By Stefene Russell
Photos by J.J. Lane
“You don’t have to use them for muffins,” says Tom Lawless, proprietor of Panorama (1925 Cherokee, 314-772-8007), referring to a 40-cup baking tin that you’d think would come in handy only when catering a kindergartener’s birthday party. “We sell a lot of them,” he says. One customer bought one to sort her beads. Lawless himself employed one as candleholder for a dinner party; the one in the shop holds antique glass inkwells. Lawless is the master of creative re-use, not only with antiques but also in his folk art, and Panorama offers both. In one corner, there’s a “schoolroom” hung with brightly colored maps, wooden school desks and a half-dozen little girl’s jewelry dressers ($125). On the other side of the store are Lawless’ signature art bottles, similar in spirit to Southern head jugs ($40–$75), with faces made from buttons, old jewelry and beads, as well as Mitch Huett’s hand-painted tin trays ($38), recently featured in Southern Living magazine.
That’s the beauty of Cherokee Row—you’ll find things you didn’t know you wanted, but with so many niche shops, you’ll also find exactly what you’re looking for. The Neon Lady (1926 Cherokee, 314-771-7506, www.neonlady.com) specializes in (surprise) neon signage, though they also carry a huge stock of collectible beer steins. DeMay Ltd. (2018-20 Cherokee, 314-664-4700) is a veritable menagerie of furs of various vintages. They also clean, repair and alter coats and will keep yours in cold storage for a mere $20 a year. China Finders (2125 Cherokee, 314-566-5694, www.chinafinders.com), specializes in discontinued china patterns, from Wedgwood to Ralph Lauren Belle Fleur; prices start at as little as a few dollars and go up depending on the condition and rarity of the piece.
You’ll also find fine used books (Hammond’s, 1939 Cherokee, 314-776-4737, www.hammondsbooks.com), mid-century furniture (Retro 101/Pixie 9, 2114 Cherokee, 314-776-3739, www.pixie9vintage.com; Snowflake, 3156 Cherokee, open Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) and vintage kitchenware (HearthBeats, 2001 Cherokee, 314-771-2600, www.hearthbeats.com). Sally’s Floral & Garden Design (2116 Cherokee, 314-776-4949, www.sallysfloral.com) sells posies and antiques, including Depression glass in amber, pink, green and cobalt ($3–$50). They also boast a New Orleans courtyard with a greenhouse and selection of architectural salvage. At Elder's Ltd. (2124 Cherokee Street, 314-772-1436) you’ll find Art Deco furniture, china and objets d’art; Lady Jane’s (2110 Cherokee, 314-773-3205) carries building remnants, including doors, mantels and stained glass windows. Purple Cow (2010 Cherokee, 314-771-9400) combines 19th century objects with ‘60s zaniness. For instance, there’s a glass case containing a “zippered wallet museum,” right next to a similarly displayed “glass cutter museum.” Standouts on our visit included a hand-built saltbox dollhouse with a green roof ($145) and a mirrored Art Deco jewelry box ($245).
Cherokee’s also notable for its history and food. The Shangri-La Diner (2201 Cherokee Street, 314-772-8308, www.theshangriladiner.com) bills itself as “a little piece of paradise”—with billowy fabric on the ceiling, sparkling bead curtains on the windows and some of the best vegetarian food in St. Louis on the table, that’s close to the truth. The Sassafras and Cakery (2111 Cherokee, 314-678-0161), open since January, serves sandwiches, soups and desserts as well as—how’s this for truth in advertising?—sassafras tea ($1–$2). If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you owe it to yourself to cross Jefferson and explore St. Louis’ thriving Latino district. Try Neveria La Vallesana (2801 Cherokee) a tacqueria that serves up killer burritos as well as several tropical flavors of ice cream.
As you’re meandering and shopping and eating, be sure to stop and read the History Walk markers with narratives of Cherokee-Lemp neighborhood life between 1840 and 1950. Knowing that China Finders was once a cigar shop, or that there was a German-American shoe shop a few doors down from Jasper’s Radio Museum, makes the experience of walking—and shopping—Cherokee Row a little more profound.
The Cherokee Row annual sidewalk sale takes place September 30. For more information about individual shop hours and specialties, go to www.cherokeeantiquerow.net; neighborhood history can be found at www.cherokee-lemp.org.
Selected Shops and Services on Cherokee Street
Brent’s Antiques & Collectibles
1954 Cherokee
314-773-5750
Donnaland
2112 Cherokee
314-776-3739
Haffner’s Antiques
2100 Cherokee
314-772-6371
Hartmann’s Treasures
1960 Cherokee
314-773-5039
Harvest Moon Antiques
1959 Cherokee
314-664-7444
The Nostalgia Shop
2118 Cherokee
314-776-4949
Now & Then Antiques
2016 Cherokee
314-771-3335
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
1900 Cherokee
314-762-9308
Remember When
1955 Cherokee
314-771-1711
Riverside Antiques
1947 Cherokee
314-772-9177
Tomorrow’s Heirlooms
2214 Cherokee
314-772-1505
