The history of Pelton’s is one of innovation, longevity, and excellence. Dignitaries and celebrities from around the world including six presidents and vice presidents have visited us.  Our story spans two centuries in which Pelton’s has been able to adapt to changing times. Our ability to innovate has enabled the company to expand into emerging markets, and we are excited about the future of the company.  Through it all, our commitment to quality and integrity has been a constant.

Pelton’s was established as the S.S. Southmayd Company in 1800 in Middletown, Connecticut.  G. Boardman and Hubbard Family later owned and operated the Southmayd Company.  Charles Abner Pelton began as a clerk at the Southmayd Company in 1855.  After Charles returned from the Civil War, he partnered with C.P. Collins and purchased the business from the Hubbard Family.  In 1871 Charles purchased the remaining shares of the company and changed the name of the establishment to Pelton’s Drug Store.

In 1920 Benjamin Weitzman started at Pelton’s Drug Store as a clerk.  He trained as Mr. Pelton’s apprentice and in 1928 purchased the store from his friend and mentor.  In addition to prescriptions, farm supplies, and basic drugstore items, customers were now offered an expanded assortment of greeting cards, house wares, candy and newspapers.  The Russell Stover Company delivered some of its first candies to Pelton’s.

Benjamin Weitzman became ill in the late 1950s and his son Jerry Weitzman made a life changing decision.  He decided to abandon his liberal arts education at Wesleyan University and transferred to the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs, Connecticut.  After graduating in 1960, Jerry Weitzman joined his father in managing the small chain of drug stores. In 1972, Jerry Weitzman purchased the remaining shares of Pelton’s from his father and began the modernization of Pelton’s Drug Store.

Jerry Weitzman built a modern new home for Pelton’s in Middletown.  The new facility, opened in 1977, also included a post office and a full-service comprehensive Home Health Care Center. By 1999 Pelton’s Drug Store and Home Health Care Center had locations throughout the state of Connecticut.  What had started as the 1,000 square-foot Southmayd Company now had 170 employees and over 30,000 square feet of retail space.

On a spring morning in 1999, Pelton’s awoke to devastating news.  Jerry Weitzman was driving his wife and two friends to a baseball game when his car was hit head-on by a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction.  All four occupants of the car and the pickup truck driver were killed.

In the following years, the pharmacy was sold and the store renamed Pelton’s Home Health Care. More recently, the stores have been consolidated into one location in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

The inspirational work of the officers and the dedicated staff of Pelton’s made it possible for Pelton’s to continue to serve its customers with the same quality all had grown to trust.

Today, Pelton’s is owned by Jerry Weitzman’s only son, Bruce Weitzman.  Pelton’s continues to be the gold standard for delivering home health care products to the people of Connecticut.  Bruce Weitzman is dedicated to continuing the guiding spirit of Charles Pelton, Benjamin Weitzman, and Jerry Weitzman into its third century of leadership.