Paul T. Spaniola image used with the kind permission of Paul’s Pipe Shop
I sat down one afternoon with a gentleman by name of Tim Schnorenberg.
A regular customer-turned-volunteer at Paul’s pipe shop for the last twenty years.
Tim also has been managing the Instagram of Paul’s Pipe Shop, sharing peoples’ pipe selfies and historical tidbits.
Funnily enough, the day after I discovered oil cured pipes, Paul’s shared a post of mine. I took that as a sign that I had to secure an interview.
The bearded gentleman on camera lit his pipe, and our conversation was off and running.
How many blends do you guys have over at Paul’s?
“Man, over two hundred! We sell them at two-to-four-ounce bags, and there’s just a wall filled with tobacco. Each blend is made to replicate and have a way for someone to enjoy long forgotten blends they remember.”
What is your favorite blend?
“Arrowhead, for sure! I’m gonna send you a sample of it. Because it’s one of our most popular and has a nice hint of vanilla.”
Since this interview, I have tried Arrowhead. It’s delicious! (Thank you, Tim!)
Did you get to meet Paul, himself, before his passing?
Oh, several times! Some of my favorite memories are of when he came in. He was the typical, quiet old man. Up to the end–he reached 101 as a pipe smoker by the way–he would come by for the Pipe Club. He might not have been at every club meeting, but he was, probably, at most of them. He would chat and mingle with the patrons. And just, you know … be Paul; friendly and welcoming to everyone.
I saw some of his early photos. It was strange for me to see. He had, like, the squared beard and looked like he would have been from Russia or something.” Tom chuckled.
“Paul was also a six-time world champion of the slow-smoking pop tournaments. He holds the world record for the longest pipe smoked.”
What’s your favorite story related to the shop?
“Oh, it has to be the one about how the store came to be…
It all started as a bet in a pool hall. At the age of 15, Paul couldn’t sell pipes. A salesman bet the young Paul $10 that he couldn’t sell 12 pipes. Paul, of course took the bet and won. Clearly, since his shop is still going strong!”
We chatted about our own experiences with pipe smoking as well. We both load our pipes the same way, with plugs.
Tim mentioned “I just ram it in there and poke it with my check tool upon lighting. Seems to be a perfect method for me. His method was akin to mine. He confirmed this by saying, “I always think ‘I’m sure this would drive someone crazy.’ But that’s the beautiful thing about this hobby, everyone has their own approach.”
Lastly, we talked about the museum. The shop does have a super impressive collection of pipes throughout its almost century of being in business. They also have aged pipe tobaccos in storage, which their master blenders recreate as closely as they can.
The museum section is temporarily closed due to some damage to the building next door. A lot of the museum is in safe storage with the hope of reopening sooner rather than later.
Considering how much history is within this shop, I need to go on a trip to Flint, Michigan. I have to see this legendary shop.
If ever you have the chance, I encourage you to visit as well!
Quack Pack Tabac 