I regret to report the death of Jasper Giardina, January 11, 2009. Jasper was a fixture on Cherokee Street and at area auctions and sales. I had the pleasure of knowing Jasper and traveled with him for many years to out of town antique shows. He will be missed. 

   January 17, once again, I had the privilege of being “On the Air” with Ron “Johnny Rabbitt” Elz at KMOX NewsRadio 1120, where we hosted an “Antiques Radio Show.” In addition, my special guest for the evening was Steve “Mr. Gumball” Fautsch; collector and authority on antique peanut and gumball machines. Here’s how it works; listeners call in with descriptions of antiques and collectibles and I offer a value range for each unique item.  We had a great variety of items; from a rare 1916 Bluebird gumball machine, manufactured in Kansas City, Mo. valued at $500-1200 to a William’s Pitch and Bat coin-operated baseball machine at $5400. If you missed the show and you have a gumball machine or other coin-operated device and wish to know the value, need a part or need restoration, contact Steve “Mr. Gumball at 314-894-7666 or spfgum@aol.com 

   For nearly 100 years the Schneithorst Family has been synonymous with good food and hospitality. For decades Schneithorst’s crown jewel has been located at the corners of Clayton Road and Lindbergh Boulevard. Although the famous Hofamberg Inn that served the finest German cuisine is gone, hungry and thirsty patrons will find a new compound with plenty of options. The all new village at Schneithorst’s has dining and shopping. Read about the near century long history here; Inside St. Louis. 

Insider Tip: A great place to dine after a seven o’clock-ish show at Plaza Frontenac Cinema (located just across Lindbergh Blvd.). The restaurants at Plaza Frontenac close very early on week nights. Schneithorst's kitchen offers the entire menu at both the Kaffe Haus and the Bierkeller Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m.