Karnofsky Tailor Shop

Almost next door to Iroquois Theatre, at number 427 South Rampart Street is another shuttered building with only a mosaic on the floor in front of the doorway indicating a tailor shop. The building combined a tailor shop and house, and was owned by the Karnofsky family, a Jewish family. It is significant in that the family employed a young Louis Armstrong during his early days, and even ‘adopted’ him, and let him stay with them. While here, it is speculated that Armstrong drew inspiration and influences from music places, such as Eagle Salon and Iroquois Theatre. Armstrong is supposed to have remained friends with the family long after he left their dwelling.