Glass Medicine Bottles at Penhallow

Between 2016 and 2018, the c. 1750 Penhallow House site was the focus of Strawbery Banke’s Archaeological Field Schools. The following glass bottles were recovered from historic fill surrounding the Red Shed behind the Penhallow House. A large variety of late 19th century artifacts were found which might be related to an outbuilding that stood on the lot before the 20th century Red Shed was constructed. Many glass bottles and ceramic jars remained nearly intact, allowing us to learn about the purchases made by the late 19th century residents of the lot.

This bottle (SB29.196.15) once held “Dr. True’s Elixir” which was used as a worm expeller and laxative and advertised for people of all ages. It was sold by Dr. J.F. True & Co inc. which was established in 1851 and based in Auburn, Maine, just as the bottle describes. According to later dated bottles, the ingredients in this elixir were probably Senna leaves and aloin, a product from aloe leaves (Worthpoint 2020). Both of these ingredients are known to be laxatives. Although created in 1851, an ad was published for the elixir as late as 1935, meaning this product spans almost a hundred years (Vintage Ads 2010).

This bottle (SB29.209.07) most likely held medicine and was sold right in Portsmouth, New Hampshire at the Benjamin Green Apothecary, as embossed on the side of the bottle. Benjamin Green was born in Portsmouth to Jewish-Polish immigrants and worked at JH Thacher’s drug store (Portsmouth Athenaeum 2020). In 1888 Green bought Thacher’s store and remodeled it. In 1939, Green retired and sold his business to Frank McMahon. 

Portsmouth Athenaeum
2020 Green’s Drug Store, 1864-1965 - MS006 https://portsmouthathenaeum.org/greens-drug-store-6/ accessed July 27, 2020.

Vintage Ads
2010 Dr. True’s Elixir, 1935 https://vintage-ads.livejournal.com/2330301.html accessed July 27, 2020.

Worthpoint
2020 Sale Antique Dr. Trues Elixir Family Laxative Bottle Full New Glass Bottle Quack https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sale-antique-dr-trues-elixir-family-1835678419 accessed July 27, 2020.