Then ...
In 1981, when Ronald Reagan became boss and stamps cost 18 cents,Halloween was bit by bit apropos more renouned amid adults. George Liggett and Tim Flynn, then co-owners of Nostalgia Shop, an antique, costume, cigar and intoxicating beverage store that non-stop in January 1977 in downtown Columbia, were segment of creation that possible.
"There were themed parties, college parties and a lot of diplomatic satire," Liggett said. Many people came in for Nixon, Reagan or Carter lampoon outfits, whilst others came in for movie-themed costumes such as "Star Wars" and Tor Johnson, Liggett said.
Liggett collected ideas for costumes from other stores during the off season, and on the side, he operated a singing telegraph business -messengers sent, before e-cards were around, to broach presents and live song for special occasions. His wife, Mariel Liggett, took time off from her work at Williams Keepers any October to help out at the store.
After more than 20 years, Liggett and Flynn sole the dress emporium to Aaro Froese, who renamed the store Gotcha! Costumes, still in operation today.
"We had outgrown the (costume) business," Flynn said. "Aaro took it to the next turn similar to 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.'"
How they met
Liggett and Flynn were both MU connoisseur students when they met. Both were dabbling with antiques, similar to the now-popular TV uncover "American Pickers," Flynn said.
They journeyed together opposite the nation for 12 years probing for antiques and hosting shows in many leading U.S. cities. Eventually the Smithsonian saved their lifestyle, and the span paid for antiques on interest of the museum.
How they got to ci! gars, wi nes and costumes
Liggett mentioned he frequently brought cigars and booze to ancient artifact shows, quite Arturo Fuente cigars and Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon, the singular booze from California that President Richard Nixon brought with him to China in 1972 - the outing that built the foundations for diplomatic family between the two countries.
At a uncover hosted by the Smithsonian, a U.S. deputy from Ohio approached Liggett and asked how he came opposite the singular wine. Soon, Liggett was pciking up instruct lists from member and picking up California booze when he picked up antiques there. Hence, the foundations of Nostalgia Shop were built.
The business allies went on selling cigars good before the cigar bang of the mid-'90s.
"For reasons no a knows, (cigars) became hip," Flynn said. "We were in the correct place at the correct time."
Now ...
You can find Liggett sporting a in vogue shaft and smoking a Diamond Cron cigar erratic around the Nostalgia Shop with his 167-pound German shepherd, Ashton, nod and assisting customers find the correct cigar to lay back and relax with.
Flynn is late and newly married, but he still visits Liggett to "make certain (his) associate is alive and kicking." Flynn and his spouse accidentally journey around Missouri selling for antiques at auctions to put on manifestation at Artichoke Annie's Antique Mall in Millersburg.
Nostalgia Shop, that changed next to Grand Cru Steak and Seafood grill on South Providence Road in 2008, represents 40 years of friendship, passion and hard work for Liggett and Flynn.
"Time slips divided - the memories don't," Flynn said.