American Originals: Crown Candy, A Chevy, & Mr. Nowack

Earlier this year, on a trip to St. Louis, I stopped by Crown Candy Kitchen, situated in a neighborhood in North St. Louis County now referred to as Crown Square. Crown is home to one of the best milkshakes known to man. As featured on Man vs. Food, the buttery concoctions created at Crown are the most filling I’ve ever tried.

While in line for a table, I met Mr. Nowack and his pine crust and ivory 1956 Chevy 210 with a 235 cu. in. engine, American originals.

His vintage Ray-Bans, Levi’s 517s, cowboy boots, and a plain white Stafford Tee are proof that simplicity is stylish.

Q: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? That is, boots or wheels?
A: Car came first. Estate sale. Found the boots at Sheplers.
Fill ‘er up!

It even had that show car shine.

Who else do you know with matching boots, car, and fire extinguisher?

Q: What brings you to Crown today?
A: As a young lad, I would ride my Schwinn to the store and play pinball and drink malts.

Q: What do you think of the Crown Square renovation?
A: Long overdue. This used to be a premiere shopping area. Hopefully, this brings back customers old and new.

#More photos of my visit to Crown Candy can be seen on Flickr.
#For more on Crown Candy, watch this five-minute video.
#For more on Crown Square, visit their website.
#For more on the 1956 Chevy 210 visit Wikipedia.

Special thanks to Mr. Nowack and Mr. Karandzieff of Crown Candy Kitchen. American Heroes.