This building, of unknown age, was located between Lilac Way and Ruth’s Toggery, across from Miracle Mile.
DAIRY BAR
The first evidence in the newspapers of it under the address 5300 Excelsior Blvd. was a branch of the Dutch Mill Dairy Bars. The first ad found was dated 1944.
THE HOBBY HOUSE
The Highway Hobby House opened on December 27, 1950 – “Park’s New Hobby Shop.” The store was operated by Howard Sidener, Jr. and his mother, Myrtle who had lived there since at least October 1940. Charles Howard Sidener, Jr. was born in 1914 in St. Louis, Missouri, and according to his World War II draft registration card he was a small man with blond hair and blue eyes. His father was the Prosecuting Attorney for the City of St. Louis in 1918.
The shop advertised model boats, cars, planes, crafts, and motor books. The hobby shop operated until about 1967. In 1968, Howard and Myrtle retired and moved to Tampa, where Myrtle died in 1980 at the age of 96. Howard, Jr. died in 2001.
The building was advertised for rent in 1970. Interestingly enough, although it was located right next to Lilac Way Shopping Center, it was always described as being across from Miracle Mile.
WIG SHOP
In February 1971 the building opened as the O’Hair International Wigs and Boutique. It closed on February 18, 1972.
By January 1972, it was advertised for rent again. An estate sale was announced on August 1, 1972.
PIPE SHOP
From May 18, 1973, to 1977, Joe Francis ran Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop.
From 1978 to about 1981, Charles Nasby ran a greenhouse. (No citation)
The building was demolished along with Lilac Way in 1988 to make way for the Park Village development.