Auburn’s timeless tradition: Toomer’s Drugs

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Toomer’s Corner rests on the corner of Magnolia Ave and College Street. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

From a cursed Auburn seal to toilet-papered trees, Auburn is a city truly rooted in tradition. One time-honored tradition not to be forgotten is Toomer’s Drugs’ famous lemonade.

Freshly-squeezed and available in a variety of flavors, Toomer’s lemonade is the perfect way to cool down after a hot gameday.

Here’s a quick run-down:

  • Hours: Mon-Fri: 10AM – 6PM | Sat: 10AM – 7PM | Sun: 12PM – 5PM
  • Location: 100 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
  • More Info

Keep reading to learn more about the history of Toomer’s Drugs + what else this Auburn staple has to offer.

Kicking off an Auburn tradition

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Historical pictures line the top of Toomer’s ceiling. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Toomer’s Drugs was established in 1896 by Sheldon “Shel” Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s very first football team. Shel, who graduated from Auburn with a degree in agriculture and pharmacy, later represented Lee County in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Shel had opened the drugstore with his father, Lazarus, and what started as a small business blossomed into a tradition Auburn fans still celebrate today.

The tradition of rolling trees on Toomer’s Corner, the intersection of Magnolia Ave and College Street, is rumored to have begun when Toomer’s Drugs had the sole telegraph in Auburn. When Auburn’s football team won during away games, the employees at Toomer’s would throw the ticker tape onto power lines to signal the win to the city.

A present day staple

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Toomer’s Drugs has a wide variety of lemonade flavors to try out. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Years later, Toomer’s Drugs remains a staple of Auburn, now serving as a soda fountain and souvenir shop.

Incoming freshman at Auburn University can get their first taste of Toomer’s lemonade during Camp War Eagle, Auburn’s orientation. Campers have the opportunity to take a field trip across campus for a late-night treat, with the long line serving as prime bonding time.

Andrew Montgomery, employee at Toomer’s Drugs, loves seeing people’s faces when they try the lemonade for the first time.

While the crowds can get chaotic—especially on game-days—Montgomery says Toomer’s Drugs’ staff makes it fun to work there.

“If it’s a big game, you’ll see everybody flood the street and the line will be out the door down the street. It’s intense, but it’s fun.”

~ Andrew Montgomery, employee at Toomer’s Drugs and Aviation Management major

What we recommend trying

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Toomer’s Drugs has an assortment of drinks and desserts to choose from. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

While Toomer’s original lemonade is a must-try, their strawberry lemonade is another crowd favorite. Try out their banana split or brownie sundae for the cherry on top of your Auburn visit!

Gifts, apparel + more!

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Toomer’s Drugs has an extensive supply of Auburn Tiger merchandise. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Toomer’s Drugs has an immense supply of Auburn merchandise for Tiger fans to get their paws on. Shelves of T-shirts, sweatshirts, pet toys and more line the walls of this shop, making it the perfect game-day stop. With new shipments coming in almost every other week, you’ll want to check in on Toomer’s Drugs’ Instagram or Facebook to keep up with their newest orders!

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Ella Walton
Ella Walton
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