Independence men’s store echoes Truman era
By JOYCE SMITH
The Kansas City Star
After he returned from World War I and married Bess, you couldn’t keep Harry Truman down on the farm.
Instead, the future president settled in Independence and opened a haberdashery (men’s furnishings business) in downtown Kansas City with his army buddy Eddie Jacobson.
According to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Truman at first decided to do the selling and keep the books, while Jacobson would do the buying. But, like most entrepreneurs, they both ended up doing a little bit of everything.
To honor that legacy, Cindy and Ken McClain have opened a men’s accessories store, Wild About Harry, on Independence Square at 104 W. Maple St. The shop — dubbed a “store catering to men and the things they like” — had a grand happy hour opening Thursday.
This isn’t some frilly boutique but a place where guys can hang out, settling in comfy leather chairs to catch the news or a game, putt a bit on the 19th hole in the front window and, of course, pick up some special men’s accessories.
Items include iron hand sculptures to hold business cards, neckties, wallets, shaving accessories, barware, leather CD racks, day planners, walking sticks, golf trophies and accessories, Truman books and memorabilia, and games. Tailgating items and golf apparel will be added later.
There’s even an antique shoeshine stand in back that the McClains hope to have staffed twice a week at lunchtime.
“It’s more about where Harry Truman grew up, the history of where he spent his time, what formed his thoughts and the things I imagined he would like,” Cindy McClain said.
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