The Jackson Drug story began in 1914 when our great-grandfather, Bruce Porter, spent a college summer working here in Jackson Hole.
Our great-grandfather, Bruce Porter, graduated from the College of Pharmacy at Creighton University on February 23rd, 1914. Bruce spent his summers during college working in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the Jackson Mercantile, which at the time was located on the Town Square, in the Clubhouse building. The building still stands on the East side of the Town Square and is the oldest building on the town square. It is currently home to Hines Jewelers, Wilcox Gallery, and the Resort Store.
1917
Bruce was called to serve in World War I, where he served in France.
1919
Bruce returned home from his tour he purchased the Jackson Mercantile and changed the name to the Jackson Drug Co.
1928
Bruce Porter started the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch on what is now known as Dog Creek Ranch, in the Snake River Canyon. Bruce Porter bought his first herd of Hereford cattle with the help of his father-in-law Seaver Callahan.
1937
Bruce Porter moved the Jackson Drug Co. to the north side of the Town Square.
1938
Bruce Porter purchased the Wort and Leeks Homesteads and moved the ranch from Dog Creek to its current location on South Park Loop Road.
June 12, 1952
Bruce Porter’s youngest daughter, Jeannine Porter, marries Ralph Gill.
1961
At the request of his father-in-law Bruce Porter, our grandfather, Ralph Gill, took over the management of the Porter Estate which included – the Jackson Hole Hereford Ranch, the Jackson Drug, the Teton Theater, Astoria Hot Springs, and several other commercial spaces. Ralph was an accountant by trade and as it turns out, he was also a rancher at heart.
1969
Ralph’s son Robert, our father, joined his dad on the summer hay crew at the ripe old age of 11. He worked alongside his father for the majority of his life.
1970
Our grandparents, Ralph and Jeannine Gill and their business partner Virginia Huidekoper started a newspaper called the Jackson Hole News.
1976-80
Ralph Gill serves as mayor of Jackson.
1994
Ralph Gill handed the reins over to his son Robert (our dad), who has continued the family tradition of ranching with the help of his wife, his five children, Nikki, Patrick, Jessica, Scooter, and J.J., and three of the best cowboys around – Steve, Alex, and Bart.