The Corner Store

The Corner Store. Cherokee-Lemp Historic District. In 1912, this storefront was one of at least four saloons in the old Cherokee business district. At the turn of the 20th century, when large families crowded into small flats, the corner saloon provided a getaway and social hour for the men of the block., Along with saloons, the St. Louis Red Book for 1912-1913 lists other businesses typical of that era. The four milliners (hatmakers), seven shoemakers, shoe repair and shops, and seven dressmakers and tailors on the street show that the garment industry had not eliminated independent craftsmen., Many family needs were met by small, family-owned businesses. Cherokee Street's bakers, four butchers, and six grocers and produce men supplied the kitchens of neighborhood families., The business district's blacksmith, outfitting neighborhood wagons and horses, and coal businesses, supplying heating fuel for neighborhood households, reflect a dramatically different life-style prior to World War II., The early development of the street is evidenced by the fact that an even earlier brick home was razed to make way for construction of this modern style storefront in the 1890's. The saloon building's corner entrance, cast iron column, large windows and ornate brick work are sophisticated building traits typical of storefront construction at the end of the Victorian era.