In the fall of 1954, Mr. Wallace Haines, a newly licensed pharmacist, arrived in Winchester, Indiana.  Moving from Tipton, he brought not only his wife and newborn child, but also his youth, energy, passion, and a drive to go out into the world to make it a better place for the people living around him.  

Wally purchased the downtown drug store Beasley & Waltz on November 14, 1954.  Although the name was changed to Haines, the storefront on Washington Street, on the north side of the square, maintained its character and dedication to serve the people of Winchester.  The store was a Rexall Pharmacy selling prescription medication, over the counter supplies, cards, medical supplies, magazines, comics, books, cosmetics, and was equipped with the classical soda fountain, which for years adorned drug stores across the country.

Along with the store came employees who even to this day continue to play a role in the success of Haines.  The late Mrs. Margaret Waltz (wife of co-owner of Beasley & Waltz) stayed on to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure her cosmetic counter was always in pristine condition for the daily shoppers.  Later, staple employees like Sharon Whitted, Janet Fowler, Connie Smiley, Trudy Simmons, and Heidi VanNote came along carrying with them the traditions and attitudes, which have helped to make Haines a success over the years.

When a new storefront opened up on the corner of Meridian and Washington streets in the fall of l976, Haines Rexall Drugstore made its move down the street.  Occupying the former By/Lo Furniture building, the store had room to grow.  The larger building allowed for an expanded family reading section and more space for the pharmacy.  It was around this same time that Wally had the opportunity to take part in a new store format offered by Hallmark called the “Gold Crown” Store.  However, the new format would require a complete renovation of the store and the removal of one of our long held traditions, the Soda Fountain.  Opting out of gold crown allowed Haines to maintain its traditions and equally important, the Soda Fountain has remained in tact.  Today, we continue to be a Hallmark store carrying an extensive supply of greeting cards, gift-wrap, and gift items. 

By the mid to late nineties, the small town drug store and pharmacy landscape was changing.  Times were requiring more control and oversight of prescription drugs and large corporations were quickly becoming the new pharmacies of choice.  In 1997 Wally made the decision, along with his son Tom (who had worked along side his dad in the pharmacy for many years), daughter Janis, and his wife Maxine to sell the pharmacy portion of the business.  Haines Rexall Drugstore would become Haines Hallmark & Gifts. 

Not only were the pharmaceutical demands of the community changing, so too were peoples every day demands.  Department stores, and box stores continued to draw customers away.  In 2005 the store suffered a great loss, in the death of Wally.  However, Haines remained.  Tom Haines formally took ownership of the business, continuing the long held traditions set forth by his father.  The store continued operating, focusing on greeting cards, gift-wrap, party supplies, seasonal decorations, and everyday gifts.

In January 2012, Janis (Haines) Mote took on the role of General Manager and with that came a breath of fresh air.  By the fall of 2012, the store had a new, youthful, and energetic staff that worked hard to promote and revitalize the passion and drive that Wally brought with him to the store and the community so many years ago.

Since then, we have worked hard to maintain the highest level of product and inventory bringing in new and exciting lines of merchandise at every opportunity.  To this very day, we strive to uphold the values which have become our code of conduct: know the customers, work to meet their needs, and make the store a pleasant place that people want to come and visit.

With a rejuvenated classic soda fountain, Haines Hallmark, Gift Shop, & Soda Fountain continues to be a staple of downtown Winchester with the seats that have the best view in town.