Davie Street Cigar Store General Custer turns the tables
No one can accuse Davie Street coffee shop owner Darryl Alexcee of not having a sense of humour.
Sometimes, he jokes that his store, Darryl's Coffee and Native Art Shop, is on stolen land.
He has also placed a "Cigar Store General Custer" outside his establishment in the 900 block just south of Burrard Street. It's a playful twist on the life-size cigar store Indian, which U.S. tobacconists placed outside their shops for a couple of hundred years until they realized how offensive they were to aboriginal people.
Today, Alexcee told the Straight that scores of people have taken a photograph of his Cigar Store General Custer.
It was carved by his cousin Randy Adams about eight years ago, based on Alexcee's specification.
Alexcee, whose ancestry is Nisga'a and Tsimshian, says about five to 10 percent of people tell him that the Cigar Store General Custer is racist. It brings a smile to his face.
Perhaps some of those complainers are American tourists, who don't like being reminded of General George Custer's resounding defeat and death at the hands of American Natives in the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.
My conversation with Alexcee reminded me of an old Seinfeld episode, in which Jerry delivers a cigar store Indian to Elaine in the presence of her aboriginal friend Winona. It probably did more than anything else in recent years to educate the public about why these statues bother people of First Nations descent.
Jerry Seinfeld brings over an inappropriate gift.
Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.
Comments
11 Comments
@agentblair Blair Smith
Jun 30, 2012 at 7:46pm
Darryl is a gentleman, a kind soul and hilarious. In the 80's I had the pleasure of working with him. All of us had nicknames. We thought they were funny. After some time Darryl quite rightly pointed out that not only would he not respond to his, he found it extremely offensive. Our respect for him taught us all a valuable lesson, and I will never forget how we hurt a friend.
Stephen1493
Jul 3, 2012 at 1:35pm
I go into Darryl's all the time. He has fresh homemade food that he and his partner make every day. My favorite is the salmon bannock! The native art all around the shop adds a sense of peace and good feelings to my experience. And Darryl's great sense of humour lifts my spirits every time! Hope to see you as one of the "regulars", Charlie.
Ted
Jul 4, 2012 at 1:01am
When I'm in town, I always drop in to see Darryl. He always makes people feel at home and his kind heart is obvious in the way he treats his visitors like family. And you can't beat his muffins, fresh out of the oven and tasting like muffins. I only wish I lived nearer again.
gwdgwd
Jul 4, 2012 at 5:33am
Darryl's is always a stop when I go downtown. Good coffee, good food, and always a warm welcome from a dear, caring man. This shop in one of Vancouver's littlle treasures....
Anne
Jul 4, 2012 at 9:12am
Darryl's Coffee Shop is like an oasis in the desert of life. I like to go there for a great cup of coffee and you never know who will be there for an interesting conversation. Yes, at Darryl's people talk. And the food is homemade and delicious. See you there!
Dave Jones
Jul 4, 2012 at 9:19am
Take a chance. Walk past Custer and enter the magical world of Darryl's coffee shop. Actor Robin Williams did one afternoon and spent forty-five minutes with Darryl. Why? Because going into Darryl's is like going home. You laugh, you talk (cry a little), whatever you need, but you're always welcome. A great place. Hope to see you there.
Zora
Jul 4, 2012 at 11:09am
I go to my Uncle Daryll's shop every trip I make to Vancouver. I always try to sneak up on him and play a joke walking into his store. Daryll is full of humourous jokes, great stories, and lots of love. His food and the atmosphere is like being at home. He is well known as a kind caring man who works hard and takes the time for everyone. Try out his smoothies, grab a tea or coffee, and I agree the bannock and salmon are the best. If you like native carved or beaded jewellery or art then you have found the place to shop at Daryll's!
Dan Cody
Jul 4, 2012 at 12:03pm
Many years ago I worked with Darryl and found him to be a great friend - not only to me but to anyone that comes into "Darryl's Coffee & Native Art" shop and allows him to be a friend. He truly cares about his customers and is always ready to talk, smile, and joke with everyone.
Not only does Darryl have great food but his Native Art pieces are less expensive than almost anywhere else in the Vancouver area - and all of it is genuine. Darryl personally knows most of the artists.
Native Art for your home or office; great food for your body; fun for your soul, and a lift for your sprits - Darryl's has it all and he is willing to share it with you. Stop in and say "Hi".
Brenda
Jul 4, 2012 at 7:58pm
Besides the great coffee, the delicious food and the good company, I enjoy watching Darryl interact with his customers and his friends. He has a great quality of speaking the truth; he tells you exactly what he thinks --a rare quality these days. I always come away from his coffee shop feeling refreshed in mind and body. Thank you Darryl!
JHW
Jul 6, 2012 at 6:06am
For good vibes and good food come to Darryls. Regular customers become friends ... and the butt of Darryl's REALLY bad jokes. As for his and Derrick's carrot cake and date squares, they are the worth a trip from the farthest reaches of Surrey. No wonder Darryl is known as the Betty Crocker of Davie Street ( well, he is now!)