The Plot
Imagine this: You're looking for architectural antiques in St. Louis, a fireplace, perhaps, or some ornamental iron or decorative tilework. You might check the malls and neighborhood antique shops. You might find the occasional rusted mantelpiece or Beaux Arts newel post. But let's say you need one spindle to match one missing from the bannister of the old house you just bought. After your sixth stop with no sucess, you'll need to check in with the final authority on the subject, Fellenz Antiques.
The Denouement
Fellenz is a warehouse-like building with a familiar bust of Jupiter in the window. Inside, it's a dusty, half-lit cavern of wood and iron. Grab a flashlight at the counter. You'll need it. There are a million items piled to the ceiling and on into the darkness at the back of the shop. Old doors and mantels stacked in layers leave only a path a few inches wide to walk on. But if you're lucky, agile and persistent, you'll find your spindle.