PERCOLATING GOOD VIBES

Today was National Coffee Day and I celebrated by making coffee in my vintage stovetop percolator coffee pot!

HEIMIE'S HABERDASHERY'S EXPANSION

One of my favorite stores in Downtown St. Paul just got even more amazing! Heimie's Haberdashery, located downtown near Rice Park, has been a favorite of mine for years.  I discovered Heimie’s shortly after moving here and instantly fell in love. That love has only grown with their new store expansion.

Coffee anyone?

I love the vintage advertising throughout the store.

Heimie’s can be describe as a classic, “old school” men’s clothing store, and yet it’s so much more. While they do still carry and maintain the classic looks, they mange to do something with them that I haven’t seen before – they make those classics appealing to younger folks, without making them “trendy”.

While most long-standing men’s clothing companies, have added more updated and trendy takes on their clothing to make them more appealing to a younger clientele, Heimie’s has remained true to their roots. As a result, each time I go there I am always struck by the wide age-range of customers, from young to old. Heimie’s has found a very natural way to introduce young people to the classic looks.

Brent was kind enough to show me around the new broadcast studio.

Enjoy a cigar out in front of the store.

In a time when many men’s clothing stores are scaling back, or closing, Heimie’s has just recently expanded their storefront. This weekend, I attended their grand opening of the expansion, and let me say that it did not disappoint. 

The newly redesigned barber shop.

This is my "danger" zone!

Live music entertained us throughout the evening.

The new floor plan works beautifully, and the addition of the fly fishing area and gun library (gun cases, not actual guns) appeals to the sportsmen here in Minnesota, while the pool room offer some gentlemanly leisure time. Perhaps my favorite area though, was the new digital radio and podcast studio on the second floor. The potential for this space – including the ability to air live music – is an incredible throw-back to the days of classic radio. I’m really looking forward to their broadcasts.

This lost fish from Heimie's Menswear was found years later in an antique shop, 

and now takes its rightful in Heimie's Haberdashery.

With the expansion, Heimie’s is able to offer even more of the great clothing lines they carry. I certainly made some purchases that night, and will be return to pick up another bow tie that I have my eye on.

My friend Larry is just one of the haberdashers ready to assist you.

No matter your age or lifestyle, Heimie’s Haberdashery has the classics that will fit every area of your busy life. They definitely have everything needed to dress you from head to toe.

Friday Wear:

What I wore to Heime's:
               Blue Shirt:  Jos. A Bank
               Bow Tie:  Brooks Brothers

               Sweater Vest: Jos. A Bank
               Navy Chinos:  Tommy Hilfiger

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren
               Shoes:  G.H. Bass
               Socks: G.H. Bass
               Watch:  Timex
               Watch Strap:  Timex

SCHOOLING FITZGERALD

Thought I'd share one last post to celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald's birthday week. The building pictured above, at 25 North Dale, in St. Paul, MN, once housed St. Paul Academy, which Fitzgerald attended from 1908 until 1911. During this time he was also enrolled in dance classes around the corner, at Mrs. Backus's Boarding School for Girls. 

Fitzgerald was enrolled in dance classes here when this was 

Mrs. Backus's Boarding School for Girls.

Scott was always more focussed on his writing (he kept a journal from the age of fourteen), and his grades suffered.  Because of his poor grades, when he was fifteen years old, his parents made the decision to send him to prep school in New Jersey.  

Statue of Fitzgerald as a boy at school.

Commemorative plaque at the former St. Paul Academy.

The building which housed St. Paul Academy is still standing, and there is currently a statue of the young Fitzgerald in front, along with a commemorative plaque.

1920

This week there has been a lot of hoopla and discussions about the new Downton Abbey movie. I was a huge fan of the Television series, and must admit that I absolutely loved the movie. I'm a big fan of period dramas which made this series so attractive to me. As time went on though, I fell in love with the characters and the storylines.

The movie has done a wonderful job moving the story forward with integrity, and I have a lot of respect for what they have done with the script. Since the movie takes place in the 1920's, I'm posting a photo of my paternal grandmother, Virginia Ludwig White, that was taken on December 15, 1920. Unfortunately the quality of the photo has not held up all that well over the years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Today is F. Scott Fitzgerald's birthday. He was born in St. Paul, MN, in 1896, and would have been 123 years old today. 

481 Laurel Avenue, where F. Scott Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896.

Several years ago, following the release of the latest Great Gatsby film, I posted an article on the St. Paul homes and buildings associated with him. 

It was fun to revisit that post today.