I remember Dengler’s very well.
My grandfather’s shop of choice
back in the day As it was a quick trip and the closest real Tobacconist from nearby Afton.
John Dengler was a Legend and a true pipe tobacconist. His shop's legacy went all the way back to 1917. He was a kind and gentle man who commanded the respect of an entire community, not just the pipe smoking community. He was instrumental in reviving downtown old town St. Charles and his shop - a clutter of pipe history was incredible - like walking back into time. His knowledge of pipes and his willingness to take the time with his customers to share endless stories of pipes and pipe history was priceless. One never needed to gratuitously purchase from him - your stopping by and visiting was his reward. Over time, I bought many pipes and tobacco from him and he worked with me, as he did thousands of others - literally - to help them create personal blends that he recorded and always made available to each customer who requested a personal blend. He was able to sniff a blend, put it in his mouth, and in a few moments tell you not just what was in it, but the proportions as well. His crowning achievement was thought by many to be Black Maria (pronounced Mariah). A simple English blend but one that was not just mild, but had a wonderful room note. The owners of the current shop still blend his legacy tobaccos. You can contact them through the website
LIT STL Cigar Lounge | United States - https://www.litstc.com if you are curious. One hopes they will continue to protect the shops legacy.