This iconic sign on the door at 632 Good Hope caught my eye. I’m not sure what “LeBlanc’s” refers to, although a steaming cup should give some kind of clue. Unnerstall’s Drug Store, at 630 Good Hope, had a similar “name” door sign. (Click on the photos to make them larger.)
The 1968 City Directory lists Covington’s Midtown Restaurant at that address. The 1979 directory had it listed as Mary Dee Cafe. The May 13, 1927 Missourian had a large ad for Krogers at 632 Broadway, 42 North Main Street, 632 Good Hope Street and 1133 Broadway. (You could buy 1-1/2 lb. Double Loaf Bead for 10 cents or a “large bunch” of carrots for 6 cents.
Was Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank
The National Register of Historic Places registration form for Haarig says the 632 address originally housed the Farmers’ & Merchants’ Bank, and was home to photographer G.A. Kassel, and dentists Shelton and Popp.
Built around 1900
The register continues: This two-story brick building displays Italianate influences and was built ca. 1900. The original storefront has been removed and replaced with ca. 1960 brick bulkheads, aluminum and glass display windows, and an aluminum and glass entrance. The transom has been covered with metal panels. In the west bay of the storefront is an entrance leading to the second floor staircase. This entrance has a ca. 1970 solid wood door. In the upper facade are original one-over-one wood sash windows with added metal storm windows. The windows have stone sills and header course segmental arches. Above the windows is a row of corbelled brick and recessed panels with metal grilles. At the roofline is corbelled brick and terra cotta coping.
“Dutch” one of Dad’s laborers, lived in an upstairs room in this block. It might have been in this building.
LeBlanc’s restaurant is listed at 632 Good Hope in the 1960 city directory.
In 1958 it was Hobb’s Grill.
In 1964 it was Dillman’s Midtown Restaurant.
In 1965 it was Covington’s Midtown Restaurant.
Thanks. I have 1968 and 1979 directories, but haven’t been able to score any others from the local antique shops.
I remember a Hobb’s Grill, but the other names don’t ring a bell.
Buck LeBlanc and his wife lived over the restaurant there. Buck was a good man and a hard worker. I think his given name was Leonard. Buck earned his nickname because he was always wanting to bet a buck on something, it didn’t matter what. Whenever he came into our drugstore (Unnerstall’s), he always started out saying “I’ll bet you a buck” on whatever he wanted to bet us that day. I was unaware Farmers &
Merchant’s was at that location at one time.
Unnerstall’s Drug Store originally opened at 626 Good Hope in 1927 by my dad , Frank,. He moved the store to 630 Good Hope around 1944. In May 1997, after 70 years in business., I closed the store. We had many good years there, made many friends and had lots of laughs too.
As a side note, my great grandfather, also named Frank, and his brother, owned and operated the Green Tree Saloon on the corner of Good Hope and Frederick.
What a treat to see Haarig mentioned today, including Unnerstall’s Drug Store! Some of my greatest memories include those within our drug store and Haarig. I treasure memories as being there as a little girl, including working there part time in high school and college.
My dad holds some of the greatest memories of the store and area, I imagine. He grew up there,first stocking magazines, progressing to front end sundries, and eventually moving up to work the soda fountain as a “soda jerk”. After completing pharmacy school, dad returned to work alongside his dad there as pharmacist.
Such good memories of the people and the era.. Thank you, Ken, for rekindling them.
My friend, Vonda Covington’s parents owned a restaurant there.
We became friends when both she and I moved to Cape our freshman year 1965.
We graduated with each other in 1968 and have remained friends.
I have been enjoying Ken Steinhoff’s stories on the Haarig area in Cape. I went to school with Ken starting in kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran. I was born in the old St. Francis hospital & grew up 2 blocks away. My father C. J. “Blink” Lorberg owned a funeral home & appliance store in the Haarig area. Growing up in the Haarig area just blocks from the Mississippi river left many fond memories, thanks Ken for refreshing those memories.
James Lorberg
I run across you in old Trinity Lutheran School photos from time to time. Where have you ended up? I spend about 85% of my time in the house I grew up in Cape, but I have a house and wife in Florida, too. (She likes the beach, and I like the river.)
Ken I lived in Cape until 1990 when I moved to Jackson. I’m retired & still living in Jackson. I usually go to Florida a couple times a year. If you would like to meet sometime call me at 573 979 0671. Good to hear from you.