Alfred Barth, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, ran an apothecary shop and drugstore at 85 Broadway, corner of Dean Street, in Providence in 1877. He was most notably known for his BARTH'S MALARIA CURE.

In 1879 the company changed to Barth Bros. Apothecaries & Druggists after Alfred took in his brother, William A. Barth, as partner. William held the position as head clerk until his death in 1889. Alfred remained as an apothecary and druggist until he retired in 1922.