Evangeline’s, Sacramento’s go-to emporium for the wacky and wonderful, is turning 50 this year. During this special month of July, customers of all ages can enjoy prizes and free interactive experiences: some playful and some scary. They are also rolling back prices on such popular items from the 1970s such as lava lamps, mood rings, and Kit Kat clocks.
Evangeline’s first opened its doors in 1974 on K Street in the historic Howard House by Dorothea Evangeline Chaussé with a vision to sell antiques. Over the years, the store evolved into a destination for off-beat toys, funny cards, and other eccentric gifts. Then in 1985, Dorothea retired and handed the shop keys to her daughter Deborah Chaussé, who soon added Halloween costumes to the merchandise mix. Today, after several decades and a series of store expansions, Deborah is still working hard, running the store and interacting with customers old and new.
“It’s hard for me to believe that it has been 50 years!” said Evangeline’s Owner Deborah Chaussé. “I still look forward to coming to work every day and helping to keep Sacramento supplied with new and quirky gifts and toys. I love seeing how pop culture and trends have evolved over the years!”
Located at 113 K Street at the Old Sacramento Waterfront, Evangeline’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. More information about the history of Evangeline’s is available here. For more information about Evangeline’s and Evangeline’s Costume Mansion,please call 916-443-2181 or visit www.evangelines.com.
