The Tepee Celebrates 75 Years of Americana

BUSINESS PROFILE
CHERRY VALLEY

Driving down historic U.S. Highway 20, halfway between Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs, you see it on the side of the road. It’s been there for as long as most people can remember. It may be your destination, it may be the first time you’ve ever seen it, or it may be that you drive by all the time, telling yourself, “The next time I go by I am going to stop.” It is listed in the national and state historic registries and has been in business for 75 years. You see it there, nestled in the rolling hills of Otsego County. It’s The Tepee!

That’s right, The Tepee has been in business for 75 years! And all are invited to join the festivities on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as The Tepee celebrates its Diamond Jubilee. High on the Hog food truck will be joining in on the fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and so will select vendors. Bug Country Radio is broadcasting live from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and The Happy Haggs Dance Troupe will be making an appearance at 12:30’ish. There will be door prizes (a chance to win up to a $75.00 gift certificate) and giveaways (get your wooden nickels while supplies last). The first 75 customers will receive a Tepee tote bag with purchase (one per customer). Oh yes, and there will be cake.

The 75-year history of this classic souvenir/gift store begins in post-World War II America, when families were hitting the road for their annual vacation, or out for a Sunday drive—the kind of roadside attraction that is a reminder of fun filled summer days of childhood. The Tepee first opened its doors in 1950, at which time it stood west of the Village of Cherry Valley. However, in the early 1950s Route 20 was rerouted to bypass the village and The Tepee. Original owners Ken and Iris Gurney had the foresight to keep their business on Route 20, which was the main thoroughfare east to west at that time. They rebuilt over the winter of 1953-54 and The Tepee has been welcoming the Route 20 traveler at its current location ever since.

Many visitors will often ask, “Why is it in the shape of a tepee?” The true reason behind the design choice may rest with Ken and Iris Gurney; however, there are two stories that the current owners have heard over the years. The first is that Ken Gurney, a WWII veteran, was the only survivor of a plane crash during the war. One of his fellow soldiers and a good friend, who did not survive the fateful crash, was Native American. Mr. Gurney built in the shape of a tepee in memory of his friend. The second tale that has been told is that Ken Gurney decided to give the shop its unforgettable appearance to remind Iris of the tepees she remembered seeing on Native American reservations while growing up in the Midwest.

The present owners of The Tepee are Donna and Dale Latella, sisters who bought the store in 2000, its 50th anniversary year. The sisters made a concerted effort to turn the shop into the kind of place that locals would enjoy just as much as tourists on their way to Cooperstown or Howe Caverns.

Donna and Dale feel honored to share the iconic store with everyone who comes through the door. People from all over the world, from every continent, have visited The Tepee. Yes, every continent, even Antarctica! As the sisters explain, a scientist, who was stationed at a scientific outpost in Antarctica, visited while on a short break. He needed a pair of comfy moccasins to bring back to stave off the cold.

When you stop at The Tepee, the first thing you do when getting out of the car is take in the beautiful view, looking north over farmlands across the Mohawk Valley to the distant Adirondack Mountains. You will never tire of the view, as it is absolutely stunning all year round.

Then you may walk over to the official roadside historic marker that is set to the side of the parking lot. The blue and yellow sign informs the curious traveler of the history of U.S. Route 20. Absent from the sign is the fact that Route 20—3,365 miles long—is the longest highway in the U.S. You can travel coast to coast, from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon, and never leave U.S. Highway 20. The Tepee is just a tiny part of the history of Route 20, which dates to 1799, when it was charted as The Great Western Turnpike.

What’s next, after taking in the view and reading the historic marker? Most likely you will make your way over to The Tepee. If it is your first time visiting, upon entering you may say to yourself, or even out loud, “Hmmm, it’s bigger inside than it looks on the outside.” The shelves are filled with an eclectic assortment of products from around the world—items that are Native American handcrafted, made in New York and elsewhere in the U.S., as well as fair trade and imported. There are locally-crafted pieces and classic souvenirs, all to remind you of your visit to The Tepee.

If you’re exploring the area near Cherry Valley, make it a point to visit The Tepee. It is a little piece of Americana that is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world of electronics. And if The Tepee is not already on your bucket list, make sure you add it. There are not many places like the Tepee left for you to enjoy, and you will always be welcomed. As many customers say, “It is not just a stop on the way, it’s the destination.”