City Talk

When we were researching the Hammer Dry Plate Company, we learned of the impact of the Hammer family on St. Louis historic photography.

Looking for historic photos of Fox Park, I stumbled across a mystery that had to be investigated. Nothing I love more than a myth-buster/hobbyist-researcher worm hole. Every mystery has its joys and interactions with great people, this was no exception.

I-44 and the cyclone of 1896 spared the former Immaculate Conception Catholic buildings in the The Gate District. They remain as beautiful reminders of the past when St. Louis was teeming with Catholics. The school a found new use as apartments.

President George H. W. Bush gave a campaign speech in Fox Park back in 1992. Crime was on his mind. I summarized the parts of his speech with local interest.

Earlier this month I learned of the retirement announcement from Brian Henneman, lead singer and main songwriter for the Bottle Rockets. After 28 years, they leave behind an incredible discography and so many great live shows. Here are some thoughts on their impact on us.

There is a new restaurant opening in the Gate District. We talked to the owner to see what’s in the works and how he settled on the location.

Continuing my exploration of the term gentrification, I sat down with our neighborhood Community Development Corporation who has worked in the neighborhood for decades.

Learned a little more about our soda bottling history, this one took me to Tower Grove South.

Thoughts on a recent traffic study on Hampton Avenue. Will study lead to action?

I sat down with a guy with over 40 years of experience living in Fox Park. He’s seen a lot over the years and was willing to share some stories of the arc of change.

Been thinking lately about influences and first generation STL “bloggers”. Had a chance to sit down with Steve Patterson to get his thoughts on 16 years of writing at UrbanReviewSTL.

The latest dream is related to Mississippi River cruises and docent led stops off the beaten path when reaching St. Louis.

Some thoughts on pandemic life, working from home.

Some thoughts on the Pretenders 1982 B-side single “My City Was Gone” and how it ties into my thoughts on current day St. Louis and memories in general.