the store in October of 1999, bringing the tradition of Toomer’s lemonade back to life. Don passed away in 2005, but Betty still carries on the tradition.
Toomers' Corner
The intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College street in Auburn, which marks the transition from downtown Auburn to the university campus, is known as Toomer's Corner. It is named for businessman and State Senator Sheldon Toomer who founded Toomer's Drugs on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College street in 1896. Toomer's Drugs is located on the North East corner of the intersection and has been an Auburn landmark for over 115 years.
Toomer's Trees & the Rolling Tradition
Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth southern live oak trees, and anytime anything good happens concerning Auburn, toilet paper can usually be found hanging from the trees. Also known as "rolling the corner", this tradition is thought to have originated in the 1950s to celebrate away victories; however, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn.
Owner-Betty Haisten
Co-owners:
Ashley Hill
Stacy Amerson
Shelley Kelley
Managers:
Michael Overstreet
Michelle Overstreet
Marketing Team:
Barbara Davis
Debra McCrary
Linda Raughton