07/24/2025
"The Fruth Dream"
Larry Proctor had waited over a year for this day. Ever since he first saw the cheerful Fruth Pharmacy commercials on WCHS Channel 8, he was hooked—not just on the quirky jingle or the friendly faces, but on the charm of a small-town pharmacy that felt like home. What made it even more special was the face he woke up to every morning: Jennifer McAndrews, his favorite newscaster. He’d watched her faithfully since 2000 and dreamed of one day getting her autograph.
That dream led him and his travel companion on a four-hour drive from Roanoke, Virginia, all the way to Nitro, West Virginia. Their destination? The legendary Fruth Pharmacy. Their mission? Meet the people behind the commercials, maybe snag some logo merch, and if luck was on their side—send a message to Jennifer herself.
They didn’t expect to meet Lynne Fruth, the iconic figure behind the Fruth Pharmacy brand. But not only did they meet her, they were invited into her office at headquarters. It felt like stepping onto the set of one of those famous TV ads. Cameras rolling—or at least, phones recording—Lynne cheerfully welcomed them and even handed Larry the ultimate souvenir: a temporary role as CEO for the day and a Fruth logo shirt!
“Welcome to the boss's chair,” Lynn said with a grin. “How does it feel to be Fruth CEO for the day?”
“Excellent,” Larry beamed.
They laughed, posed beside the memorabilia, and talked about old commercials they'd memorized by heart. It wasn’t just a visit; it was a moment. A dream realized in a swirl of nostalgia, fandom, and good humor.
Before they left, they made one last wish: that this little video might find its way to Jennifer McAndrews—maybe even earn Larry that treasured autograph. But for now, he was content. He had met the Lynne Fruth, seen the HQ, and ruled as CEO, if only for a day.
And in Larry’s book, that made it one of the best days of his life.
Spending the day with Lynne Fruth, the president and owner of FRUTH Pharmacy. We drove 4 hours from Roanoke, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia, to visit ...