Fay Mansion in Point View Brickell
The winter residence of the founder of Father John's Medicine, Aubert J. Fay. The cough syrup mogul purchased the home in the Point View subdivision on March 13, 1916.
Aubert J Fay was a self-made millionaire who earned his fortune by manufacturing and distributing a very popular cough suppressant. He worked his way from humble beginnings to president and treasurer of an organization that produced a product that is still in existence today.
Like so many other wealthy business owners from the north, Fay looked to the south for a reprieve from the cold season. Aubert and his wife, Gertrude, were from Lowell Massachusetts and chose Miami as a place to look for their winter home. The home they purchased in Brickell ended up being the last one standing in Point View from the days of its prominence as Miami’s Gold Coast.
Aubert Josephus Fay
Aubert Fay was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1860. His family moved to Lowell, Massachusetts when he was a small child. His father took a job working at the print department of a local textile mill.
Aubert was raised and schooled in Lowell. After graduating from high school, he went to work in the Lowell Carpet Company mill for a short time before relocating to Boston for other opportunities.
Fay later returned to Lowell and partnered with a friend to build a couple of businesses. In 1888, he and his partner built the Lowell Opera House. The partners operated the opera for two years.
A short time later, through a connection from one of his brothers, Aubert got involved with the Carleton & Hovey drug store. Over time, he was promoted into an executive position with the company. He made his fortune as the company grew. The company’s growth can be primarily attributed to the popularity of a cough suppressant which had its origins in city of Lowell.
Father John’s Medicine Company
The story of the origin and growth of Father John’s cough syrup became folk lore. In 1855, a very popular and benevolent priest by the name of Father John O’Brien took ill. He walked down to the Carleton and Hovey drug store to find relief for his cough.
He was given a tonic that consisted of, among other things, cod liver oil. The formulation had a licorice taste. Unlike most cough remedies of the day, alcohol was not one of its ingredients.
It worked so well for the priest that he immediately began recommending the concoction. He told folks to go to Carleton and Hovey and ask for Father John’s Medicine. After a while, a legend, and a product, was born.
As the medicine grew in demand, the pharmacy built a factory and entered into an agreement with the pastor. He would get paid a small stipend to allow the company to use his name and likeness. In addition, anyone he personally referred to the pharmacy would not have to pay for the product.
Over time, the demand for the medicine grew. All of the production, packaging and shipment was done at the factory on Market Street in Lowell.
By 1900, Aubert Fay was the president and treasurer of the growing company. His personal wealth grew as the company achieved commercial success. By 1916, Aubert and his wife wanted to enjoy the spoils of their success by spending their winters somewhere a little warmer than Massachusetts.
Fay Buys Point View Home in 1916
