Home. Fashion. DIY. lIFESTYLE. VintageKC FALL 2017 | Vol. 5 Issue 6
giving workplaces the vintage design.
Contents FALL 2017 | VOL. 5 ISSUE 6
community 06 VINTAGE MAKERS Sarah Xeno 08 VINTAGE DINING Fall Picnic 10 VINTAGE MAKERS Maggie’s Corner 34 VINTAGE DINING Soda Fountains 38 VINTAGE MAKERS Tammy Smith 44 #VINTAGEKC KC Instagram inspiration 12 VINTAGE SPACES Pam Newton & iWerks 20 VINTAGE FASHION Brighten Things Up 28 VINTAGE SPACES Lexington Homes Tour 40 GIFT GUIDE do 26 VINTAGE RECIPES Fall glamping learn 46 DIY DIVINATION Quan Tracy
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^ from the publisher
staff
Editorial Calli Green, fashion director calli@vintagekcmag.com Hannah Pulis, fashion marketing assistant Advertising Cheri Nations, advertising rep cheri@vintagekcmag.com Joe King, advertising rep joseph@vintagekcmag.com Reese Walley, fashion advertising rep reese@vintagekcmag.com Design Emily Bowers emily@wearerivet.com Emily Smith aew2000@centurylink.net Patti Klinge artdirector@discoverpub.com Publisher Bruce Rodgers publisher@vintagekcmag.com 816-474-1516
S ometimes one doesn’t have to go far to find a good “vintage” story. In the case of Pam Newton, it was right out front the VintageKC office door at the iWerx facility in North Kansas City. We couldn’t help noticing how the furnishings at the entrepreneurial center were not the usual drab, cold, hard-mental fixtures some labeled modern accouterments. The furnish- ings were varied, colorful, never duplicated and inviting. We made some inquiries at iWerx. A creative and warm hand was at work; thus our cover feature story for this issue. Drive east of Kansas City on Highway 24 and one will find Lexington, MO. I’ve been there many times and will keep going back. It’s one of my favorite towns in the state. Lexington and history are synonymous. Stately 19th century homes line some of its streets, a Civil War battle site notes the shifting loyalties and losses of family during that turbulent era, and the Big MO lumbers by just down the hill from a quaint downtown. With its upcom- ing Historic Homes Tour coming up, we had to feature the town. Finding ‘vintage’ everywhere
photo graphy Susan Berndt Leigh Elmore Patti Klinge Sarah Teresinski Silas Cook Maggie Bonanomi Quan Tracy Cherry Corbin Crable Adrianne DeWeese Leigh Elmore Lauren Hedenkamp Rachel Kauffman Sarah Teresinski contributors Lauren Berndt
This issue also features two prominent local makers, visits to vintage soda fountains, Maggie’s DIY column, tips of how to have a fun fall picnic and more.
We hope you enjoy this issue. It’s already one of my favorites.
Bruce Rodgers publisher
VINTAGEKC VOLUME 5, ISSUE 6 IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY VINTAGE MEDIA, LLC, IN KANSAS CITY, MO, AFFILIATED WITH AFFINITY ENTERPRISE GROUP, COPYRIGHT 2017, VINTAGE MEDIA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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Cover photo by Patti Klinge
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community ^ makers
TOP: Laser printers at the Johnson County Library MakerSpace were used to cut this leather, using a design that artist Sarah Xeno created from an original drawing. BOTTOM LEFT: Sarah Xeno hand-sculpted the gold face of Medusa using precious metals clay. Her piece is a clay body made of atomized metal and an organic binder. When it is fired in a kiln, the binder then burns off, and it becomes metal. Xeno presented a workshop on this
Artwork brings out the urge to explore Words ADRIANNE DEWEESE Photos PATTI KLINGE T he notion of art is so engrained in Sarah Xeno’s life that she described it as difficult to pinpoint the exact age in which it took over as her main interest – and later, as her career. “It’s just always what I did. It became my bliss,” Xeno said. “There’s no inception because it was before I even remember.” In childhood, Xeno turned mostly to
process during her residency at the Johnson County Library MakerSpace, which concluded in May. BOTTOM RIGHT: Xeno 3D-printed this bracelet based on a design that she rendered with the 3D modeling program.
figurative work. The library itself, too, has provided significant inspiration for Xeno in her residency: “Any time I need reference, I go through the stacks and look at something interesting, or pick up the newest Artforummagazine – whatever you need to give you some insight into what is happening.” As a believer of the 10,000-hour rule associated with deliberate practice, Xeno said she wants to continue making the most beautiful artwork pos- sible, working as the best craftsperson she can be. Teaching, she added, also is important, in passing along her experiences to others: She is currently in talks with several maker spaces on both sides of the Kansas City state line to teach a lost-wax metal casting workshop. “The more engaging work is the work that keeps asking questions,” she said. “When you make things, you have more questions and maybe not so many answers, because answers are kind of stagnating. I just continually try to push at that edge of experience.” ^
times, when I carved this wax for an hour-and-a- half.’ So, there are analogies that come through to my daily life that I’m constantly reminded of things that I learned at this space.” Exploration, she said, “is really the impetus” for her time as a Maker-in-Res- idence. When she asked about the main objectives she should accomplish during her time at John- son County Library, Xeno said she was encouraged to experiment with as
much as she could in her art form. Outside of the MakerSpace, Xeno also draws inspiration from sources like Dutch fashion de- signer Iris van Herpen, as well as Art Nouveau and
way I see things on a day-to-day basis. “Having exposure to the technologies, I’m thinking, ‘Well, I could have made this CAD model in 15 minutes and reproduced it 300
sculpture and drawing. In high school, Xeno, a Johnson County, Kansas, native, took a jewelry class, and she later revisited the medium after she contemplated the idea of becoming a painter, following her several years of study at the Kansas City Art Institute. “I often say I cannot be sad when I am draw- ing,” she said. “It’s impossible. Those two things cannot mutually coexist.” Today, Xeno is a jeweler and goldsmith. She chose the work instead of painting because of the significance surrounding the intimacy of something that is worn on the body. The symbolism, she said, “is huge, all throughout jewelry making and wearable art.” Xeno’s work also has shown at Haw Contemporary, as well as several showings of her pieces at West 18th Street Fashion Show and Kansas City Fashion Week in the past four years. “In some ways, it’s a commodity: There is a lot of tradition and culture behind it, especially now as I work mostly with bridal,” she said. “There is the significance of that and the union.” Xeno, a Prairie Village, Kansas, resident, in May completed a four-month Maker-in-Resi- dency run at the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Johnson County Library. In an interview inside the space, Xeno explained her initial attraction to the space beneath the hum of a 3D printer and laser cutter. The accessibility to the technol- ogy and machinery attracted Xeno to apply for the residency – she also said she has enjoyed her teaching with the public. As part of her four-
TOP: Sarah Xeno said she is always thinking about the ever-changing nature of her craft and the potential role that technology plays in her professional work, which initially attracted her to apply for the residency at the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Johnson County’s Central Resource Library. BOTTOM: Exploration, Xeno said, ‘is really the impetus’ for her time as a Maker-in-Residence. She said she was encouraged to experiment with as much as she could in her art form through- out her residency.
always thinking about the ever-changing nature of her craft and the potential role that technology plays, or could play, in that evolution. In particu- lar, laser cutting and vinyl cutting are causing Xeno to think about expanding in art in different directions than previously considered, especially with respect to apparel and textiles. “I think my work has evolved and changed, and new technologies have informed it or given me alternatives that I wouldn’t have really thought of before,” Xeno said, in reflecting on how the Maker-in-Residence time has influenced her work. “It’s changed everything. It’s changed the
month Maker-in-Residency, Xeno led several workshops for the public, including about etching on metal and another focused on precious metals clay, “kind of bringing the traditional aspects to this space,” she said. “I love the library, so I am not surprised,” she said, smiling, about the introduction of a MakerSpace. “I think they need to be institu- tions of learning and exploration, and I think this makerspace is really doing an honor to that. I’ve just been enamored with the space. The potential for exploration is just amazing.” As a professional artist, Xeno, 36, said she is
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^ vintage picnic
Fresh Dill Wrapped Goat Cheese INGREDIENTS: Pre - Packaged Goat Cheese Fresh Dill STEP - BY - STEP INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Purchase a package
of goat cheese and fresh dill. Freeze the goat cheese for a few minutes while you pick the dill and finely chop it.
2. Once you’re done chopping spread the dill out on
the cutting board. Remove the goat cheese packaging and roll the goat
cheese log along the finely chopped dill until it covers the outside. Fill in the sparse areas with your hand. 3. Put the goat cheese in a mason jar with a lid and place in To complete the menu, add a French baguette, pears or grapes, and a pre - made pie for dessert. Don’t forget the wine! This effortless menu and elegant arrangement of vintage finds encompass the art of the vintage picnic. Now all you need is to grab friends or family and enjoy! the picnic basket with a cold pack.
The Art Of The Vintage Picnic Words LAUREN HEDENKAMP Photos SARAH TERRANOVA by the Gourmet Glamping Girls:
focus mostly on the vintage presentation. A Baguette, fruit, and cheese with wine and pie for dessert makes for an easy and deli- cious fall picnic menu! 6. LOCATION Finding the perfect patch of grass to fash- ion a beautiful presentation is the final step to creating a vintage picnic! Kansas City has two great picnic spots to witness the chang- ing colors of the leaves and the transition from warm to cool. The first is the lawn of the Nelson-Atkin’s Museum of Art, which fits seamlessly with paying attention to aesthet- ics, as you get to sit among the sculpture. The second favorite Kansas City picnic spot is
Loose Park. The rose garden is beautiful in the fall and creates the perfect backdrop for an elegant vintage presentation. The art of the vintage picnic can be achieved easily with the above 6 tips! For a little menu in- spiration, here is a recipe for Fresh Dill Wrapped Goat Cheese that is exceedingly flavorful and most importantly, simple to make! ^ The Gourmet Glamping team, Lauren Hedenkamp and Sarah Terranova, became fast friends in Italy. They met studying in the same art and photo program and bonded quickly over their love of art and food. Lauren’s vintage camper Ellie serves as the backdrop for Gourmet Glamping.
T he art of the vintage picnic is about embracing the elegance of presenta- tion and creating an easy menu! The perfect vintage basket, utensils, and blanket can be found at rummage sales, local vintage shops, or your grandmother’s attic. This is a guide to create the ideal vintage inspired picnic atmosphere along with some tips for a simple picnic friendly menu. Here are a few key aspects to planning the ideal vintage picnic: 1. THE BASKET Finding a vintage picnic basket is easier than you think! Once you have a basket on
the brain and you attend every rummage sale you can find, you will find one! Bonus points if you can find a basket shaped just for pies! 2. THE BLANKET The blanket is like the canvas for the art of the picnic itself. The pattern and color of the blanket will set the tone for the visual presentation. Vintage dining table cloths that are thick or have a tarp underneath will also work as a blanket. 3. THE UTENSILS Using vintage utensils in the basket actually make packing for the picnic much
easier as most vintage plates and cutlery are much smaller and will fit easier, providing more space. Use the cloth napkins as separa- tors for the breakables. 4. MASON JARS Although mason jars are a trend these days, they make the perfect cup for any beverage you choose to enjoy on your picnic because they are stem-less and the lids make them spill proof! No one wants a stain on his or her perfectly curated vintage blanket! 5. SIMPLE MENU Keeping the food minimal allows you to
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diy ^ maggie’s corner
tricky to try to get an apple with only your mouth, hence the bobbing part! Make a bean bag toss by creating a large jack-o-lantern painted on cardboard with a big mouth and compete to see who can get the most bean bags in for a prize. Even more fun: parade your party down to an unsuspecting neigh- bor’s house. We did this at a friend’s party a number of years ago, it was great fun and the cars driving by usually steered clear of us and the surprised look on the neighbors faces was great, particularly the children! Getting ready for the little trick or treaters with decorations by the door, dressing in costume and of course great treats. We used to get homemade treats from families we knew but times changed so much that pre- packaged treats are safest. Fill fun-decorated Halloween treat bags, tied with orange or black raffia or ribbon. When my daughter was about 2 and first went trick or treating, she got little boxes of animal crackers — much better than small hard candy pieces and a good thing to have on hand for those tiny monsters! In one town we lived in, the “witches wail” was actually the towns tor- nado siren going off with the awful wavering sound — that still scares me — signaling that it was time to head home to check out all the treats that have been hauled in and to see if anyone saw some scary monsters, and maybe after a night of fun they won’t even miss a piece of candy or two! ^ About Maggie: I have always loved Halloween and as long as my kids were still at home, I still decorated. Now, living in an old house here in Lexington, the kids that were here when we moved in are all off somewhere. There are a few tiny ones now but we do not get anyone coming by to trick or treat. I continued to decorate but soon found most of the kids were dropped off in the larger neighborhoods. I miss the part where everyone knew each other in the neighborhood, even when you couldn’t always recognize who was behind the costume! Once, we had some young Cub Scouts once ask if my rocking chair made a creeky noise and if it was a ghost. I just replied I didn’t know for sure! TOP: Paper mache jack-o-lanterns ready for a Halloween celebration. MIDDLE: White pumpkins fill a child’s bitter- sweet wheel barrow. BOTTOM: Gathered group of vintage jacks and a metal parade jack-o-lantern.
LEFT: Black urn topped with an old jack, gourds and witchy shoes. ABOVE: The witch IS in! a wall box decorated for the front door with fair warning!
Halloween Fun Story Maggie Bonanomi Photos Patti Klinge I ’m not sure at what point the summer slides into fall but it is certainly something I feel in the air. Maybe it’s just cooler temperatures but I want to start thinking Halloween! Colors This is my favorite verse for fall: Oh, it sets my heart a-clickin’ like the tickin’ of a clock, When the frost is on the punkin and the fodders in the shock! — James Whitcomb Riley
dress up clothes and old jewelry especially if one wanted to be a princess or better yet add big earrings and tie a scarf around your head and become a gypsy! Cowboys were another favorite, and how could you pass up a ghost in a sheet with eye holes cut out, always good if it was cold and you had to wear your jacket while trick or treating! Throw a vintage Halloween party, require everyone to dress in vintage style costumes. Decorate with black and orange crepe paper, and any vintage Halloween decorations you can find. Create a “boiling witches cauldron” with a large pot with hot water and dry ice (check out DIY info to do it safely), it adds a great and kind of creepy atmosphere. Find some old pointy-toed boots, a black shawl, broom and a witch hat to put by your door to show that the witch is “in”. Cider, popcorn and caramel apples were always favorite treats as well as lots of candy; fill old canning jars with candy corn, caramels and any favorite candy you might like. We used to “bob for apples” in an old wash tub fill with water and apples. It’s
ing, prices vary as well as condition. I have bought some just for the fun of it, not being prized examples, some being cute and some downright creepy, which I guess works perfect for Halloween. Group any you might find, it looks amazing together; you can find some good reproduction ones too, just mix them together. There was a movie, can’t remember which one, that had a roomful of these jack-o-lanterns hanging down from the ceiling. It was very impressive! It’s hard to believe but originally they used to have actual candles burning in those! Thank goodness now there are great battery candles that look real and much safer. Costumes, especially old ones for chil- dren, can be used to hang on a door or wall. Remember how the masks were always awful to see out of. Our family always had homemade costumes usually some kind of
begin to explode, trees are changing color and the farmer’s markets are full of fat orange pumpkins as well as white ones and cool green and blue ones but the orange ones will fit the vintage Halloween the best! It may be a little early but then there is time to search out great old Halloween decorations. Black and orange are traditional colors associated with this holiday but you might find ghastly spooky things in all kinds of colors. Always, I begin to gather about anything black and orange to start with then head out to find some great decorations. The vintage papier-maché jack-o-lanterns have been a long time favorite of mine and you can still find them with a little search-
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^ vintage spaces
G rowing up, Pam Newton had an early attraction to vintage works that left her with the feeling of having been somewhere before. “I always feel like I came from the Thirties,” Newton said. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, she felt an instant connection to The Breakers (a late 1880s Vanderbilt manor) and other mansions. Her family later moved to Kansas City, and in childhood, Newton had a knack for redesigning her bedroom. Into adulthood, she was “constantly dabbling with change.” Newton’s design business took shape a decade ago, but in November 2016, she received “a gift that came out of nowhere,” when Newton’s longtime friend Bob Martin called her and asked if Newton would design his all-new office at iWerx, a new business incubator in North Kansas City, on a fixed budget of $800. Little did she know at the time that she would come to design the majority of the co-working space at iWerx, which opened in July 2016. “That,” she said of designing Martin’s office that draws
An Entrepreneur for Entrepreneurial Spaces
Words ADRIANNE DEWEESE Photos PATTI KLINGE Designer Pam Newton uses vintage creations to help inspire new creations
TOP: Welcoming area at the entrance to iWerx Enterprise & Entrepreneurial Center. BOTTOM: The main lounge area at iWerx, an atmosphere designed to encourage fresh ideas and organic networking.
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^ vintage spaces
upon “Mad Men” era inspiration, “was the catalyst for everything.” Martin’s glass-front office attracted onlookers who asked about the design work. That led to iWerx’s business partners agreeing that Newton should incorporate her eye for design throughout the entire 33,000-square-foot space. “It was all trust,” Newton said in an interview at iWerx. “No one ever sat down and said, ‘Show us your blueprint. Tell us what you think.’” Newton drew upon a Seattle coffeehouse and its comfortable feel for iWerx’s coffee bar and lounge area. Big spaces, she said, face the challenge of finding ease in comfortability so she drew upon rich tones and eye-catching decorative elements that would leave people feeling like they did not want to leave. Newton found her own big spaces, so to speak, immediately after high school graduation, and for the next 25 years, her career path took on a se- ries of twists and turns before she landed with design work. Just as iWerx’s 40 members are on the cusp of exciting growth, Newton’s business in the last year alone has taken a dramatic turn from solely residential work to professional co-working settings. Self-taught Gypsy Soul” Following her graduation from Grandview High School in 1983, New- ton said her “gypsy soul” led her to move to Phoenix, “to seek alternative grounds, to explore, to see if the grass was greener.” After a brief stint at an advertising agency, she returned to Kansas City, where she worked at Bernstein-Rein. All the while, the lure of venturing out on her own remained within Newton, as all three of her siblings also are entrepre- neurs. So, she started a wedding-planning business on the side, remaining attracted to creative ventures.
Pam procured an antique iron sew- ing base (circa 1914) from a flea market in Minnesota and enlisted her hubby to create the table top out of barnwood that was salvaged from Longview Farms in Lee’s Sum- mit. The leather bench and wool rug were finds from FB Marketplace. Sprinkle in some succulents along with a modern mirror and It all sets the stage for the perfect spot to powder your nose.
TOP: Recycled cobalt blue glass bottles tied with twine add a pop of color to a vintage bookcase hutch. BOTTOM: Throughout the year distinctive local artists display their work in the main lounge area, their showing culminating with a cocktail reception.
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^ vintage spaces
TOP: The vintage velvet sofa and loveseat were purchased in Lawrence, KS. New leather bomber chairs and a large area rug give the space a blended style that beckons guests to relax and mingle. BOTTOM: Two separate pieces were combined to give character to the bare concrete walls in the ladies lounge. By simply stacking the small book shelves atop the vintage buffet, it added height and dimension. Various found objects like an old Portuguese tile and an antique carved wooden bowl add personality to the setting.
TOP: The ladies lounge, with a boudoir-style vintage sofa, was designed to offer a private area for pre-wedding or party celebrations that take place in the iWerx event space. BOTTOM: An end table found curbside was refurbished with a little chalk paint and new drawer pull. A farmhouse tray with mini-clipboard and pearls add charm to the design when paired with the urn-style yellow lamp.
Completely self-taught, with no formal education or training in design, Newton calls herself, “an accidental designer,” Newton draws upon her previous experiences in independent event planning and consulting, as well as catering in the hotel industry. “I’ve always been fascinated with design. I just had this desire to get my hands on things and to make it right.” The “turning point” Newton said, came in 2007 when she and her husband broke ground on their custom home in rural Liberty, Missouri. Pam and her husband custom designed their house, and she describes the intense, sometimes contentious, discussion process that ensued between herself and the custom designer. “I wanted our home to feel like it had been there for years, even though it was new,” Newton said. Her home incorporates antique barn wood siding on the floors, church newels at the top of the stairway, custom-made kitchen floor tilework, and vintage lighting from Europe “that I got off a crate.” Newton’s persistency and vision paid off, as the designer won an award for best custom home in a certain price range, and the home was featured on tours. It was then, Newton said, that a lightbulb truly went off: She saw a need for people to not have cookie-cutter houses and living spaces. Her design business, known as Uncommon Relics, began with friends and word-of-mouth referrals. (A website, www.uncommonrelics.com, is forthcoming.) “The spin on my design is to be uncommon, instead of a cookie cutter,” Newton said The environmental aspect also is important with her reclaiming furniture and other pieces that might otherwise end up in landfills. “The oddity of it is, the majority of it stays in my mind,” Newton said of her creative process. She gestured toward a space near the front-door en-
tryway at iWerx. “I can look at this space, right here. Once I get one piece, I’ll go on a treasure hunt, and I’ll find that one piece that I think is going to work there, and in my mind, everything else falls into place.” “The pieces just speak to me,” Newton said of her experiences, like walking into a barn filled to the ceiling with items. “I think God instilled this vision in me, and it sticks out like kryptonite.” From One Piece”to the Big Reveal “That one piece,” she explained, could be anything. She pointed to a pair of early 1970s mustard-colored sofas positioned near the iW- erx coffee bar. They previously belonged to one owner in Lawrence, and Newton purchased them off of Craigslist for $200. She had them professionally cleaned, and then paired them with new pillows and a new area rug to help incorporate a mix of vintage and modern elements. The area coffee table base came from a downtown antique mall, and Newton’s husband built its top. The surrounding walls are filled with the works of rotating artists; in July, Kansas City area art- ist Lynette Ubel’s paintings adorned the walls. Also in the large opening space near the iWerx entry are barrel leather chairs from the 1960s that Newton picked up at an estate sale; nearby shelving holds a typewriter, a retro radio, a vintage skateboard, and much more. “When I find this stuff, I just have to have it,” she said. “That’s what is cool about what I do, is the stories – that’s why I love it so much,” Newton said. “It goes back to feeling like I’ve been here before, that the pieces that I find all have a story. I think people feel that when it comes into a design element. I think people sense the story and the his- tory behind each piece.” Newton speaks to her customers first, gathering their own ideas and
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^ vintage spaces
ABOVE: Bright splashes of color adorn the hallways at iWerx. This jazzy oil painting is from a collection held by one of the managing partners.
sources of inspiration. The aim of Uncommon Relics is approachabil- ity and affordability for everyone, Newton said. “Nobody ever gets it until it comes together,” she said of her skeptics. “People just generally have to trust me, that I am going to pull off what is in my head and what I have con- veyed to them.” From there, she seeks out her “favorite haunts,” which range from everywhere from estate sales, curb- side finds, and Craigslist to Liberty’s
trepreneur. Newton put it on a canvas transfer, and it now hangs above a side desk in Martin’s office. “I know that with her eye – and what she does – that I am going to get incredible value,” Martin said. The iWerx space at 1501 Burlington St., which was once a Kroger’s regional grocery distribution center, also features an event space. Near the event space is the “ladies lounge,” where bridal parties can prepare for the big day in a space that Newton decorated with special charms in mind. The iWerx partners will continue to work with Newton because of the ever-changing nature of the space, Martin said. With the iWerx design work as ongoing, Newton also is preparing to design a 10,000-square-foot space across the street from iWerx. Again, she said she wants to create one-of-a-kind settings for entrepreneurial spaces rather than relying upon a cookie-cutter feeling that can often accompany such office furnishings. “And, my wheels are always spinning for the what-next,” she said. Reflecting back on the origins of her design career that began 30 years ago, Newton said she would have been more forthright in trusting her gut and listening to what really made her heart sing – and today, she encour- ages others to do the same. “Back then, I had no idea, and so I floundered and aimlessly wan- dered around looking for that thing, that one big thing. Thirty-five years, looking back, I would have given anything to have dove head first into architecture and design – things would have been different, I think. “But, to that, I don’t believe that people always necessarily need a back- ground in that education field. I think you can be self-taught and very successful. I think it’s all about your tenacity and personal drive. I think people can do anything.” ^
The Red Apron and Urban Mining in West Bottoms. Her ideal Sunday afternoon consists of coffee and a stroll through River Market Antiques, starting on the third floor and working her way down. Her period influences include her all-time favorite of mid-century modern, alongside Bohemian, with the latter as a nod to her gypsy soul. “I think the two combined are clean and rich,” Newton said, pointing to architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a universal inspiration, alongside classic media inspirations fromThe Brat Pack and Audrey Hepburn. When designing a space for customers, Newton is “100 percent alone” prior to the big reveal – but, she makes it clear that if someone doesn’t like her work upon the reveal, she’ll return to the drawing board. Her first reveal for the space came in late 2016, for iWerx partner Bob Martin. It was the designing of a space that, in a short time, has helped change Newton’s business. Martin co-founded EnCorps 45, which sup- ports the “what’s next movement” for professionals ages 45 and older, and he is the president of Martin Marketing. Martin said he trusted Newton’s judgment and vision, in incorpo- rating his set budget and natural pull toward mid-century modern. He is especially drawn to an expanded print of an original 5-by-7 inch black-and-white photograph of his grandfather, who also was an en-
TOP: 1970s whiskey barrel chairs were found in mint condition at an auction. A handmade vintage wooden bookcase is a perfect backdrop. MIDDLE: Pam sought to create conversation areas throughout iWerx and provide people a place to take an office break and change of scenery. A grey sofa came from and estate sale and the painting from Facebook Swap Shop. BOTTOM: Mid-century modern chairs have been updated with stylish cow-print seats offering a cozy, private spot for brainstorming.
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^ vintage fashion
Autumn fashion is always full of the same burnt orange and crisp brown hues, so we’re mixing things up this year. These saturated ‘60s looks are sure to turn heads this season, and are perfect trends for the workplace or a night out on the town. Add a cardigan or throw on some tights— there are no rules against bringing your vivid wardrobe into the fall months. So brighten things up!
PHOTOS RYAN SWARTZLANDER MODEL STEPHANIE ROHR HAIR/MAKEUP ASHLEY HAZELWOOD WARDROBE BOOMERANG AND FASHION DIRECTOR’S CLOSET CONCEPT & STYLING CALLI GREEN ASSISTANCE HANNAH PULIS & DANIELLE GATEWOOD
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^ vintage fashion
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^ vintage fashion
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do ^ vintage recipes
Homemade Butter INGREDIENTS: 1/2 Cup Whipping Cream
Pumpkin Simple Syrup
INGREDIENTS: 1 1/4 Cup Water
1 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Ginger 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
COOKING UTENSILS: Jar with Lid STEP - BY - STEP INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pour cream into a
2. Whisk in all the
spices and pumpkin puree and continue simmering for 10 minutes, don’t let it come to a boil. 3. Pour syrup into a container or glass jar for storing in the fridge. NOTES: Syrup can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 - 6 weeks.
1/8 Teaspoon Allspice 1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
jar and tighten the lid.
Cinnamon Raisin Bread INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 Cups Warm Water 1 Teaspoon Active Dry Yeast 3 Cups of Flour 2 Tablespoons of Sugar 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt 1/2 Cup Raisins 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon COOKING UTENSILS: Mixing Bowl Wooden Spoon Loaf Pan Foil Tea Towel STEP - BY - STEP INSTRUCTIONS: COOKING UTENSILS: Jar with Lid STEP - BY - STEP INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Combine water and sugars in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and let simmer until sugars are fully dissolved, about 3 minutes.
2. Shake the
jar for several minutes until
cream turns into butter. Store in fridge until ready to enjoy!
Words LAUREN HEDENKAMP Photos SARAH TERRANOVA Gourmet GLAMPING
F all glamping trips are the perfect time of the year to bake and enjoy the quintessential fall flavor, pumpkin! The leaves are changing color, while the air is turning cooler making it the perfect season to use the oven and warm up that glamper! The Cinnamon Raisin Bread recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in a cooler until you’re ready to bake! Warm bread with home-
made butter pairs well with a hot beverage and the Pumpkin Simple Syrup can be drizzled in coffee or on top of a slice of cinnamon raisin! These warm fall inspired recipes can be enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon as a snack between meals. To create a vintage inspired atmosphere, like the 1971 Swiss Colony glamper, design a table-scape with a vintage plaid apron,
flowers, and antlers. ^ The Gourmet Glamping team, Lauren Hedenkamp and Sarah Terranova, became fast friends in Italy. They met studying in the same art and photo program and bonded quickly over their love of art and food. Lauren’s vintage camper Ellie serves as the backdrop for Gourmet Glamping.
chill overnight. When ready to bake, let dough stand uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes. 4. Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake about 35 minutes or until top is golden and bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Cover loaf loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent over browning. Cool on wire rack. NOTES: Make dough ahead of your glamping trip. Refrigerate in a greased loaf pan and when ready let dough sit out uncovered for 30 minutes prior to baking.
Lauren lauren@leftpagecommunications.com Twitter @artsykansascity Instagram laurhedenkamp Sarah sarahterranova.com sarahterranovaphoto@gmail.com Twitter @cucina_camera Instagram cucinaandcamera
1. Stir together warm water and yeast until yeast is dissolved. In a large bowl stir flour, sugar, oil, salt, raisins, and cinnamon until combined. 2. Transfer mixture to a greased loaf pan. Cover with a tea towel and let stand in a warm place for one hour. 3. Cover pan with nonstick foil and
COOKING NOTE: THE GLAMPER MUST BE CONNECTED TO GAS AND POWER TO COMPLETE THE RECIPES.
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^ vintage spaces
The home of Greg and Laura Nitcher will be new to the Lexington Historic Homes Tour this year.
H istory is everywhere in Lexington, Missouri. It’s in the small businesses that line the town’s picturesque Main Street. It’s on the tongues of its residents. It’s in the swirling waters of the Missouri River, through which steamboats snaked in the mid-19th century. It’s even literally embedded in part of the town’s courthouse, displayed proudly for all to see. A cannonball, a stark, black speck lodged into one of the white columns of the building, remains a constant reminder of the aftermath of the 1861 Battle of Lexington, both a turning point in the early months of the Civil War and now a major tourism draw for the town of 4,700. But nowhere is Lexington’s history as proudly touted as in the homes of its resi- dents, a selection of whom will participate in Lexington’s 64th annual Historic Homes Tour, Sept. 9 and 10. Sponsored by the Lexington Tourism Bureau, the event will feature homes that will be familiar to veteran visitors, as well as a couple of new homes, chosen in part due to the recent restoration efforts of their rela- tively new owners. Two of the houses new to the tour appear on the National Register of Historic Places. HOMES TOUR TO BRING HISTORY TO LIFE Words CORBIN CRABLE Photos SILAS COOK
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^ vintage spaces
TOP LEFT: A freestanding summer kitchen on the Nitchers’ property was once used for seasonal cooking by the original owners of the home, but it is now used as storage. TOP RIGHT: This Dresden porcelain-style chandelier in the Nitchers’ dining room is only one of several pieces they’ve found at antique stores and estate sales. MIDDLE: Natural sunlight pours through Janae Fuller’s bedroom window on a hot July afternoon. Fuller renovated the windows of her house shortly after moving there in 1999. BOTTOM LEFT: One can find Dresden porcelain figurines in multiple rooms in the Nitcher home. Greg and Laura continue to search antique stores, flea markets and estate sales for just the right additions to their collection. BOTTOM RIGHT: Janae Fuller says her favorite room in her house is her bath- room, located on the first floor. The bathroom includes a painted tin ceiling and renovated windows.
The Nitcher home includes porches on both stories of the house, as well as a lavish garden in the backyard.
Nitcher family (712 Highland Ave.). Also a brick Greek Revival-style house, the elegant Antebellum home overlooks the Missouri River and includes two-story porches. Like Fuller, Greg and Laura Nitcher have spent a long time restoring house with care- ful attention paid to its original look. Outside, the porch of the house is being restored, and new, white columns will be ar- riving in time for the tour. Inside, Laura says, wooden kitchen cabinets are being installed, as well as a coffee bar. “We’ll have pantry closets, and the doors will match the kitchen,” she notes. “Our goal is to have it done by the time of the homes tour.” Greg and Laura, who bought the house without ever setting foot inside of it, moved to Lexington from Olathe, Kansas, last May, and say they were fortunate enough to be able to purchase several pieces of original furniture from the previous owners. Those pieces include two massive wooden cabinets, measuring 12 feet tall and festooned with ornate decoration – one in the kitchen, and another in the parlor, which is decorated a brighter blue and yellow. “I wanted the colors in this room to be brighter because it was originally so dark,” Laura explains. “We were hoping that (cabi-
“That’s just something you learn,” she says. “This was a labor of love.” Inside, Fuller’s mixture of both original and restored effects has been executed with enough care that one would be hard-pressed to discern where the one ends and the other begins. “The stairs were originally carpeted, so I took that out to expose the original wood,” she notes, pointing to the main staircase. Nearly every room in the house features at least one exposed, original brick wall as well. Fuller’s kitchen originally was the house’s porch, a fact evidenced just by examining the wooden floors. “You can tell it used to be the porch because there’s a little rise in the floor,” she explains. “It was cut into two rooms, so we stripped it and started over again. The cabi- netry was all salvaged, and the trim on the all of the doors was salvaged.” Fuller, who has a friend who does demoli- tion and salvage work, was integral to the restoration and decoration of her home – and made sure everything would be cost- effective, too. “It took on its own life,” she laughs. “I re- ally didn’t have to buy very much.” Down the street from Fuller lives the
Both owners of the homes that will be new to the tour say the key to maintaining the homes’ historical integrity, appearance and feel is in salvaging discarded materials, as well as attempting to match paint colors, woods, and furnishings as closely to the originals as possible. Janae Fuller, 403 Highland Ave., is one resi- dent new to the tour this year. Her off-white, one-and-a-half-story home, built in 1853, em- ploys the Greek Revival style of architecture, and is flanked by a log cabin on its left side. “I had to gut (the house) and start from scratch,” Fuller says of restoring the home, occupied by a German family and their descendants throughout its history. “I bought the house in ’99 and moved in last year. I did some chip work on the paint color, and it’s called ‘tea garden.’ I got as close to the origi- nal as I could. It’s kind of an off-white – I think (the original owners) took white paint and mixed linseed oil into it, and that’s how it became off-white.” Fuller says a big part of her initial work on the home’s exterior involved trying to extract vines that had grown around the building – a gentle process, done with the care needed to keep the original exterior intact.
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^ vintage spaces
A framed 1869 map of Lexington hangs in the office of Brant and Michelle Neer of Welcome Home Realty, a company that special- izes in historic homes. Greg Nitcher, owner of one of the homes to be featured in the upcoming Historic Homes Tour, has a similar map displayed in the library of his house.
MORE INFORMATION ON LEXINGTON’S HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
can take in a breathtaking view of the Mis- souri River; three guest rooms (including one for the Nitchers’ grandchildren, who stop by to visit often; and the master bed- room. In all, Laura says, the house also has a total of 11 fireplaces. Greg and Laura say there remains plenty of restoration projects they’d like to tackle, but for now, they simply wish to complete their current projects before welcoming visi- tors into their home this September. “We’ve done a lot in the year that we’ve been here,” Laura says. “I’ve told my hus- band, as soon as this porch gets done and those columns get done, we’re taking a break. “This house has a lot of character. We’re very proud of it. We put a lot of love, sweat and tears into this house.” Greg nods in agreement. “This place is magical,” he adds. “It has such a feel to it.” ^
“We’ve been trying to make everything original,” Laura says, “taking up the newer floors to expose the original wood. We’re trying to match it to the
Lexington’s 64th annual Historic Homes Tour will feature visits to both private residences and businesses. In addition to the Fuller and Nitcher houses, other scheduled stops on the tour include: • The Anderson House, 1101 Delaware St.: Built in 1853, the home was once called, “the best arranged dwelling west of St. Louis.” The home was designed in Greek Revival style, which fell out of popularity shortly after the end of the Civil War. During the Battle of Lexington, both the Confederate and the Union armies used the home as a hospital. The exterior of the home still bears bullet holes from the three-day battle. • The Wiedner Home, 1621 Main St.: The home features beamed ceilings, built-in bookshelves, pocket doors, vintage light fixtures, and original wood floors. When entering, visitors will walk through an arched entry with columns. The house was built in 1904. • The Havrish Home, 1502 Reed Lane: Restoration work on this home is finished, and includes all-new wiring, HVAC, plumbing, a new slate roof, and reconstructed chimneys. Dates on this house vary, with a brick dated to 1840, as well as an abstract going back to 1868. • The Worthington Home, 1717 Bloom St.: A Victorian cottage referred to as “Lili of Lexington” by its owners, the home was built sometime in the 1890s. The home includes three porches, a fenced yard, and an added 1,000 square feet of attic space. Sponsored by the Lexington Tourism Bureau, the tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.visitlexingtonmo.com or at the bureau’s address, 1110 Main St. in Lexington. You also may call the bureau at (660) 259-4711.
rest of the house.” Other highlights of the Nitcher home include a second-story, wrap-around balcony overlooking a lush garden, a library complete with a framed 1869 map of Lexington, and Dresden porcelain figurines and vases through- out, much of which came from antique stores. The second story of the house boasts a high-ceiling room that serves as Laura’s workout and sewing room, from which one
net) would stay. You have to have a house like this to have something like that.” Laura says that in addition to having bought several original pieces from the previous owners, estate sales have come in handy when securing furnishings. Like Fuller, too, Greg and Laura continue to incorporate the floors’ original wood and the walls’ exposed brick, in order to emphasize the home’s age.
Living & working in historic properties gives us a unique perspective. We have helped hundreds of people sell & buy vintage homes and are available to assist you. Historic Property Specialists
Featuring the works of local and regional artists. And a selection of vintage works on canvas and paper. A NEW ART GALLERY IN LEXINGTON!
TOP RIGHT: An iron stove sits in the corner of the Nitchers’ kitchen, surrounded by exposed brick. The Nitchers are adding a pantry and coffee bar to their kitchen. MIDDLE: Both of Greg and Laura Nitchers’ ornate, high wooden cabinets include striking details throughout the woodwork. The couple purchased both cabinets with the house itself. BOTTOM: In addition to collecting vintage items, such as this colorful abacus and wooden box repurposed as a regular trash can, Janae Fuller occasionally sells vintage items on eBay as well, including vintage lunch boxes, toys, and political buttons.
~ MONTHLY MUSICAL EVENINGS ~ 1029 Franklin Ave. • Lexington, MO 660-259-2179 Hours: Wed - Sun • 11am-5pm
Brant & Michelle Neer 660-259-2700 www.WelcomeHomeRealty-mo.com
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^ vintage dining
LEFT: A tabletop jukebox at Lowe’s Soda Fountain plays old hits at the cost of a quarter.
Vintage Treats, Old Stories
becomes a social network. The layout invites customers to chat with their neighbor. Lyon recounts a story of two customers discovering they were from the same small town. In an old-fash- ioned soda fountain, the world shrinks — some- one’s story becomes your story too. If Fox’s is the place that keeps toes tapping and
grandma’s story about a Saturday trip to the drugstore with five cents in her pocket comes to life. Swope said he keeps the old vibes alive be- cause he “likes to keep it simple.” Next to the cold treats on the counter is a tabletop jukebox. Swope puts a quarter in the shiny chrome box, punches B7 on the num- ber pad, and smiles as “Okie from Muskogee” softly rolls out of the full-sized jukebox in the back of the room. Looking across the Lowe’s interior, work- in-progress jigsaw puzzles dot card tables, summoning customers to take a seat, add a piece and start a conversation. “The old coffee guys still get together in the place once a week to play a penny-a-point game of dominos,” Swope said. Swope tells Lowe’s story with a languid melo- dy while Lyon gives Fox’s a cadence of staccato. In Kansas City’s old-fashioned soda fountains, stories from the past and the present are blended into a malt and upon the first sip, time slips away altogether. All that remains is the story. ^
Words LAUREN BERNDT Photos SUSAN BERNDT
P hones buzzing, cars honking, schedules beckoning — switch off the notifica- tions, belly up to the counter, and indulge yourself with a treat and a story of the past. Fox’s Drugstore and Soda Fountain in Raytown has been in the Fox family since 1953. Lowe’s Soda Fountain has been an icon of Blue Springs since 1887. Tales abound from the owners and the fountain itself. Nancy Lyon is the main event at Fox’s. She works the long, speckled laminate counter, serving customers queued on red stools. Be- hind Lyon sits a shiny, chrome industrial sink, freezer and grill from 1953. An enthralled au- dience watches as Lyon artfully tops a limeade with sherbet while explaining her new soda concoction called a “cherry bomb.” Lyon serves up a chocolate malt by saying, “It’s healthy as long as you get a diet coke on the side.” Then she spins around and asks a regular if they need more coke in their float to keep the right cream-to-soda ratio. All the while ‘50s music pours from behind the counter carbonat- ing the atmosphere. A three-spout Hamilton Beach mixer from 1953 sits on the counter. Lyon claims it is far better than newer mixers, calling it a sturdy chunk of metal. The new ones are built light and when they are revved up, “They jump around on the counter,” she said. She lugs the ‘50s mixer to
eyes darting to keep up with Lyon, Lowe’s is the place to lay back and listen to a story. Clay Swope runs Lowe’s Soda Fountain, a joint jumbled with odd treasures — a cuckoo clock here, a carousel horse there and a 15- foot shark hanging on the wall. Swope collects the odds and ends from various flea markets and estate sales. Every collectible has a tale. “I’ve always liked junk and other unique things,” Swope says, as he methodically builds a banana split. He lays out the antique glass tray, forms
Fox’s Drugstore and Soda Fountain 10004 E 63rd St. Raytown, MO Mon.-Sat., 11 am-4 pm _ Lowe’s Soda Fountain 1112 W. Main St. Blue Springs, MO Wed.-Fri., 1-6 pm _ Monroe’s Pharmacy (with a small soda fountain counter) 412 N. Pennsylvania Lawson, MO Mon.-Fri., 8 am-6 pm, Sat., 8 a.m.-12 p.m. _ Clinton’s Soda Fountain (where Harry S. Truman held his first job as a clerk at the pharmacy and ice cream shop) Independence Square, 100 W. Maple Independence, MO Mon.-Sat., 11 am-6 pm _ Mugs Up Diner (floats, malts, shakes) 700 E 23rd Independence, MO Mon.-Sat., 10:30 am-8 pm
three perfect scoops of ice cream, spoons on fruit toppings, lines the creation with whipped cream, and sprinkles with pecans. He places a cherry on top like a master architect precari- ously placing the last stone. This clas- sic banana split is a popular trademark of the 130-year-old fountain. The relic that the start is a large, blue contraption that makes shaved ice. Swope places a circular chunk of ice on the machine and it cranks out flakes as fine as snow. A little cherry syrup splashed on top and a snow cone from appears to have been here since
the other side of the counter for closer examination, flexing her muscles, which, she said, she earned them working the counter “trying to keep the Fox’s alive.” Gary Fox, the current Fox owner, is Lyon’s brother-in-law. Nancy Lyon along with her mom, daughter and granddaughters is a part of the four generations of Lyon girls that have worked the pharmacy and soda fountain.
Come lunchtime, Lyon cooks up every- thing from egg salad and grilled cheese sandwiches to “chili dawgs.” The chili recipe is the same one that the soda fountain has served since opening. But the counter is not just for eating, it
TOP: Lowe’s Soda Fountain has been in operation since 1887. Locals come to the fountain to eat banana splits and play penny-a-point games of dominos. BOTTOM LEFT: Nancy Lyon, soda jerk at Fox’s Drugstore, presents a fresh-made chocolate malt. Lyon is a part of four generations of women in her family that have worked at the drugstore. BOT- TOM RIGHT: Clay Swope, owner of Lowe’s Soda Fountain, displays a wooden carousel horse that he carved. Swope says he likes unique things. The fountain is filled with col- lectibles he accumulated from flea markets and estate sales.
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