Lowell History: Patent Medicine Collections

The patent medicine industry was an essential part of Lowell's beating heart during the 19th century. Companies such as J.C. Ayer & Co., C.I. Hood & Co., Father John's Medicine, Moxie, and others were trailblazers of their time. The Center for Lowell history patent medicine holdings include the Father John's Medicine Collection, the Ayer (J.C.) and Company Collection, and the Hood (C.I.) and Company Collection. Within these collections are pamphlets, memorabilia, and artifacts representing the history of patent medicine in Lowell.