Bluford - Doc. Goodrich

Office of Doc. Goodrich

Doc was a character of a different ilk. Bluford had a few Drs. around earlier, but the only one that I remember was Doc Goodrich. I never heard him addressed as Dr.-- it was always Doc. He was the ICRR Dr. for many years. It was rumored that he had been among the top of his class in MD school.

You probably all remember his home and office there on the corner just east of the viaduct. His office was downstairs and he had shelves to the ceiling filled with bottles of pills and medicines. He could probably fill most of his own prescriptions, which was good, because we sure didn't have a drug store in Bluford.. Folks laughed about his "favorite" prescription: Epson Salts--- taken internally or externally for just about anything.

Doc was a frequent attendee at Bluford churches. He would always carry his song books and local etiquette seemed to say that he should be asked to sing a number. He would pretend a bit of shyness or unreadiness, but then somehow would say well he did have a song he could do and bring out his song book. Folks would endure his singing and he would politely thanksed and applauded for his special number. His office building is still there.

I had the chance to go inside it a few years ago and it looked pretty much the same as it always had. It always seemed a bit cluttered and unkept. I think that building (and it's contents) should be declared a "historical site" and preserved for posterity. It is an interesting look back into the way Drs'. offices were in those days.