4D
Monday, August 19, 1996
OUT & ABOUT
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
International culture found in Lawrence store
The Casbah sells items from around the world
By Vicky Causey
Special to the Kansan
72.
An aroma of Middle-Eastern cuisine mixed with the incense-of-theday scent greets visitors as they enter The Casbah, 803 Massachusetts St.
Pam Dishman/KANSAN
David and Susan Millstein, both KU graduates, brought variety to downtown Lawrence when they opened The Casbah, a group of businesses. Sunflower International, the Millsteins' shop in The Casbah, is home to inexpensive collections of folk art, jewelry and clothing from around the world.
Jill Legler, the store's manager of 14 years, said the shop carried merchandise from at least 50 countries and five of the seven continents. The focus was originally international, but the shop started carrying American-made items, including some from local artists.
"I just love looking at everything in here," said Christy Couey, Lawrence senior and regular customer. "The second you step in the door, it's like you're not in Lawrence anymore. Plus, I love to wear rings, and it seems like someone is always complimenting me on the ones I buy here."
Angie Hilsabeck, Lawrence resident, agreed.
"What makes this place so great is that every time you come in, there is something new," Hilsabeck said. "I'm talking about things like exotic sounding drums or rain sticks."
Just inside the entrance are cases
filled with hand-crafted rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry. To the right sits a section of multicolored handmade rugs, decorative candles and other unique pieces of home decor, such as Chinese relaxation balls.
A walk up the staircase opens up a world of American-made and ethnic clothing, as well as folk art such as African rain drums and Indian wind chimes.
In 1971,David Millstein opened Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop, which is located across from The Casbah.
Susan Millstein said they thought about starting up a new business in the empty building across the street, but they could not decide what kind. A trip to Marrakech, Morocco, made their decision easy.
They visited what African locals call casbahs, walled cities with shops everywhere.
"Once we experienced the friendly atmosphere of the little shops run by individuals, we knew what we would do with the building," Susan Millstein said. "We both thought Lawrence was such a great town, and it needed something like this."
In the spring of 1974, the Millsteins bought the building and named it The Casbah, home of seven businesses, including Sunflower International.
The other tenants, which originally included a potter, a stained-glass window shop, a leather shop, a jewelry store and two other specialty stores, have long since disappeared.
"Their businesses grew and went to their own buildings, or went their own way," Susan Millstein said.
Gradually Sunflower International took over all but two areas of The Casbah. Full Moon Cafe has occupied the lower mezzanine level for the past five years. F F & E — Für-
nishings, Fixtures and Equipment
—claims the basement.
Elissa Harris, a December KU graduate and employee of Sunflower International, said the Full Moon Cafe draws attention to the store. However, she wanted a job
there because she has shopaced at the store since 1990, when she began her college career.
"I love it here," Harris said. "It has a lot to do with the staff. It's the most honest, relaxed, creative atmosphere to shop and work in."
Susan Millstein said students like Harris made up a large percentage of the clientele, and jewelry is their main attraction.
Susan Millstone said that belly wear, toe rings and anklets are popular items right now. In fact, jewelry
"Merchandise changes from year to year, so it's important to go to markets to try to pick a cross section," she said.
has always been in demand. But there are spurts of popularity among merchandise, she said.
Avenue Rentals Wants Your Business You Want It? You Got It! Announcing Avenue Rentals Student Discount 40% off full semester's rental or 10% off per month
TV's Stereos Washers & Dryers Microwaves Air Conditioners
Refrigerators Freezers Video Recorders Furniture and more...
No Deposit FREE Same Day Delivery! Call today!
AVENUE RENTALS, INC.
1530 W. 6th St. (913)749-3344
1206 W. 23rd ~ 842-4266 PRISCILLA'S
❤ Lingerie
❤ Gag Gifts
❤ T-shirts
❤ Greeting Cards
Where Fun & Fantasy Meet
ASKABOUT OUR FREE CONDOM GIVAWAY!! Hours: 9:00a.m. to Midnight.Monday-Saturday 12:00p.m.to 10:00p.m.Sunday
ty r o