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McHistory goes back in time to explore big moments and small stories from McLean County history. McHistory episodes can be heard periodically on WGLT's Sound Ideas.
Production of patent or "quack" medicine was at its regional center in Bloomington-Normal during the Civil War and into the 20th century.
One of the most popular medicines was made in Normal off of Normal Avenue at the home (which also served as the factory) of Joseph W. Bowles. Said to be a blood purifier that could cure it all from headaches to nervousness, the National Liver and Kidney Cure sold for $1.
Known as the “Old Singing Soldier,” Bowles eventually brought on his son and daughter to work for him. They traveled the area selling the cure via medicine wagon. The National Liver and Kidney Cure was said to be made from vegetables and herbs—and may have had some alcohol in it for an extra kick.
The Bowles legacy survives with Bowles Street in Normal.
McHistory is a co-production of WGLT and the McLean County Museum of History. Subscribe to the McHistory podcast.
