Colorful New Business at the Corner of Dauphine and Bienville Streets

By Laurie Baker

On my first venture into the new Helm Paint Store at 241 Dauphine, I became enchanted with the new line of metallic paints and immediately wanted to use a particularly bright shade in my powder room. After asking me a few questions concerning fixtures, light, and other factors, Marshall Suber, the manager, begged me to re-consider. He sent me home with rather subdued choices for the walls and ceiling and a beautiful metallic burnished gold, which he said should be used only on the ceiling molding. His advice was perfect, and I've been a loyal customer ever since.

Marshall grew up in the historic section of Charleston, S.C., and worked for many years in Chicago, where he received extensive training in the decorative arts and surface applications of all kinds, including Venetian plastering and subtle faux techniques. When searching for a place to retire, he settled on New Orleans, but then, he says, the retirement "didn't take". So, he's back doing what he loves in a city that excites him.

Helm Paint Store, which handles Benjamin Moore paints, opened its branch in the Quarter last October, and business is booming. Marshall says that in order to avoid the problem of parking, the store can take phone orders and have them pre-mixed and ready for pick-up. They service the surrounding hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, but are just as happy to work with individuals. If you want to do the job yourself, they'll make sure you have all the necessary supplies and advice before you begin. Once you establish an account, they will keep all your color records on file.

Although not presently living in the Quarter, Marshall is actively looking for just the right French Quarter residence. He also has plans to offer classes in the different finish techniques for walls as well as furniture. He says these will not be "craft type" looks, but beautiful, serious applications. Call 525-1241 to inquire about classes.

This store is such a treat to visit. Stop in and you'll find yourself walking away with sample-sized paints in luscious colors as well as fresh decorating ideas.
 

 

A Thank You to Commercial Lock & Key Shop

By B.B. St. Roman

Last fall, when French Quarter Citizens moved into its new office on North Rampart Street, the key we received hardly fit the door. I could not envison making several ill-fitting key copies, especially with the danger of each person having to stand there and struggle and jiggle to turn the key.

I remembered seeing a locksmith shop over in the 1000 block of Iberville and was interested in supporting the businesses over there, such as Tip-Top Shoe Repairs. So I wandered into Commercial Lock & Key at 1017 Iberville and met a smiling Russell Alexis. Upon presenting my dilemma, he surprised me with the simple answer: "Just bring me the lock barrels," which I did, and he proceeded to reset the lock pins to fit the key for a "smooth as butter" fit! I was amazed. And then he refused to charge me/FQC for the service. Needless to say, I had him make all the key copies.

The experience reminded me of how important it is to support our local shops and get to know the shopkeepers. As a little thank you, I made him some laminated signs to make sure people could see that he was OPEN for business.

 

 

The Printer of our Newsletter

By B.B. St. Roman

While on the subject of Iberville Street, it would be nice to mention the new printer of our newsletter since the storm,

B-Quick Printing and Copy Center at 200 North Rampart, corner of Iberville, which has been in business since 1972. Owner Doris Gagnard does everything herself, almost always gives us same-day service, goes to extra trouble to be sure the photos come out well on the copies, and she usually beats Kinko's prices. This is yet another example of a personal friendliness and work ethic which we should all honor and support, especially right in our neighborhood.