Unsung Heroes of Hispanic Heritage Month: Lunsford Richardson

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FINAL INSTALLMENT: They were ordinary people living ordinary lives, until one singular sensation of circumstance conspired with fate to make them UNSUNG HEROES OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.

Mrs. Mary Smith Richardson was not a happy camper, if they even had camps in Selma, AL in 1884. New husband Lundsford Richardson had an honors degree in Latin from Davidson College but didn’t make enough to raise a family. After all, how many Latin-speakers lived in Alabama in the 19th Century, not to mention Latinos?

When Mary got pregnant while Lunsford was teaching at the Little River Academy, they knew things had to change quick.

With a loan from from Mary’s brother, a physician, Lunsford started a small pharmacy in Selma.

The new pharmacist concocted a number of patented potions, lotions and cures and eventually offered a line of 21 “Family Remedies.” His most popular product included menthol, a new and little-known ingredient from Japan, added to a balm.  

The strong-smelling salve was meant to be rubbed on the chest so the potent menthol vapors would, hopefully, clear up a sick person’s breathing. Richardson added the name of his brother-in-law, Dr. Joshua Vick, to his new product.

Vicks Croup and Pneumonia Salve was soon renamed VapoRub and and was enshrined forever as one of your abuelita’s collection of remedios.

Vintage Richardson photo courtesy Selma Chamber of Commerce.

THE ENTIRE SERIES: