History

1800’s:

Welladonna was first established in 1850 by the Piper family when the Piper’s saw a great need for medicinal treatments and remedies amongst the early settlers of the 19^th century. Many of the early settlers were unaccustomed to the harsh realities of winters, in addition the lack of nutritional sustenance and hygiene practices often lead to illnesses, infections, and death.

Originally created by Elijah Piper as an apothecary/pharmacy, Welladonna is one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies not only in Canada, but in North America as a whole. Elijah Piper worked tirelessly to establish his pharmacy, which was taken over by his son Theodore Piper after Elijah’s death in 1875.

1900’s:

Frustrated by the lack of regulations within the industry and with a desire to keep customers and patients safe, Elijah Piper’s grandson Arthur Piper was one of the first Doctors in Canada to challenge parliament for more regulations ensuring a safer pharmacy industry for all. Arthur Piper was inspired to lead this campaign to ensure regulation after tainted vaccines and medication from other pharmacies caused 25 deaths amongst mainly women and young children.

Thanks in part to the tireless efforts made by the Piper family, the modern era of pharmacology and pharmaceuticals were born.

2000’s:

Welladonna has created medicinal patents and medications that are still used today, and have enabled millions of sick people to live longer and healthier lives.

2010’s:

With historical documents and primary resources highlighting the creation of the modern industry, Welladonna’s new archival centre is able to trace their role within the origins of the pharmaceutical industry. Welladonna’s archives hold many documents and artefacts highlighting not only the history of modern pharmaceutical industry and practices, but the early and questionable practices of an unregulated industry in the 19^th century.

The Welladonna Medical and Pharmaceutical Archival Centre remembers and honours the importance of the advancements of modern medicine and pharmacology as well as Welladonna’s contributions to the pharmaceutical industry in the past, the present, and well in to the future.