photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Karl R. Josker | all galleries >> Buffalo >> Buffalo In Old Post Cards > Invalids Hotel
previous | next

Invalids Hotel

Dr. Ray Vaughn Pierce was a trained and licensed Doctor, whose practice today would be characterized as quackery. He came to Buffalo, built the Invalids Hotel in 1877 on Prospect Avenue on the current grounds of D'Youville College. That building burned in 1881, and was replaced by the pictured building on Main Street in 1883.

Dr. Pierce was a purveyor of patent medicines, with names like Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets, Dr. Pierce's Smart Weed, and Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery. All of which were laced with alcohol, cocaine, or cannabis.

Immediately behind this building was his World's Dispensary, fronting on Washington Street, from which he ran his successful mail order business. He was also the author of "The People's Common Sense Medical Advisor," a highly popular book from 1875 through 1935.

Dr. Pierce died in 1914 (other dates are also listed); with this building standing at either 663 or 665 Main Street, which is in the Shea's Buffalo block. I have yet to document as to when it was demolished.


other sizes: small medium original auto
comment | share
Terri Kalbfleisch 31-Mar-2008 16:36
I bought an old book "The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser" by Dr. Pierce at a garage sale just because I love old books. I no longer want this book and would be glad to give it to you if you would like it. I really hate to throw it out as it is so old and I thought that I would check his name out on line by chance that someone, or some place might be interested in it. Please let me know.