BUSINESS PROFILE
The Tepee: a Vintage Roadside Treasure Since the 1950s
CHERRY VALLEY—You are driving down historic U.S. Highway 20 and, 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 have ever seen it, 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 on national and state historic registries. You see it there, nestled in the rolling hills of Otsego County and in business for nearly 75 years. It is The Tepee.
The Tepee harkens back to 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 souvenir/gift store first opened its doors in 1950. Then, 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. So the original owners, Ken and Iris Gurney, decided to rebuild over the winter of 1953-54. The Tepee has been welcoming Route 20 travelers at its current location ever since.
Fast forward to the present, and you meet Donna and Dale Latella, sisters who bought the store in 2000, the 50th anniversary of The Tepee. The sisters made a concerted effort to turn the shop into the kind of place that locals would enjoy just as much as the 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! A scientist who was stationed at one of the science settlements in Antarctica visited while on a short break. He needed a pair of comfy moccasins to take back with him to the cold.
When you stop at The Tepee, the first thing you do as you get 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.
Once you enter, if you have never been there before, you may say to yourself, or even out loud, “Hmmm, it is bigger than it looks.” You will encounter shelves filled with items that are made in New York and other parts of the United States, fair trade, and imported, as well as Native American-made goods. Of course, there are the souvenirs you expect to find at a store like The Tepee, but there is so much more. You will also find jewelry, moccasins, candles, soaps, toys, cedar boxes and burl bowls. There are dream catchers, essential oils, incense, sage and crystals. And still there is more: You may have to visit more than once, just to take it all in.
Donna and Dale are community minded, sponsoring local events and making donations to local charities. The Tepee associates will happily suggest other places in both Cherry Valley and Sharon Springs you may like to visit. Weekends will often find the folks from The Tepee vending at local events. (Don’t worry, the store will still be open.) You may find a booth full of wares from the store at a local renaissance faire, a psychic show, or even a kite festival. Donna and Dale love to be involved in what is happening locally, and in sharing the joy with neighbors, friends, and visitors.
The Tepee is a little piece of Americana that is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world of electronics. If The Tepee is not already on your bucket list, you may want to add it. There are not many places like The Tepee left for you to enjoy, and you will always be welcomed.
The Tepee is located at 7632 State Route 20, Cherry Valley. Call (607) 264-3987 for hours.