Hammonds Books has been in business for almost 40 years. Our inventory includes book, some rare, most out of print, posters, costume jewelry, paper dolls, as well as a huge collection of over 200,000 vintage paper articles from the 1850’s to the 1960’s.

The store was opened by me, Jovanka Hammond, as a vintage Art Deco in the 50’s before it even had a name. It appealed to me, and I recognized the items wherever I went, eventually amassing a huge collection which served as the Store’s inventory. We imported Art Deco from France until it was no longer possible and then, my brother and partner, Kenz, who was working in the book business, convinced me that as we were both readers and book lovers, we should have a bookstore. At one time or another over the years, many members of our family, now passed on, worked at the store and now add to the wonderful energy at 1939 Cherokee.

I want the store to accommodate readers as well as collectors. It is fun to sell the $800 book to a collector who has searched for it for many years but selling a $10 book to a customer who comes back to tell you how much the enjoyed it is a satisfying experience, especially if I have recommended it. I have customers who call the store from all over the US, some go back 20 years, to find books or to have us recommend good and interesting editions.

Visit our store where you will see the magic of 60,000 books, vintage jewelry from Gypsy limited (my mother’s vintage costume jewelry store for many years at 2217 Cherokee) posters and prints, vintage paper articles – all surrounded by music that you will love though it might be new to you. You will see that the store is full of surprises – a fine selection of books on art & architecture, paper dolls, rare books on decorated bindings, and nice editions of books you have always wanted to read. I might add that the staff has a little of their own sparkle, with miles traveled and stories to tell, but I promise, they won’t bore you with them unless you ask!

Not only does the store itself have a magic, but the building, built in 1896, is full of history. During prohibition, the owners built a room under the backyard with access through a tunnel in the basement where they brewed beer and distilled whiskey. The basement was the site of merriment – it is where they drank booze and you can still see the wear on the basement stairs where hundreds travelled below to have a drink. And now, we are elevated (some would not agree) to a bookstore – all books and no booze.

Visit us, feel the magic and the energy, and talk to people who really do read..

Vintage Paper

These go back to the 1850s. The subjects include artists, political figures of the period, Places – some very exotic and even articles on fishing and sports. The ads are often with famous people and include their testimonials, automobiles, and even magical remedies with outrageous claims that wouldn’t be allowed today. Unfortunately, these items are not in the store, but if you have a subject, we can tell you what is available and bring it to the store for you to see.

We are readers and love books too, so it would be nice to have a chat about what you are reading or what you would like to find or just come in and browse. Open daily 10:30 to 4 and most Sundays 12-4, but occasionally we close on Sundays for events, so please call first.

Most of our costume jewelry comes from the well-known Gypsy, my mother’s vintage costume jewelry store on Cherokee Street for many years. We have so many fine pieces from this collection that there isn’t enough room to display them. Everything from the 1920s up to the 1960s, including a lot of funky period pieces. If you are looking for something special, let us know and we will be happy to go through the two rooms of inventory to find it for you.

Most of our costume jewelry comes from the well-known Gypsy, my mother’s vintage costume jewelry store on Cherokee Street, for many years. We have so many fine pieces from this collection that there isn’t enough room to display them. Everything from the 1920’s up to the 1960’s, including a lot of funky period pieces. If you are looking for something special let us know and we will be happy to go through the two rooms of inventory to find it for you.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SPECIAL ITEMS please call us at 314 323 6389..We have thousands of vintage articles from the 1860's to the 1950's as well as over 200,000 books. Call anytime.  We are always glad to help. Discounts given on multiple item purchases.  

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SPECIAL ITEMS please call us at 314 323 6389

We have thousands of vintage articles from the 1860's to the 1950's as well as over 200,000 books. Call anytime.  We are always glad to help. Discounts given on multiple item purchases.