Mixed Wildflower & Co.
Something strange may have followed the owner of Mixed Wildflower & Co. across the Historic Independence Square.
His name is Oliver.
Oliver is a hand-carved wooden owl who once lived across the street at Mixed Mutt & Company, where unexplained activity had already begun. When Oliver moved into Mixed Wildflower—a building that had sat vacant for more than 30 years—the strange happenings seemed to follow.
The shop’s tall, heavy front door has unlatched, opened several inches and slowly closed on its own. A silk curtain behind the register has billowed without a breeze. A porcelain cat fell from its display and rolled back and forth across the floor, while a Volkswagen magnet repeatedly flew from its display—even after being put back.
Coincidence? Maybe.
Or perhaps something took a liking to Oliver and followed him across the street.
But Oliver isn’t the only interesting story waiting inside 103 W. Lexington Avenue.
More Than 120 Years on the Square
The brick storefront that stands today dates to around 1905 and was historically known as the Fournie Building. Even before then, another two-story commercial building occupied the site and was home to a saloon during the 1890s.
By 1907, Louis Fournie operated a saloon on the first floor, complete with a poolroom in the back, while a tailor worked upstairs. By 1910, the address was home to both the Fournie Saloon and Heckart Cigars.
Imagine the conversations and stories that must have filled these rooms more than a century ago.
Markets, Portraits & More
By 1920, the building had taken on a new life. People’s Market occupied the first floor, while Clark’s Studio, a photography business, operated upstairs.
A decade later, the Missouri Fruit Company occupied the ground floor, with the Necessary Real Estate Company and Gaston & Becker Bowling upstairs.
Like many downtown buildings of its time, 103 W. Lexington wasn’t simply one shop. It was a little vertical neighborhood.
From The Leader to Levi’s
During the 1940s and early 1950s, the storefront became The Leader, a general merchandise store. Historic photographs from 1950 and 1951 show THE LEADER stretched across the storefront during the presidency of Independence’s most famous hometown resident, Harry S. Truman.
Later in the 1950s came Peters Shoes, advertised as being “Known for Better Values.”
By 1960, the building housed the Western Army Store. In later years, an enormous Levi’s boots sign covered much of the upper façade. Eventually, the sign came down, revealing the original brickwork and second-story windows once again.
Different businesses. Different signs. Different generations.
The same little storefront.
And Then a Wildflower Bloomed
More than 120 years after the building began welcoming people through its doors, Mixed Wildflower & Co. became the newest chapter in its story.
Today, visitors can browse unique gifts, locally inspired finds and carefully curated treasures while experiencing a piece of Historic Independence Square history.
In many ways, the building’s purpose hasn’t changed all that much. People still walk through its doors to browse. To discover something unexpected. To find the perfect gift. To share a story. And to linger for a little while.
Although these days, apparently, not everyone who lingers can be seen.
Mixed Wildflower & Co. is also a stop on the Paranormal Pursuit Passport, inviting you to check in and experience the spookier side of Independence for yourself.
Stop by 103 W. Lexington Avenue, browse the shop and see if you can spot Oliver.
Just remember—whatever followed him across the street may still be nearby.
Paranormal Pursuit runs September 23–November 6, 2026. With 13 stops throughout Independence, the free digital passport invites you to uncover haunted history, local legends and stories of unexplained encounters while earning points toward prizes along the way.
Are you curious enough to find out what—or who—you might encounter?
Sign up for the Paranormal Pursuit Passport and begin your search at VisitIndependence.com/ParanormalPursuit.
*Please Note: The Paranormal Pursuit Passport is a free, self-guided digital pass featuring 13 locations throughout Independence. Hours and admission fees vary by location, and some stops do not require admission, so we recommend checking each location’s website before your visit. You do not need to enter a location to check in on the passport, but we encourage you to step inside, explore and experience the stories for yourself.
