advertisement

Chicago store specializes in retro kitchenware

Looking for Pyrex, red and white enamelware, teapots, character drinkware or cotton tablecloths or aprons for your retro kitchen? Head over to Jazz’e Junque Inc. in Chicago, where you can find literally hundreds of retro items that would make June Cleaver proud.

Owner Mercedes Di Renzo Bolduc originally started the store in 1989 as a vintage cookie jar store. After operating the business for 10 years, Bolduc closed it for five years, then reopened it with expanded merchandise in 2004.

“I grew up in the ’50s, so I grew up with these things,” she said. “These are the things that I remember being in my mother’s kitchen.”

If it was made in the 1940s through the 1970s, chances are Jazz’e Junque has it. Although Bolduc specializes in Pyrex, she also carries a wide selection of rolling pins, cookie cutters, mixing bowls, canister sets, spoon rests, Mixmasters and other nostalgic kitchen items.

The store also has a small retro kitchen museum in the back where Bolduc keeps what she calls her “really vintage” items. These include children’s miniature kitchen sets with electric stoves, refrigerators and the like, ranging in size from approximately seven to 15 inches high.

“I’ll even give you a little tour of the area,” she said.

Jazz’e Junque, located at 3419 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information, call (773) 472-6450 or visit www.jazzejunque.com.

— Arlene Miles

  Pyrex bowls in friendship pattern at Jazz’e Junque accessory store in Chicago. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Retro Kitchen Accessories Museum inside of Jazz’e Junque accessory store in Chicago. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
  Classic mixers Retro Kitchen Accessories Museum inside of Jazz’e Junque accessory store in Chicago. George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.com
George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.comSalt and pepper shakers at Jazz'e Junque accessory store in Chicago on Friday, June 28th.
George LeClaire/gleclaire@dailyherald.comPyrex bowls in friendship pattern at Jazz'e Junque accessory store in Chicago on Friday, June 28th.