As Victoria Knapp, chair of Altadena Town Council Executive Committee, grew up, the farthest she was allowed to drive by herself was to Webster’s. In its heyday, the business spanned an entire city block, selling all sorts of merchandise from liquor to candy, greeting cards to videos – as well as what Webster’s is known for today: a pharmacy. Knapp fondly remembers how she grew up with the business when she was in high school.
While Webster’s now occupies only one building, Knapp is happy to see familiar faces that have stayed the same, even while her own life changes. “The size of the space has changed, but the heart is just as big as it always has been,” said employee Stephani Church. Despite the 98-degree heat on Saturday, June 22, Altadena community members stood outside in the sun to celebrate the grand opening of Webster’s Pharmacy’s new location on Lake Avenue, a block away from their original building.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena, and other Altadena organization representatives awarded certificates of recognition to the co-owners, Meredith and Michael Miller, for their efforts in preserving Webster’s 98-year legacy. The Millers bought the pharmacy from the Webster family back in 2010, but due to recent difficulties upgrading the building and significant rent increases, they faced a choice between shutting down or relocating.
Rather than selling the business, the Millers recognized how vital Webster’s is to the.