Christianson Drug Company

Lars Christianson, a native of Norway, came to the United States in 1873. He lived in Preston, Minnesota, before coming to Fargo in 1881. Once here he took possession of a drug store, previously owned by Karl Martman, on November 15, 1881. This store stood along Front Street in the 300 block. In 1883, Mr. Christianson moved the store a short distance west to 402 Front Street. In November of 1898, the business moved again, this time to 10 Broadway, and there it remained until 1929, when the business returned to its previous location at 402 Front Street. Lars Christianson retired from the drug business about 1936, and his sons Hans and Leonard took over management of the store. Lars Christianson was also very active with Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, serving on the board of directors for 43 years. He died on January 30, 1946.

Sometime between 1945 and 1948, Hans Christianson, closed the drug store, and opened Christianson Liquor Store at the same address. The building was bought by the city during urban renewal and torn down about 1967.

Sources:
"Christianson, Pioneer Fargo Druggist, Dies" Fargo Forum and Daily Tribune (31 Jan. 1946): 4.
Fargo and Moorhead City Directory. Fargo, 1881-1927.
Polk’s Fargo and Moorhead City Directories. St. Paul, MN: R.L. Polk and Company