Reader Ed Notter emailed me a few of the images he has accumulated that he’d like to share with the rest of my audience. I suggested he send all of what he has found. This he did and here they are. In alphabetical order.
Thanks so much to Ed Notter for sharing these with us.
There are still more images coming from the Emma Thomas collection. Stay tuned.
Doug Houser         May 10. 2022
Does anyone have a picture of the apartment building across from the old Naugles? It would be 3022 Big Bend.
My mom shopped at Houska’s too. Was in there frequently as a kid returning soda bottles for money at the courtesy counter.
Michele, Returning soda bottles is definitely something only those of us of a certain age will remember. I remember taking them to the Kroger store next to Venture. I wonder what year they stopped doing that? Thanks for reminding us of that task that we once all did but now no one misses doing.
I look at the old pictures of Maplewood and am surprised by all the clothing stores. How did they all stay in business? I know my father in law said it used to be that the sidewalks were full of shoppers on Saturdays but still that is a lot of stores selling clothing and shoes. I see Bluesteins in one of the pictures.
Hey Mark, I have no recollection of Blustein’s being on the north side of Manchester as they are in the photograph. I remember them on the south side. I think Boogaloo restaurant currently occupies that spot.
Doug, I remember Mr. Bluestein on the North side of the street, and for a short time he was located where Nacy’s was before moving to the South side of the street. It was around the time when they were starting work on the parking garage fiasco. Also, someone mentioned so many clothing and shoe stores. In the ’50’s Maplewood was THE shopping center for the area. There were 2, Wellston and Maplewood. They both had bus loops and people went there for all their shopping. Maplewood was in a more central location and survived the Mall and Shopping Center era better than Wellston.
Jim, I only remember Blustein’s on the south side of the street. Not sure when they moved but I didn’t move to Maplewood until 1975. Even though I spent my childhood in Jefferson County, I knew of Maplewood’s business district. Shortly after graduating high school in 1967, my buddy and I drove to Maplewood where he sold his clarinet to Kennedy’s Music store. We got enough money to head for the Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for your comments.
The picture of Eddies from the side is great, the shot taken on Arthur Ave. However it leaves me wondering, where is/ was Arthur?
Its about where the produce aisle in Schnucks is LOL, When Kmart was built the side street was taken out. It doesn’t exist any more
In my mind, I like to imagine Maplewood the way it was before it has changed. When I’m in Quick trip I like to imagine I’m in the back of Cavalier Ford having my car worked on, and when I go to CVS I’m in Shoney’s having a big salad on friday night. I walk over to Burger Chef now Gus’s Chicken, and there are all the old guys who used to meet there for breakfast in the morning. ( I miss them, they always had a joke or some funny story) Dreamland shoes is now CBD. Its not funny that Arthur avenue is gone, its funny that in my mind it never will be.
YEs, I saw that. In one of the pictures toward the end you can see the street sign for Arthur. Directly across Manchester from Paramount Jewelers.
Very funny, Mary! I’ve been asked questions several times in the past about Arthur Avenue. It was “about where the produce aisle is in Schnucks” will be my answer from now on. I’ll credit you. Thanks.
Great photos! Brings back memories. Glad you shared them.
Glad you liked them, Susan. Thanks for your comments.
Brings back a lot of memories. Thanks.
My pleasure, Jim. Thanks for weighing in.
Doug, yesterday one of the photos I sent you was the Houska’s grocery store logo.
This is true, Ed. I didn’t know where it was but that’s what we have Mary Piles and Cathy Edmond for.
Hi Doug, I believe the Antique Mall on 2317 Big bend is in the old Houska’s Grocery which was opened in 1962
I’ll make note of that. Thank you, Mary.
Yes, Mary is correct, Treasure Aisles is the old Houskas grocery store. My mom used to shop there when I was a kid.
I loved seeing the old Cousin Hugo’s picture. I am glad they reopened, but I do think they missed their mark by not calling the new place Second Cousin’s. 🙂
thanks for sharing!
If I’m correct, John and Paige wanted to but there was something in their lease that prevented it. BTW, you could not find 2 people better suited to run the place notwithstanding their both having worked there in excess of a combined 60 years.
My family shopped Houskas as far back as I can remember.