Built in an evolutionary manner beginning about 1820, it is significant as the home and workplace of Anna Louise James (1886–1977), who was the first African-American woman pharmacist in the state, and owned the pharmacy for some time.

[1][4] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994,[1] and is a contributing element in the Old Saybrook South Green district.

[4] The James Pharmacy building is located near the southern end of Old Saybrook's historic town center, at the southwest junction of Main Street and Pennywise Lane.

To its right is the projecting main block, with the entrance on the left side, framed by pilasters and a pedimented gable, and a 20th-century bay window on the right.

Peter Lane was one of the first African-American pharmacists in the state, and the couple was eventually joined by Bertha's younger sister Anna.