When Frank A. Hunold opened the doors of Hunold Pharmacy in 1907, horse-drawn carriages kicked up dust on Main Street in Port Washington. Hunold Pharmacy was first located across from Port's prestigious train station, which was completed in 1898. Then in 1910 the pharmacy moved to 94 Main Street, its current location.

At Hunold's, not only did the prescribed medications make the sick feel better, but the soda foundation lifted everyone's spirits. It was a fun place to go for a coke or ice cream cone for 15 cents. Main Street School served as both the high school and elementary school when it opened in 1908. After school, kids would anxiously look forward to going to Hunold's. Boys and girls would meet and sit at the marble counter or elegant, round tables and enjoy themselves as they ordered their ice cream sodas.

In 1937, Hunold Pharmacy was bought by Joseph Marra, who had worked there as a pharmacist. He continued to do so for the next 50 years until his retirement. Richard, his son, helped at the pharmacy since his early childhood and became a full-time pharmacist in 1960. He continued in the business until his retirement this past summer; also after 50 years of working at the pharmacy. Sue Marra, his wife, began to help with bookkeeping in the early 1970s while Linda Marra Murphy, their daughter, also worked there part time while in high school. She became a full-time pharmacist after graduating from St. John's University in 1988. Rich, the Marras' son, worked in the pharmacy during his college years in the 1980s. He is now a foreign currency trader in Manhattan. Their other daughter, Jennifer Marra Cronin, went into pharmaceutical sales.

For a period of 66 years and three generations, the business was owned and operated by the Marra family. These years consisted of much hard work and dedication in serving four generations of Port's residents. From 1937 to 1955 the pharmacy was open 365 days a year, including Christmas and New Year's Day. The hours were from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m., closing early only on Sundays. They were also on call 24 hours a day by the Port Washington Police in case of an emergency.

There were many stories to be told of having to go out into the night on emergency calls. Sue and Richard Marra laughed as they reminisced about when their daughter, Linda, was born. "Richard just got home from the hospital, a proud and exhausted new parent. The pharmacy was closed and an emergency call came in for infant suppositories. Mr. Joseph Marra, himself, decided to assist Richard on the call. Off the two pharmacists rushed with the infant suppositories; only to later find out that they were for a cat." Additionally, many emergency house calls were made for Bob and Mary Dawson's diabetic dog.

Another story was about Stanley Buckowski coming to the rescue. He was the owner of the gas and service station that had once been on the corner of Bayview Avenue and Mackey. When he saw Richard Marra trudging home in deep snow during a blizzard, Stanley Buckowski asked "What happened to your car?" Dick Marra replied, "It's snowed in all the way over by St. Peter's Church." I am going right now to dig you out." exclaimed Stanley Buckowski. "Why would you want to go out in this nasty weather?" Dick Marra was most puzzled and questioned. Buckowski replied: "To ensure that my pharmaceutical service continues. When I needed your help, you were always there for me."

In addition to being a pharmacist at Hunold's, Richard Marra became commissioner of the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District in 1974, and has continued to serve Port Washington ever since. Also Richard was president of the Lions Club in Port Washington, which hosted annual blood bank drives and the Lions Field Fair.

On Aug. 4, Hunold Pharmacy was sold to Rajan Vohora, who owns several other pharmacies on Long Island. Dick Marra commented that the new owner is a well-known pharmacist who will continue to provide Hunold's clients with the same level of service that they strived to achieve.

Over the years the Marra family has employed many local residents. They have gotten to know our community in a most special way. "It was wonderful to have the opportunity to know so many fine people in this town," they said. At the same time, they wish the new owner the best of luck and look forward to a peaceful, relaxing retirement.