Since 1875

The city is layered in time, with decades overlapping themselves, defying the concept of linear reality. Passing by on the Interstates, commuters rarely glimpse the urban history that surrounds them, the places that have somehow managed to endure against the odds, including some establishments founded in the 19th Century that remain open today. Two of these venerable businesses, located on opposite ends of the city, first opened their doors in 1875. At 2501 N. 14th Street, on the near Northside, Marx Hardware still sells nuts and bolts as it did during President Ulysses S. Grant's administration. Likewise, Carondelet Bakery, at 7726 Virginia, in deep South St. Louis, has been serving fresh pastries and cakes at the same location for 130 years.