22 N Broad Street

22 North Broad Street – Murphy’s Rexall Drugs

Welcome to 22 North Broad Street, a cornerstone of Brooksville’s historic downtown, where stories of community, care, and a haunting tragedy intertwine. This building, once home to Murphy’s Rexall Drugs and later Hogan’s Rexall Drugs, was a beloved hub of small-town life, complete with a bustling soda fountain and a dental practice upstairs. Yet, it also bears the weight of a darker moment—a 1930 shooting that shook the town. Let’s step into the past and explore the vibrant, complex history of this Broad Street landmark.

Imagine the 1950s, when Brooksville’s Broad Street hummed with life. At Murphy’s Drug Store, the bell above the door jingled as locals poured in, drawn by the irresistible allure of the soda fountain. Picture teenagers in poodle skirts and letterman jackets, giggling over cherry sodas and ice cream floats, while parents swapped stories and picked up prescriptions. The soda fountain wasn’t just a counter—it was the heartbeat of the community, a place where memories were scooped out alongside sundaes. This was Americana at its finest, right here in our hilltop town.

In 1955, the store got a new chapter when Tom Hogan, a local with a passion for community, bought it and renamed it Hogan’s Rexall Drugs. Tom kept the spirit alive, greeting customers by name and ensuring the soda fountain remained a gathering spot. Under his care, the drug store continued to be a place where Brooksville came together, whether for a quick phosphate or a vital prescription. It was the kind of place where you felt at home, no matter who you were.

Upstairs, Dr. David L. Hedick added another layer of care to this building. For 40 years, his dental practice served generations of Brooksville families, fixing smiles and soothing fears with a steady hand. A visit to 22 North Broad Street might mean a morning check-up with Dr. Hedick, followed by a treat downstairs—a perfect blend of health and happiness that made this spot so special.

But not all the stories here are sweet. On December 3, 1930, long before the soda fountain’s heyday, this building was the scene of a shocking tragedy. Sheriff W.D. Cobb, a “Wild West” figure known for his iron-fisted approach, confronted J.W. Springstead. The Tampa Tribune reported. “J.W. Springstead, 60, president of the Springstead Dairy Company, was shot and killed today by Sheriff W.D. Cobb, who sought to arrest him on complaints by his wife. He was shot once and killed instantly in a hallway of the Murphy building where Springstead’s estranged wife was employed in the office of Dr. D.L. Hedick, Dentist. G.S. Rice and G.A. Ray, who have insurance offices in the building, were witnesses. Springstead was on his way to the dentist’s office about 4 o’clock when the sheriff appeared. There was a scuffle, and the sheriff fired one time.”  What began as a domestic dispute—details murky even now—ended in gunfire. Cobb shot and killed Springstead, sending ripples of shock through Brooksville. The community reeled, grappling with the loss of a prominent citizen at the hands of a sheriff meant to protect them. City Attorney Herbert Smithson struggled to believe the official version of this story and opened an investigation. Some believe that is why Smithson was gunned down one evening when coming out of the Tangerine Hotel on Howell Avenue; others believe he was working with Feds investigating bootlegging. Smithson’s murder was never solved.

Cobb’s reputation as a ruthless lawman, who might “shoot first and talk later,” only deepened the outrage. When a grand jury failed to indict him, citing “no evidence,” it left a bitter taste in the town, especially for Springstead’s family. His grandson, Chan, later spoke of the pain and the sheriff’s recklessness, a wound that lingered for decades. This moment of violence stands in stark contrast to the warmth that later defined the drug store.

Today, the building may serve a new purpose, but its stories echo on. As you stand here, picture the laughter of kids at the soda fountain, the steady hum of Dr. Hedick’s drill, and the tense silence after that fateful shot in 1930. This is Brooksville’s history—joyful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. 

Citations

John D. Bessler, “A Past Full of Hate Unearthed,” Tampa Bay Times, August 25, 2005, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/08/25/a-past-full-of-hate-unearthed/.
“Hernando Historical Museum Association,” Hernando Historical Museum Association, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/.

“Sheriff Kills Dairy Head at Brooksville,” The Tampa Tribune, December 3, 1930, pg. 1.

 “These People They are Brooksville,” The Tampa Bay Times, December 31, 2009.

22 North Broad Street – Murphy’s Rexall Drugs

Welcome to 22 North Broad Street, a cornerstone of Brooksville’s historic downtown, where stories of community, care, and a haunting tragedy intertwine. This building, once home to Murphy’s Rexall Drugs and later Hogan’s Rexall Drugs, was a beloved hub of small-town life, complete with a bustling soda fountain and a dental practice upstairs. Yet, it also bears the weight of a darker moment—a 1930 shooting that shook the town. Let’s step into the past and explore the vibrant, complex history of this Broad Street landmark.

Imagine the 1950s, when Brooksville’s Broad Street hummed with life. At Murphy’s Drug Store, the bell above the door jingled as locals poured in, drawn by the irresistible allure of the soda fountain. Picture teenagers in poodle skirts and letterman jackets, giggling over cherry sodas and ice cream floats, while parents swapped stories and picked up prescriptions. The soda fountain wasn’t just a counter—it was the heartbeat of the community, a place where memories were scooped out alongside sundaes. This was Americana at its finest, right here in our hilltop town.

In 1955, the store got a new chapter when Tom Hogan, a local with a passion for community, bought it and renamed it Hogan’s Rexall Drugs. Tom kept the spirit alive, greeting customers by name and ensuring the soda fountain remained a gathering spot. Under his care, the drug store continued to be a place where Brooksville came together, whether for a quick phosphate or a vital prescription. It was the kind of place where you felt at home, no matter who you were.

Upstairs, Dr. David L. Hedick added another layer of care to this building. For 40 years, his dental practice served generations of Brooksville families, fixing smiles and soothing fears with a steady hand. A visit to 22 North Broad Street might mean a morning check-up with Dr. Hedick, followed by a treat downstairs—a perfect blend of health and happiness that made this spot so special.

But not all the stories here are sweet. On December 3, 1930, long before the soda fountain’s heyday, this building was the scene of a shocking tragedy. Sheriff W.D. Cobb, a “Wild West” figure known for his iron-fisted approach, confronted J.W. Springstead. The Tampa Tribune reported. “J.W. Springstead, 60, president of the Springstead Dairy Company, was shot and killed today by Sheriff W.D. Cobb who sought to arrest him on complaints by his wife. He was shot once and killed instantly in a hallway of the Murphy building where Springstead’s estranged wife was employed in the office of Dr. D.L. Hedick, Dentist. G.S. Rice and G.A. Ray, who have insurance offices in the building, were witnesses. Springstead was on his way to the dentist’s office about 4 o’clock when the sheriff appeared. There was a scuffle, and the sheriff fired one time.”  What began as a domestic dispute—details murky even now—ended in gunfire. Cobb shot and killed Springstead, sending ripples of shock through Brooksville. The community reeled, grappling with the loss of a prominent citizen at the hands of a sheriff meant to protect them. City Attorney Herbert Smithson struggled to believe the official version of this story and opened an investigation. Some believe that is why Smithson was gunned down one evening when coming out of the Tangerine Hotel on Howell Avenue; others believe he was working with Feds investigating bootlegging. Smithson’s murder was never solved.

Cobb’s reputation as a ruthless lawman, who might “shoot first and talk later,” only deepened the outrage. When a grand jury failed to indict him, citing “no evidence,” it left a bitter taste in the town, especially for Springstead’s family. His grandson, Chan, later spoke of the pain and the sheriff’s recklessness, a wound that lingered for decades. This moment of violence stands in stark contrast to the warmth that later defined the drug store.

Today, the building may serve a new purpose, but its stories echo on. As you stand here, picture the laughter of kids at the soda fountain, the steady hum of Dr. Hedick’s drill, and the tense silence after that fateful shot in 1930. This is Brooksville’s history—joyful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. 

Citations

John D. Bessler, “A Past Full of Hate Unearthed,” Tampa Bay Times, August 25, 2005, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/08/25/a-past-full-of-hate-unearthed/.
“Hernando Historical Museum Association,” Hernando Historical Museum Association, accessed April 1, 2025, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/.

“Sheriff Kills Dairy Head at Brooksville,” The Tampa Tribune, December 3, 1930, pg. 1.

 “These People They are Brooksville,” The Tampa Bay Times, December 31, 2009.

22 North Broad Street – Murphy’s Rexall Drugs

Welcome to 22 North Broad Street, a cornerstone of Brooksville’s historic downtown, where stories of community, care, and a haunting tragedy intertwine. This building, once home to Murphy’s Rexall Drugs and later Hogan’s Rexall Drugs, was a beloved hub of small-town life, complete with a bustling soda fountain and a dental practice upstairs. Yet, it also bears the weight of a darker moment—a 1930 shooting that shook the town. Let’s step into the past and explore the vibrant, complex history of this Broad Street landmark.

Imagine the 1950s, when Brooksville’s Broad Street hummed with life. At Murphy’s Drug Store, the bell above the door jingled as locals poured in, drawn by the irresistible allure of the soda fountain. Picture teenagers in poodle skirts and letterman jackets, giggling over cherry sodas and ice cream floats, while parents swapped stories and picked up prescriptions. The soda fountain wasn’t just a counter—it was the heartbeat of the community, a place where memories were scooped out alongside sundaes. This was Americana at its finest, right here in our hilltop town.

In 1955, the store got a new chapter when Tom Hogan, a local with a passion for community, bought it and renamed it Hogan’s Rexall Drugs. Tom kept the spirit alive, greeting customers by name and ensuring the soda fountain remained a gathering spot. Under his care, the drug store continued to be a place where Brooksville came together, whether for a quick phosphate or a vital prescription. It was the kind of place where you felt at home, no matter who you were.

Upstairs, Dr. David L. Hedick added another layer of care to this building. For 40 years, his dental practice served generations of Brooksville families, fixing smiles and soothing fears with a steady hand. A visit to 22 North Broad Street might mean a morning check-up with Dr. Hedick, followed by a treat downstairs—a perfect blend of health and happiness that made this spot so special.

But not all the stories here are sweet. On December 3, 1930, long before the soda fountain’s heyday, this building was the scene of a shocking tragedy. Sheriff W.D. Cobb, a “Wild West” figure known for his iron-fisted approach, confronted J.W. Springstead. The Tampa Tribune reported. “J.W. Springstead, 60, president of the Springstead Dairy Company, was shot and killed today by Sheriff W.D. Cobb who sought to arrest him on complaints by his wife. He was shot once and killed instantly in a hallway of the Murphy building where Springstead’s estranged wife was employed in the office of Dr. D.L. Hedick, Dentist. G.S. Rice and G.A. Ray, who have insurance offices in the building, were witnesses. Springstead was on his way to the dentist’s office about 4 o’clock when the sheriff appeared. There was a scuffle, and the sheriff fired one time.”  What began as a domestic dispute—details murky even now—ended in gunfire. Cobb shot and killed Springstead, sending ripples of shock through Brooksville. The community reeled, grappling with the loss of a prominent citizen at the hands of a sheriff meant to protect them. City Attorney Herbert Smithson struggled to believe the official version of this story and opened an investigation. Some believe that is why Smithson was gunned down one evening when coming out of the Tangerine Hotel on Howell Avenue; others believe he was working with Feds investigating bootlegging. Smithson’s murder was never solved.

Cobb’s reputation as a ruthless lawman, who might “shoot first and talk later,” only deepened the outrage. When a grand jury failed to indict him, citing “no evidence,” it left a bitter taste in the town, especially for Springstead’s family. His grandson, Chan, later spoke of the pain and the sheriff’s recklessness, a wound that lingered for decades. This moment of violence stands in stark contrast to the warmth that later defined the drug store.

Today, the building may serve a new purpose, but its stories echo on. As you stand here, picture the laughter of kids at the soda fountain, the steady hum of Dr. Hedick’s drill, and the tense silence after that fateful shot in 1930. This is Brooksville’s history—joyful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. 

Citations

John D. Bessler, “A Past Full of Hate Unearthed,” Tampa Bay Times, August 25, 2005, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/08/25/a-past-full-of-hate-unearthed/.
“Hernando Historical Museum Association,” Hernando Historical Museum Association, accessed April 1, 2025, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/.

“Sheriff Kills Dairy Head at Brooksville,” The Tampa Tribune, December 3, 1930, pg. 1.

 “These People They are Brooksville,” The Tampa Bay Times, December 31, 2009.