Melvin Albert (Bert) Weed was born on April 3, 1882 in Jackson, Iowa to Charles Albert and Gertrude Tyler Weed. The Weed family relocated to Seattle around 1890. After finishing high school in 1898, Melvin Weed worked as a clerk at the Bartell Drug Company before enrolling in the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy. Weed completed the two-year program and graduated with a Ph.G. (Graduate in Pharmacy) degree in 1902. Weed first partnered with businessman Albert G. Keene at the Lake Washington Pharmacy, renamed Keene & Weed, and later as the sole proprietor of Weed's Pharmacy, which he ran at 2601 Jackson Street in Seattle until his retirement in 1958.
In 1906, Melvin Weed married Mamie Luella Keene (1881-1970), the daughter of his business partner. A daughter, Luell Weed, was born to the couple in 1911.
The Weed family was well known in the Seattle community thanks to Melvin Weed’s involvement and membership in many community associations, including the Freemasons, the Nile Temple, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a member of the Washington Pharmaceutical Association. As the numerous documents and letters pertaining to these organizations show, Melvin was heavily involved in his local chapters. Besides these national organizations, Melvin remained involved with his Seattle High School Cadet association, attending every reunion.
From the guide to the Weed Family Papers, 1896-1965, (Museum of History & Industry Sophie Frye Bass Library)
