In 1900, locally-prominent businessman and leader Simon L. McKenzie and his son Kenneth constructed and opened the two-story Bowlby stone Lostine Ph armacy during a period of growth in the small community of Lostine. A prominent building within town, the Pharmacy building also briefly hosted the first professional medical office, staffed by Dr. Eberle Randolph Seeley. At the turn of the century, pharmacies filled a particularly critical role by offering both a wide variety of medications and merchandise, including hardware and toiletries, among other items. The Pharmacy building also served as the home of Lostine Masonic Lodge #123, which held meetings on the second floor from 1906 until 1962. One of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations, freemasonry is based on a history of stone masonry and teachings derived from the craft. Members gathered to socialize, organized community-wide events, and supported the welfare of their fellow Masons. The Lostine Pharmacy building was recently restored as a local restaurant, and is again a community gathering place. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the building’s nomination at its June 2014 meeting. Twenty-one properties in Wallowa County are now listed in the National Register, which is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register and recent Oregon lists is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “National Register” at left of page).
