St.
Louis Memories 2011 - 2013 (Current)
David A.
Lossos
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return to the "Genealogy in St. Louis" Web Site click here.
Send your
memories to Dave
Lossos
Note: If your name and/or e-mail address appears WITHIN the body of
your E-Mail, I will include them in your posting. If not, the post will
be attributed to "Anonymous".
This website has gotten so big I've had to divide it into pieces.
Submissions that I received from 2001 through 2003 are posted at
Memories 2001-2003
those I received in 2004 are posted at
Memories 2004
those I received in 2005 are posted at
Memories 2005
those I received in 2006 are posted at
Memories 2006
those I received in 2007 are posted at
Memories 2007
those I received in 2008 are posted at
Memories 2008
those I received in 2009 are posted at
Memories 2009
those I received in 2010 are posted at
Memories 2010
memories currently being sent in are at
Current Memories (You are currently looking at this website)
For all you former "Altar Boys": "Ad
deum qui laetificat juventutem meam."
(Missouri Sales Tax Tokens, commonly referred to as "mils". Red ones
were worth 1/10 of a penny, green ones worth 1/2 a penny)(Images
courtesy of Bob Doerr)
This twenty-five cents would get you a double feature and a bunch of
cartoons to boot.
On April 4,
2001, I posted a few memories I had of growing up in St. Louis. I
received so many great replies that I thought I'd post some of them
here.
Original
Post from Dave Lossos
I
remember when my phone number was Mohawk 2343
I remember going to see a double feature at the Ritz Theater for 25
cents.
I remember coming into the movie in the middle and eventually saying to
the person I was with "This is where we came in".
I remember the way to get your friend to come out to play was to stand
in front of their house and yell their name (was this a St. Louis
thing?).
I remember the first time I had the nerve to wear "bermuda shorts".
I remember getting all the news I needed from a St. Louis publication
called "Prom Magazine".
I remember (as a ten year old) being sent to the corner tavern to get
my grandma a pail of draft beer.
I remember riding the Grand Avenue electric street cars.
I remember riding my bike in Tower Grove Park (even after dark!).
Post from Pam Harster (1/1/2011)
My parents were born in the 20’s and raised in South St Louis on Water Street and Broadway. They are no longer living, but used to tell us wonderful stories about growing up in St Louis. Dad talked about the hot tamale man…where his friends would like to tease “how’s your wife?” and the tamale man would say “hot…red hot”. He also talked about bowling at a little alley on Virginia. He was a pin setter there. Anyone remember the name? We still go to Carondelet Bakery (Doering’s) on Virginia….best cheesecake and gooey butter cake anywhere; south St Louis style…slabs of cheesecake in cuts….apricot cake; peanut cakes; stolen. My grandparents took us to Doering’s every Saturday and then we would go to Fehlbaum’s (sp) Meat Store for good braunsweiger and cold cuts. In the true German style we would have baked goods and cold cuts for breakfast.
My parents were good friends of the Dohack’s and we used to go there all the time for their Jack Salmon and BBQ sauce.. Dad talked about playing corkball behind Red Villa’s tavern; going to the firehouse on S Broadway where they would ring the bell. Dad was an altar boy at St Boniface then went to Cleveland HS. Mom grew up on S Broadway in one of the beautiful old homes with the turret style roofs. They lived around the corner from the Rathgaber’s in the beautiful house on Davis Street. Had a chance to visit with the Rathgaber’s a few years ago. That house is amazing and is on the St Louis historical registry. Mom’s family owned a sand and gravel business at the quarry…Ruprecht’s Sand and Gravel. Her mother’s side of the family were named Riekus and lived on Minnesota. They had their wedding breakfast at the Bevo Mill. When they were younger they used to dance on the Admiral and then go up and “neck” on the top deck. Dad used to go to Sportsman’s Park and sit in the “Knot Hole Gang” section where his uncle, Harry Kramer was a police officer working at the Park. He used to upgrade Dad and his friends to front row seats. My Grandma Harster worked at the Tums factory.
When we were little we loved to see Santa at Famous Barr, go to Mavrakos for Heavenly Hash, go to Ted Drew’s, get pretzels from the street vendor, see the Cardinals. We also liked to see the Vess Bottle off of Hampton across from Steak and Shake. We would eat at the Chariton (great shrimp).
I live in Ohio now, but still think St Louis is the most wonderful city ever! And of course, still a huge Cardinal fan! Great post…thanks for the memories!
Post from Kathy (1/2/2011)
Hi everyone and Happy New Year. I graduated from Aquinas in 63’ and what a great year that was. I remember Jerry and Pat who were upper class men then. The great bands we always had to dance to. Bob Kuban was on Channel 5 this morning about his “one hit wonder” and he can still play. We were lucky to have grown up at this time when things were so simple; no shooting or drugs. The guys fought like men; with their fist. The next day they were friends again. I hope the memories keep coming in because it’s such fun reading them
Post from Tom in Imperial, MO (1/13/2011)
Hi Dave, this site is fantastic. I was born in October 1956, lived on Parchester Drive in Normandy as a kid, phone number was JAckson 1-9236. Okay here goes:
"The Melody Car" cruising through the neighborhood around 6 every evening in the summer. It resembled a scaled-down hearse, painted white, with blue notes painted on it and had a "loudspeaker" atop the right fender, out of which flowed a dreamy lullaby,. Popsicles, fudgesicles, ect were sold out of the back of it, packed in dry ice in cardboard boxes. I liked the malt cups, which came with a little wooden spoon and cost 6 cents.
"The mosquito man" slowly driving through the neighborhood on summer evenings was an exciting event. Some kids would ride their bikes behind the truck but I never did. However I loved the smell of the insecticide, and you could here the truck coming blocks away, and what a thrill it was to see the cloud of blue fog rising in the air a couple of streets over, knowing it would soon be on my street.
"The Little Store" on Bermuda Rd. is where I bought most of my baseball cards (5 cards and a stick of Topps bubble gum for a nickle), as well as jawbreakers, string licorice, sweet tarts, etc. If I still had all the baseball cards I had in the 60s, and they were in mint condition, I could cash them in for a fortune. I also collected "Beatle cards" briefly.
...and speaking of the Fab Four, when A Hard Day's Night came out, I was 7 and my neighbor Gail (she was about 14) and I sat through every screening of it over a weekend at the Gem Theater on the Rock Road. I guess we saw it about 7 times total.
My older sister (St. Thomas Aquinas High class of '65) 'going steady' with a guy who gave her his class ring, and she stuck a hunk of parafin wax between the ring and her tiny finger to hold it on. I remember she hung out at 'Steak' (Steak & Shake on Natural Bridge) and 'Chuck' (Chuck-A-Burger on Florissant Rd), two places where many a high school couple would commence going steady.
North Hills Dairy had amazing chocolate malts, similar to a Ted Drewes concrete, and next to "The Dairy" was Ozenkoski's Bakery, featuring great gooey butter cake and glazed donuts at 7 cents apiece.
Friday night TV - The Time Tunnel, The Green Hornet, and Gomer Pyle. Saturday nights from 8:30 till 10 Wrestling at the Chase, where you could see Dick the Bruiser, Gene Kiniski, Fritz Von Erich, Johnny Valentine, Cowboy Bob Ellis, Black Jack Lanza, et all, with George Abel calling the action. Following wrestling on Channel 11 from 10 till 11 was Roller Derby, Walt Harris doing the play-by-play, great stuff with the likes of Charlie O'Connell, the 'Blonde Amazon' Joanie Weston, 'the big blond tiger' Jerry Cattell, and 'the fiery, unpredictable' Ann Calvello. On Sunday mornings the two shows were repeated in reverse order; Roller Derby from 10-11 a.m. and WATC from 11-12:30. Oh, don't want to forget Saturday morning TV, Roy Rogers, and Fury ("the story of a horse, and the boy who loved him.")
Luigi's pizza, on Natural Bridge (or was it the Rock Road?) as has been mentioned by other North Countians, and also Pagliacci's on Kingshighway, were favorites of my family.
My uncle Clyde owned a tavern on Lincoln St. in north St. Louis, I recall Saturday nights there with my parents, me panhandling nickels from patrons to play Beatles songs on the jukebox, as my parents, aunts, uncles, and various others pounded down bottles of Falstaff, Carling Black Label, Stag, and other rotgut. I can almost smell the place now. There was a shuffleboard, bumper pool table, bowling machine, pinball machine, and also a player piano. And of course ceiling fans.
E.J, Korvette's in Cool Valley had an extensive record department and great sales on albums.
Besides the Melody Car and Mosquito Man, as a very young child I liked to watch for 'The Scissor Sharpener' to cruise thru the neighborhood; I remember his cream colored truck and its one, resounding clang of a bell at about each block as he drove. Also there was the produce man, an Italian guy who would stand up in his truck as he ever so slowly coasted along the street, bellowing 'home...grown...tomatas!'
A few days before July 4th every year, my parents would drive me to buy fireworks across the Lewis and Clark Bridge, into Illinois, as fireworks were illegal in St. Louis County. One year when I was about 11, a buddy told me he had heard that there was a fireworks stand in KInloch that sold M-80s and cherry bombs. I had never gotten so excited in my life. The two of us jumped on our bikes and peddled as fast as we could across 'the creek,' up the hill on land belonging to 'the farmer,' across the railroad tracks, down Bernhart Drive, across Florissant Rd, up Evans Lane to Carson Road, and then into Kinloch, and when the fireworks stand was in sight, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest in anticipation, only to be broken upon finding out that there were no cherry bombs or M-80s to be had there. At some point later I matter-of-factly related the story to my mom, and received a stern scolding for going to Kinloch. (you're lucky you didn't get your throat cut!')
We rode our bikes anywhere and everywhere, including to the cemetary next to the infamous Olympic Drive-In on the Rock Road, where we sat and watched "Adults Only" movies on the big screen. Nowdays there is raunchier stuff on Skinamax than what the Olympic showed.
Post from Gary Palozola from Maplewood (1/13/2011)
I remember when guys stood on the corner and sold bags of hot pretzels. And when another guy used to ride down Manchester Ave. down by Kings Hwy. on a bike with a big box on front selling hot tamalies.
I remember when you could get gas during the gas wars in summer for 11.9 cents. And when you could go to Mc Donalds with a dollar and get a burger, fries and coke and still get change.
I remember Phil the Gorila at the zoo and how they used to give him a Budweiser every day...he loved it. I remember having a news paper route and walking up and down the street yelling the name of the paper. Or standing on the corner paper stand in front of Caveleir Ford in Maplewood on Sat. night selling the weekend paper.
Our phone nuber was Sterling 12665 and my best friends was Mission 58442.............those were the good ole days !!!
Post from Buddy Goldstein (1/13/2011)
I remember the playroom at the downtown st louis Famous Barr department store. My mother would take me up the elevator to a magical place. With a small ferris wheel and toys toys and more toys! At times I felt my mom would not come back for me, but
the ladies in charge would always calm my fears. It is a wonderful memory of my childhood. I hope someone has a photo.
If so please send it in. Thank you.
Post from Rita (1/26/2011)
Aloha - I was sharing memories of my childhood in St Louis with my 9 year old grandson, and mentioned the
black man on his wagon pulled by a horse driving down the alley between Montana St and Osage St, in South St Louis crying out "Ragshenny" (not sure about the spelling) and collecting junk and stuff. Any one else have these memories?
Love your site, Dave. Every time I go on I have a fit of nostalgia, even though I moved from St Louis in 1964
and have lived on Maui ever since, going back to St Louis for visits with family and friends.
Post from ????? (1/26/2011)
Great site! Love the memories. I'm wondering if anyone from Hazelwood, in north county, remembers the pool that was behind Village Square shopping center in the sixties and early seventies. Lots of great memories there!
Post from ????? (2/4/2011)
This goes back to the late 1930's. What was the name of a department store that was at Newstead and Natural Bridge Road in St. Louis around 1939? Memories were of a great Christmas display. Another name comes to mind was a department store named Charlots (Charlotte's). Anyone remember that far back?
Post from ????? (2/4/2011)
I remember Post Bellum head shop in a really old home in Ferguson. They moved down the street and started selling waterbeds along with other things.
We would hang out a bit there then go to Henri's burger joint down past hwy 70.
I also remember going to Kiel auditorium for roller derby and wrestling.
All of us running up to steak n shake on natural bridge at the circle on friday and saturday night.
Post from Dawn K. (nee Collins) (2/26/2011)
Just a few memories and adjustments to some other people's memories. I grad.'d
from Ritenour 1993, and have returned to Overland/St.Ann area since. The Airway
theatre is now a Shop n Save, though the Neon Drive In sign is still there.
Northwest Plaza Is now closed in, (used to have outside entrances to individual
shops n stores). And business was slow for a while there. The Chuck A Burger
has closed down across from the school. Across from Hoech Middle is Tiemeyer
Park (named for the late Mayor?). Many things have changed! Lived for a short
while (1-2 years old) in Baden, near a Catholic church, my Great Grandmother
(Mrs. Hugo Cierpiot) lived across the street from it. It is great reading about
all these memories!!! Thank you to all of you, especially Mr. Dave!
Post from Millie (2/26/2011)
Does anyone know the name of the Horse riding stable (around 1948) that was located at the end of the Hampton Gravois line? I think it was Valley Mount Ranch, but not sure.
Post from Phyllis DuVall Tonkovic (3/6/2011)
I grew up in afton and remember walking to the crest show and getting in for .25
H and L ice cream parlor on Gravois avenue
Going to the Highlands amusement park and then highlands swimming pool.
Roller skating on Sunday afternoon in the roller cade next to the arena
Epiphany Teen town that night cause it was the best teen town around
Going to the Granada show
Spending the night with my Aunt who lived on Kingsbury place and walking to the Muny Opera, on the way back stopping at velvet freeze ice cream store on kingsbury and my brother Terry, walking into the Stardust lounge and watching Evelyn West with her 50,000 chest and my aunt yelling at him to get out of there.
Thanks for all the memories
Post from ? (4/13/2011)
I lived on Bermuda Court from 1957 to 1971. Graduated from Normandy HS in 1968. I worked for 2 years at "The Little Store" at age 12 stocking shelves and recycling soda bottles. The owner was Bill Steele. I also hung out at Steak & Shake on Natural Bridge Road during HS.
Post from Patti Liermann (5/14/2011)
My family moved from a house on Mardel to Warson Woods in 1958.
I remember seeing the Three Stooges at the Arena as part of the circus.
I remember being part of the audience for Captain 11 and being excited when Corky the Clown (Cliff St. James)wished me a happy birthday through the tv.
I remember going down a slide at Famous Barr after seeing Santa (just Like in the movie A Christmas Story)
I remember sitting along Lindell at night to watch the VP parade having made my own confetti to throw with a hole punch
I remember the red net hang in under the Arch as it was being built and signing a piece of paper in second grade that contained everyone in my schools names to be put inside the Arch.
I remember getting that button candy that you ate off a strip of paper at some store in Hampton Village
I remember wrestling on tv late at night and the cool name "Dick da Bruiser"
Post from Gloria (5/23/2011)
In response to Dawn K. (Collins) 2/26/2011 - I enjoyed reading your memories, you might be glad to know that Chuck A Burger did not close, it's still on the Rock Road.
Post from Ellen Forrest (5/26/2011)
One of my fondest memories is the Battle of the Bands every weekend at Famous Barr Downtown. I would love to acquire a picture of Bob Medley and Bill Penny & The Pacemakers. I know there were so many other ones down there, but these 2 were my favorite. Bob used to sing “Sunny” and sounded just as good if not better than the original artist. Bill and his band would do a rendition of “They’re Coming to Take Me Away”. It was hilarious! I would really love to know where they are today too!
And let’s not forget Walter Scott, what an awesome singer & person. May he RIP and never be forgotten.
Post from ? (6/9/2011)
Hollywood Golf had 2- 18 hole miniature golf course. There was an arcade section at the entrance.
Hollywood Golf was located in Kirkwood . On the south side of Manchester and a block west of Woodlawn.
Post from Karen (6/30/2011)
To the person who inquired about the name of the restuarant in Famous Barr...there were two in the Northland Famous Barr. "The Jade Room" the nicer restaurant and "Mr. Pickwick's" which was a sandwich shop. They were located between the first and basement floors. I remember going downtown on the bus with my mother to see the holiday windows at Stix, Baer and Fuller and Famous-Barr. Loved the candles on top of the Famous Barr at Northland every Christmas season. Love your website!
Post from Carolyn Cassani Ring (7/17/2011)
Just discovered the web site you created. Our parents were the owners of Cassani's Cafe at Daggett and Hereford on The Hill. They owned it from the early '40s until our mother sold it to Galemberti's in 1966. John "the B-B-Q man", was our mother's brother. Everyone loved his BBQ, but in reality, our parents were the creators of the sauce and cole slaw. A couple of other eateries attempted success at the location, and currently FIVE Bistro is doing a great business there. The pin oak tree I used to cliimb as a young girl is still standing, and is over 70 years old.
Louis Miriam had a small grocery store across the street from us on Daggett, and Leotta's were on the opposite corner of Daggett and Hereford from us.
There was Serra's drug store at the corner of Daggett and Marconi, as well as Berra Furniture on Marconi. Across the street on Daggett, was Dr. Gaydos, the dentist.
Our paternal grandmother lived a few doors from us on Hereford, while our maternal grandmother lived in the 5200 block of Daggett.
My mother and I used to walk up to the corner of Daggett and Marconi to get the bus which would take us to Kingshighway. There we would transfer to another bus which would take us to Famous-Barr Southtown. Or we would transfer in the opposite direction on a bus which would take us downtown.
Your web site has brought back many memories. Thanks.
Post from Lou (Rock) (7/17/2011)
Found you site while working on a Documentary. In 1957 I was stationed at Scott Air Force Base.
When we got a week-end pass, we'd take a bus to St. Louis. We would get off near the Katz Drug
Store, which I believe was at 9th and Locust. After having a hamburger, fries and a coke, we'd split
up and do some sight seeing. Maybe see a movie at The Fox Theatre, a visit to the U.S.O.(which at
the time I believe was in the War Memorial building), the Ball Park, or a tour of the Anheiser Busch
Brewery, all compliments of the people and the City of St. Louis. At night, some of us would stay at
the Sheridan-Jefferson, which at the time was located at 12th Blvd. and Locust (if you were in uniform
you were charged half price.
St. Louis at the time, I found to be a very military friendly city and made us all I believe, feel
very welcomed.
I made many friends in St. Louis, So. Jefferson, Woodson Terrace, Cole Street and in East St. Louis, Dora
Dr. St. Louis and its people will always be a bright spot during my time in the Air Force.
THANK-YOU, ST. LOUIS.
Post from ??? (7/24/2011)
I have not been back on this site for about 2 years. I absolutely love this website and I think that Dave has done a great job in setting this up. This is an answer to Pam Harster from the 1/2/2011 post. I grew up close to where your parents grew up and I have so many great memories of St. Boniface and South Broadway. The bowling alley that I think you asked about was located on Michigan Avenue and was either called Centry or Century Bowling alley. Although, St. Boniface also had a very small bowling alley in the basement of the school that you accessed through a side basement door. The bowling alley was located a half block from Centry Bowling alley which was also on Michigan Avenue. There also used to be a "Dairy Island" across the street from the school but they tore that down years ago.
Does anyone remember the Michigan Show that was usually followed up by going to Durenzo's (not sure of the spelling) pizza parlor that was located across from Blow school? I loved that neighborhood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post from Wayne Rosenthal (7/27/2011)
I just noticed a posting from Carolyn Cassani Ring which talked about how her parents owned the Cassani's Cafe on Daggett Avenue. I absolutely loved that place, along with Galimberti's. They had the best barbecue beef that I've ever tasted in my life.
My Great Uncle and Aunt (Tony and Ida Chinicci) lived a few houses down from there in the 5100 Block of Daggett. They later moved a few blocks away to Elizabeth Street. Which is how I first found Cassani's. Carolyn also mentioned Leotta's Market. She was somehow related to my Great Aunt Ida, who I mentioned earlier in this paragraph.
Post from Ed Kotowski(8/4/2011)
In response to Ellen Forrest's 5/25/2011 questions on the whereabouts
of local musicians, Bob Medley and Bill Penny and the Pacemakers,
there is a wonderful website of St. Louis bands in the 60's, 70's, and 80's:
http://www.stlmusicyesterdays.com/
There is a search function that will allow you to search for names, etc.
Bob Medley was in the Chevels:
http://www.stlmusicyesterdays.com/Chevels.htm
and The Klassmen:
http://www.stlmusicyesterdays.com/Gayle%20McCormick.htm
Bob Medley is alive, and on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bob-Medley/638612174#!/profile.php?id=100000074141720&sk=wall
After the Pacemakers, Bill Penny played drums for Johnny Polzin on the Admiral.
He passed away unexpectedly in the 1970's. http://www.stlmusicyesterdays.com/Pacemakers.htm
Post from Robert Bierer (8/28/2011)
Hollywood Golf, to the best of my memory was down Manchester in what is now Rock Hill.....I think. The long 18 hole ran along Deer Creek. I can vividly remember the aracade part as you entered/left the miniature golf course. Also the entire course was done in blacktop.
Post from Mike Hruby (chapmike@kc.rr.com) (8/31/2011)
Dave, we LOVE this web site, and have spent several hours reading, and savoring memories shared! My wife and I lived on the Hill in St. Louis for some time, now live in the Kansas City area, and miss St. Louis, often!
I have a question for your readers, that I need some help with-- as life long Cardinals fans, we are acquainted with one or two folks who recall that the Cardinals players of the 1930s and '40s would often join "local" fans and kids, in playing pickup games of stickball, corkball, or baseball!
(Joe Medwick, Frank Frisch, and Pepper Martin were among the players mentioned.)
Fairgrounds Park was one of the places mentioned (many of the Cardinals players would stay at the old Fairgrounds Hotel, which was a mere block and a half from the old Sportsman's Park, and Fairgrounds Park, of course, was just across the street from the hotel--I want to get in touch with people who remember the Cardinals players "playing ball" with fans, at Fairgrounds Park, or other neighborhood locations, during the 1930s and 40s, particularly. I'd like to know the players names that participated, the years, and some background about the fans that participated. I would even pay (reasonably), for copies of photos of the Cardinal players "playing ball" with the fans, in the '30s or 40s.
Post from Gerry (Knee) Atchison (9/13/2011)
Just found your web site enjoyed all of the comments. I remember mom buying powdered detergent and getting free dish towels in the box. Buying gas for $.19 and get a set of glasses and green stamps. Going to Chain of Rocks and The Highlands for school picnics. Being sent to buy a pack of smokes for my dad at a cost of $.22 and a bucket of beer for $.15, always licked the foam off of the top before I got home. Dancing at Club Imperial and The Peppermint Lounge. Driving around Steak N Shake at the Riverview Circle. Having to wear those ugly gym suits in high school. Going to a double header at Sportman's Park, for $.75 and sit in the bleachers. I also have PROM magazine from 1961-1965. Remember the hot tamale man on Fri & Sat night, 3 for $.10.
Post from ? (9/15/2011)
The "Little Store" I remember that store. The "Y" pool was just a couple blocks away and my sibs used to go there for candy after mom made the drop off to the pool. I preferred listening to "Lean on Me" playing thru the loudspeakers and sharpening my skill at doing back dives and back cut-a-ways off the dive board. Am with you on the great mems!
Post from Tommye Fleming (9/24/2011)
Here are my memories:
· My phone number was Hempstead 2-4462.
· 905 Liquor store, where my uncle worked and my parents ordered their party supplies
· Admiral day trips where I tapped dance with my Carmen Thomas dance class.
· Art Hill ... going sledding and enjoying the bonfire
· Bettendorf Grocery
· Bookmobile at the nearby schoolyard during the summer
· Catching fire flies and storing in a jar with holes in the lid
· Central Hardware, with everything from Scoops to Nuts
· Cherries Jubilee at Cyrano's
· Cruising Schneithorst’s (Clayton and Lindbergh) and Parkmoor (Manchester and Lindbergh). Vanilla Cokes and Cherry Cokes. Yum.
· Crystal Palace in Gaslight Square where Barbra Streisand and Smothers Brothers both performed
· Earthquake … the rumbling caused the ground to crack
· Evelyn West's $50,000 treasure chest at the burlesque house on DeBaliviere
· Fireworks display put on by the firemen on the football field at Washington University
· Fish fries on Friday nights at the Catholic Churches
· Forest Park Highlands
· Garavelli's
· Gaslight Square on Delmar and Boyle. Tornado and drug deals took it down.
· Going downtown to Famous or Stix or Scrugg’s to see Santa Claus and all the store windows. Famous dedicated the 9th floor for Santa and Toyland
· Going swimming at McConnell’s Pool/Beach Park on Meramec River in Valley Park
· Hampton Village, the big building now gone
· Harry Caray broadcasting the St. Louis Cardinals
· CYC Night cruise on the Admiral and having our picture taken in a photo booth
· Hollywood Arcade in Kirkwood, with miniature golf, arcade games and black and white collector postcards of famous people
· Hootenannies my trio sang “Puff the Magic Dragon”
· DrPepper soda cap had 10-2-4 on it for the best times to have a refreshment
· Johnny Rabbitt and Dick Clayton were popular local DJs
·
Milkman delivered milk to the back door
· Muny Opera … getting very dressed up to sit outside on those hot summer nights, they would turn on very large, very loud fans at intermission
· Olympic Drive-In on Natural Bridge Road … scandalous
· Pfeifer’s Bakery on Clayton Road; their triple chocolate torte was what I always asked for for my birthday
· Phil the Gorilla at the St. Louis Zoo.
· Playing games like hopscotch, jump rope, kick the can, Red Rover, Swing the Statue
· Playing with marbles my dad had collected as a kid
· Playing with fad toys: yo-yo’s, hula hoops, squirt guns
· Polio vaccine "shots" at school
· Popping tar bubbles on really hot afternoons
· Prom Magazine, a St. Louis publication, had two "reporters" from each area high school writing monthly "happening" columns; I was one from Visitation in 1965
· Ravioli dinners on Palm Sunday at St. Ambrose Church on the Hill
· Royal American Midway visit each year
· Siebert's Restaurant on Chippewa. The owner made creations like the Showboat (ice cream and sugar cookies with smoking stacks and she blew a whistle when served table side) and the tallest sundae ever, the Empire State building! Colored whipped cream and a burning sugar cube on top
· Sound of Music at the Loew’s Theatre on Grand
· Spring coats that came in Easter egg colors and you wore them until the weather warmed up
· Stardust Club at the top of the Chase-Park Plaza hotel
· Teen Towns and St. Louis Hop
· The OLD boat rides in Forest Park; you and/or your date would end up in the water, and have to stand up in muck to right the boat
· Thurteen Carnival at Wash U
· Tom Dooley buried in Calvary cemetery
· Tornadoes … hiding under your desk as part of the tornado drill because so many storms whipped through tornado alley. A big one hit CWE in the late 50’s.
· Veiled Prophet Parade and the VP Ball broadcast from the Khorissan Room. My mother always referred to the “Queen of Love and Beauty” as the Queen of Love and Money
· Watching fireworks from the Police Circus when it was held at Public School Stadium
· Watching planes land at the OLD airport on Lindbergh
· Webster Groves Train Station where we went to see the evening train pass through and then went to nearby Dairy Queen. We liked to put pennies on the track and let the train flatten them out.
· Winter Garden Ice Skating Rink on DeBaliviere and the nearby Goody Goody Train where they delivered your burgers and fries in a Lionel train car
· Wrestling at the Chase
Post from ? (10/4/2011)
I grew up on Pershing Avenue near DesPeres. I later learned Pershing Avenue was originally named Berlin Avenue but was re-named Pershing Avenue during WW I.
Attended St. Roch's church and school, which look today pretty much as they did in the '50s.
Loved Vess cream soda and Whistle orange, Mavarocco's candy, Garavelli's (on DeBaliviere) pizza, Velvet Freeze orange sherbert, Parkmore's hot dogs on toasted buns, and Hodge's chili.
Kiddy matinees at the Tivoli, Varsity and Hi-Pointe theatres.
Playing baseball on the large green field at the SW corner of Skinker and Forest Park Blvd., where Washington U's marching band used to practice and which the university later paved and turned into a parking lot and is now constructing a new building. Cherry, lime and vanilla cokes at the little lunch counter that used to be catty-corner from there on the NE corner.
Getting a tiny chip off a block of ice from the Sealtest or Pevely milkman on a hot summer morning. Just getting into the cool inside of their trucks while they carried their bottles up to the doors.
Hucksters selling fresh fruit and vegetables off their trucks. The man who came by occasionally with a bicycle-mounted honing wheel for sharpening knives and scissors.
Putting pennies on the streetcar tracks to see them flattened. Eating raspberries from the bushes that grew in places alongside the tracks.
Browsing through the comic book section at the local candy and news shops.
Brock for Boglio.
The wonderful Anheuser-Busch sign in left field at the original Busch Stadium (fka Sportsman's Park), with the eagle whose wings would flap after a Cardinal home run.
Hoping for and imploring "the Man" to hit one out onto Grand Avenue (which was then an avenue). Trying to get to the weekend games where Gibby was matched against Marichal or Koufax.
Musial and Biggie's.
Bob Pettit launching a shot.
Larry Wilson and Sonny Randle.
Hockey games at the Arena.
The huge old Standard gasoline sign with hundreds of individual light bulbs at Skinker and Clayton Roads.
School day on the Admiral.
Looking at the black and white photos in the display case at the Stardust Lounge.
A day at the Highlands.
Sneaking a sip from the pail of cold beer I was fetching from the corner tavern and delivering to an uncle or my dad .
Coal being shoveled from a truck to a wheelbarrow to be poured down a chute to the basement of our apartment building.
The man who seemed forever to be mayor-- Mayor Tucker--until one day there was Mayor Cervantes.
Galvanized steel trash cans that always were banged and dented too severely for the lids to fit any longer. The smelly little ones lined with newspaper for garbage.
Always wanting a pair of Red Ball Jets but always getting just Keds.
Itchy wool pants. Itchy wool sweaters.
My playmate and classmate Debbie; together we mustered the courage to face the first day of kindergarten.
Post from ? (11/1/2011)
Response to "Millie" of 2/26/11:
I think you might be talking about Maizzie's Stables, just a few blocks down (East) of Gravois, at the end of the bus line. The short street now bears the name.
Post from ? (11/1/2011)
Does anyone remember the Dusty Frank Trio?? Dusty on piano, jack briggaman on drums, Leo Ward on guitar. Could they do Boogie Woogie
Post from ? (11/8/2011)
Does anyone remember Frank and Till's tavern? Thanks
Post from Michael N Carosone (11/18/2011)
Wow Dave, things have really slowed down a bit… let me try to kick it back in high gear. For all you north county-ites from the 60’s do you recall:
What was at the corner of Jennings Station Road and Halls Ferry? Both sides.
Where was Sands drug store at?
Where was the Florida hot dog stand?
Gambills Bargain Barn? Where I saw pairs false teeth wired together sitting in a barrel to be sold?
Where was Arcobaso’s?
How many floors to Rizzo’s Top of Tower restaurant? (I worked there in 67, $1 an hour)
Zimmermans Coach restaurant was near?
Red Light was known as where?
The fishing tackle stand at 367 and 140?
When Lindbergh was 2 lanes?
What restaurant was across from the North Drive-in?
What were the donuts sold out of down at the circle?
Get free _ _ _ _ _ _ _ from Sam the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Shopping center?
Reply from Gene Moore 11/23/2011 tp Post from Michael N Carosone (11/18/2011)
What was at the corner of Jennings Station Road and Halls Ferry? Both sides. River Roads Shopping Center & Zayres
Where was Sands drug store at? West Florissant and Jennings Road
Where was the Florida hot dog stand?
Gambills Bargain Barn? Where I saw pairs false teeth wired together sitting in a barrel to be sold?
Where was Arcobaso’s? West Florissant Ave in Dellwood
How many floors to Rizzo’s Top of Tower restaurant? (I worked there in 67, $1 an hour) 16
Zimmermans Coach restaurant was near? West Florissant and Jennings Road
Red Light was known as where? The Cabins
The fishing tackle stand at 367 and 140?
When Lindbergh was 2 lanes?
What restaurant was across from the North Drive-in? Ozzello’s (Spelling?)
What were the donuts sold out of down at the circle?
Get free _ _ _ _ _ _ _ from Sam the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ man at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Shopping center?
Post from Millie,born 1933 (11/28/2011)
Wow! Really enjoying these postings, but especially Chapter One because the memories seem to come mostly from people around my age. I wish others would state their age. These posting bring back so many wonderful memories.
One that I have not seen so far is the fact that we never called a married woman by her first name. Even our parents called them Mrs. Smith or whatever. I was shocked when little kids would call me by my first name after I married ..... guess it's because us parents did that.. ( At age 51 I went to work for a company where the father 93 and the two sons near age 70 all wore suits, white shirts and bow ties (with no air conditioning).....and wanted to call me "Miss Millie". I stopped them dead in their tracks .... wouldn't answer to that).
I too remember the first time my kid's friends knocked on our front door. I thought it was so brazen of them. (Wow, was I in the dark ages!). One of my brother's friends would so a "sing/song whistle" between his teeth while coming thru the gangway. We knew who it was.
My fondest memories were Poker and Pinochle on the front porch with some of the many other children on the block, followed by walking to Marquette Pool for the first and third shift .....and having to wear those awful tight rubber caps on our head. and getting a dime to split between the 3 of us .....usually buying a large Nickel pretzel and one Twin Pop (now how do you split a Twin Pop btwn 3 kids?.....the sibling in charge of the dime was the same one who tried to convince me that Queens were higher than Kings.). Walking to Carondelet Park for ice skating on the lakes.....day and night. Always had to be home on time for Supper, yet we never owned a watch .....listened for the Church Bells. Walked a 1/2 mile to call a friend and find them not at home. No phone. Playing "Crack the Whip" on our metal roller skates on Tennessee Ave when they first tarred over the cobblestones. They later spread gravel over it and ruined our "skating rink"
The memory that blows my mind is that we had a Furrier on Grand Avenue (Zenthhoffer) just two blocks from our house.
We were a large family and our parents sought out the bargains. I believe the name of the bakery was Piper's on Bates near the railroad tracks. My younger brother and I would take our wagon to the bakery on Saturday morning and go to the back door to get a shopping bag full of day old pastries for 25 cents. We also bought "broken"cookies at Dad's Oatmeal Cookies. Incidentally, their secret ingredient is Coconut Oil. By 1949 I was taking the bus to So Good Potato chip factory to get a shopping bag full of broken potato chips for 25 cents.
I remember my brothers and neighbor boys playing marbles and "Mumble Peg" (I think) with a pocket knife in the easement dirt between the street and sidewalk. How well I remember the year of thousands of caterpillars everywhere .... dropped on me the minute I walked out the door. To this day, I can't stand the sight of them.
I car hopped at Frozen Custard on Grand Ave when I was 15 & 16. We worked on tips only, nor did we get a discount. We would "pick up the lot" afterward (using a pole with a nail in it to stab the paper cups) But he did drive us home at night and we were not allowed to converse with the customers (boys) except to take their order. He also checked to see if any boy was following us home. Our parents could feel secure. If any car "scratched gravel" when pulling out of the lot onto Grand Ave (and how could you avoid it), he wrote down their license number and if they showed up again, they were ordered off the lot. He would sit between us girls on the bench and call it "A rose between two thorns." Get this! He would drink the egg whites that were not used in the custard. Raw eggs?....not today you don't!
My uncle Matt was Santa Claus on the Radio. He may have also been the Veiled Prophet one year. Oh, those parades were something to behold at night time....on my Dad's shoulders. VJ day was exciting downtown with all the confetti.
My brother sold Saturday Night Post and Globe and I helped on occasions. And yes, you could not understand the words we called out, but you knew by the sing/song melody and the sound of those steel wheels on the cobblestones. Please, does anyone have a picture of those carts. I tried surfing and Googling but to no avail.
Does anyone remember the Penny Valentines that were a full size sheet of paper with an insulting poem? I think our school banned them after the first year.
What I got for Christmas wasn't nearly as special as the routine leading up to it. But the most special of all was Midnight Mass with the procession of students processing thru the aisles singing Christmas Hymns before climbing the steps to the Choir Loft. ..... and then having Mr Nelly pound out "Holy god We Praise Thy Name" on his immense Pipe Organ ..... and we sang it all the way home too. Now THAT was Christmas! My dolls were always swiped during the year and re-dressed and returned on Christmas Eve and one of my favorite toys was making Lead Soldiers (my brother's gift) and watching my brother operate the double trains and tracks on an 8 x 10 platform complete with mountains. and the "50 million" cookies my mother would bake each year.....especially those Anise cookies that were so hard you had to dunk them in hot cocoa ..... wouldn't have them any other way now.
Can you imagine School Play Yards without any equipment .... not even a basket ball hoop? and getting to play Red Rover who tried to bust the opponent's line? And Dodge Ball and Double Dutch Jump Rope? And going out for recess even on snow days.
Oh how grateful I am for this site ..... have alerted all my siblings. They're ecstatic!
Post from Erv Bobo - Dasher1945@aol.com (12/8/2011)
I feel so fortunate to have found this site - especially since I've just published a memoir about growing up in St. Louis in the fifties.
(If anyone is interested, the title is THANK YOU, MICKEY SPILLANE and it's available at www.lulu.com.)
My name is Erv Bobo. My first several years in St. Louis - beginning in 1952 - I lived downtown (Skid Row, actually) at the MacArthur Hotel on Broadway and Chestnut.
With so many movie theaters in walking distance (and no TV) I spent most of the first few years sitting in the dark.
Attended Madison Elementary School and, for a while, McKinley High School on Russell. When I started hanging out on the near South Side our center of activity was Kingdom House at 11th and Hickory and most of the girls we dated lived in the Clinton-Peabody projects.
When it got to be too cold to hang out on our corner, we took ourselves to the M&M Cafe on 12th St - right around the corner from Kingdom House.And we took our dates to the Merry Widow theater on Chouteau.
I've only started reading the posts here and they certainly bring back a lot of memories. I'll be reading more and commenting as time goes by.
Some of the people mentioned in my book (though with names slightly changed to protect both the innocent and the guilty): Barbara Mustain, Becky Mustain, Dave Jones, Connie Sturgeon, Violet Skelton, Barbara Bradford, Gene Sloan, Wilma Lemmon. Also a girl named Ellen, whom everyone called "Toots".
If you are any of these people (or have knowledge of them) I'd like to hear from you. Also, if you hung out at Kingdom House or the M&M Cafe in 55-56-57 we might have friends in common.
Post from Stephanie Buell - Steph@buellfamily.com (12/29/2011)
It's so cool what you have done with the St Louis Memories! I grew up in Castlereagh Estates - far edge of north county next to the present Sioux Passage Park. I was in the first graduating class of Brown Elementary School, then went to Kirby Jr. High and finished up at Hazelwood Central High School.
During my freshman year (1975-76) East High wasn't built yet, but there were way too many students at Central so we ended up having split sessions. The East group went to school from 6 - noon and the Central group (of which I was in) went from Noon - 6 pm. I loved it!
I am hoping to find some people who also lived in this far north county (unincorporated) location because I am researching long-term health effects (potential results of mosquito fog trucks and arial 'bombing' and/or underground natural gas storage) in St Louis County (MO) during the 1960's-1980's. If anyone has any historical data or information regarding this matter I would very much appreciate knowing about it. The reason for my interest is that there seems to be a very high rate of auto-immune and cancer related illnesses myself and many others are experiencing - all people who grew up in this vicinity. If I could piece together any common threads it would be a relief.
Post from KP (1/3/2012)
In response to 'Millie' 2/26/11
The riding stables I think you were thinking of was Green Valley Ranch. It was on a large tract of land that Cyrus Crane Wilmore donated to the city as he developed the last sections of 'St. Louis Hills'.
I arrived in St. Louis in 1950 at age 10 and lived across from what became Wilmore Park around 1959 . The land was edged by Jamieson, Hampton and the River DesPeres. The riding stable was centered and the land was left natural -Green Valley closed around 1954. We played all over the wild 'park' - Cowboys ,Civil War ,whatever. One area had a 'cliff' which was about a 17 ft. drop off and an initiation jump for any new neighborhood kid. By1960 it took on a new dimension--parking after a dates.
Post from Liz Laughlin (Pfeffer) (1/13/2012)
Wow.....thanks for this website. I was doing a Google search on my old dancing studio, Emma Ogle Dance School, and came across this website. I was hoping to find pictures.
I grew up in Ferguson, on Frost Avenue. I went to Lee Hamilton Elementary and then across the street to dancing classes. I remember the movie theater in downtown Ferguson on Saturday mornings, the bakery by the library, hanging out at Pizza Inn on Florissant Rd and then Dairy Queen on Chambers after Ferguson Jr High football games. I loved going to Holiday Hill and the park in St Charles for school picnics. I worked on the Admiral in early 70's.....remember the red painted quarters ??? I still try and get to McCluer High School reunions when possible and still drive thru Ferguson on occasion....not the same. I miss those days. Oh yeah, Santa used to come down Frost Ave. in a sleigh before Christmas. Have videos of that.
Post from O.J.McNamee (1/22/2012)
My wife just gave me your book St. Louis Nostalgia. Love it as I loved growing up in St. Louis, from Caronelet, to Affton, to Sunset Hills. Go t the surprise of my life when I came across the article about Cleveland HS in the 50s mentioning the B B players Baylor Kohut, Stu Cloud et al. including Charlie Wicker. Belonged to a fraternity with them all. Even though I went to DB. Dennis Z and Tom F.,Vern D. and I all belonged. Seems as though back in the day all of the high school frats and sororities were set up for partying. Remember going to proms at the Coronado Hotel, and various country clubs from Fenton to Kirkwood. Our sponsor if you will was a great guy by the name of Monty Walpole who worked at KSD. Also remember hanging out at Cusinellis in Lemay and getting good solid advice about women from Joe while he made the pizzas and Dan did the dinners. Had a great shrimp pizza for Fridays during lent. No better pizzas anywhere. Remember Ma and Johnny Radisons at rt 3 in Dupo? What a great place to grow up.
Post from Yolanda (1/22/2012)
I have been looking everywhere for "THE EDGEWATER CLUB" BACK IN i KNOW THE 50"S and 60"s. It was on south broadway(I think 5500 south broadway). There is a retirement home in iits place now.I used to go there with my brothers to see mmy dad(Armando Toti).Dad worked as bartender. And mmy grandma Nina lived upstairs in the penthouse.And uncle worked there too. It was right off the river. I wish someone could find out the history on it. I have looked every where. Got any ideas or places I could check out? Lot of memories there. The owner was harrigan i think.
Post from Tom Kuehling(1/22/2012)
I grew up in south city in the 50’s and 60’s. Remember street cleaning day? Temporary cardboard no parking signs were put up (tied to trees) the day before. A battleship gray city tank truck drove down the middle of the street with water jets coming from both sides of the tank pushing leaves and trash towards the curbs. Then, a crew of men came along with push brooms and swept the trash and leaves into piles. Later, another crew came and picked up the piles and put them into a dump truck. Finally, the temporary signs were taken down.
During Fall, people would rake their leaves into piles in the street and burn them. Sometimes wind would blow burning leaves around. Good idea to have the hose out.
Remember tree trimming day? Once every 5 years or so, temporary cardboard no parking signs were put up (again tied to trees). Sometime during the day, a big crew of tree trimmers would come walking along and climb into the trees and do pruning. Some men were pretty high up in big Sycamore trees. The cut branches just fell to the ground. Another crew would then come along, cut the branches into smaller pieces, and throw them into dump trucks. Great entertainment for young boys!
Post from Lyn Pickel lynbpickel@gmail.com(1/23/2012)
I am a writer who is researching and writing about Donald L. Fanetti, a neighborhood leader and editor of The Bugle, a local newspaper that I believe was read by almost every household in the Carondelet Neighborhood during the 1960's and 1970's. I am wondering if you could ask your readers if they could share any memories of Don, The Bugle and its humorous content, and the Carondelet--and more precisely, the Patch Neighborhood, during the 1960's and 1970''s? I would so appreciate their reminisces!
Post from Donald Babchick (2/20/2012)
I grew up in U.City in the 50’s & 60’s and it was the most wonderful place to grow up. Alan Spector, class of 64 wrote a great book “Hail, Hail, to U. City High” which depicts our great days of that time….. The hangouts, Hamburger Heaven on Pennsylvania and Olive across from Mercy High & Heman Park, Rinaldi’s in the Delmar loop, best pizza and salad around, Nino’s Pizza on Olive St. Rd., the Velvet Freeze on North& South…. Ed’s Pool in the loop & Fat Man’s shoe shine parlor….Great memories…..U. City class of 62
Post from ? (3/12/2012)
What fun!!! I was looking up Bretscher's Bakery after having some ordinary donuts for breakfast! Is it still in business? Also, does anyone remember going for ice cream to a place that also had a fountain which had colored lights that would change colors. I think it was in Webster Groves. Wow this brought back so many memories...I live in Seattle now but have such fond memories. Playing til dark, calling out can so-and-so come out and play, looking through the ashpits along alleys in south St. Louis (Keokuk St.), Charondolette Park, chasing fireflies, crayfish in the creek near Berry Rd. in Glendale, pick up baseball games, watching our Dads play cork ball and drinking beer, retarring and regraveling streets and watching the tar bubble up...Looking forward to reading more. Thanks.
Post from ? (3/12/2012)
I just came across your site, and it made me smile. I live in Paradise Valley, AZ, but grew up in Florissant. Went to Our Lady of Fatima, and Aquinas HS (Class of 71). I was actually doing some research on old golf courses in St Louis. In high school, I worked at the old Nor Lakes course in Dellwood. The course was sold to a developer (Bill Bruce of Bruce Properties) in 1969, and he was building an apartment complex called “The Village”, but he kept the back 9 holes of the course open. I became the “greens superintendent” in the early spring of 1970, and worked every day after school and on weekends. I actually saw a reference to the course in one of the postings on your site, and was wondering if any visitors to your site had any additional info on the course. I haven’t lived in St Louis since 1986, but have many fond memories. I grew up in Northwoods, attended Ascension until third grade, when we moved to Florissant. I remember when the Passionist Seminary was sold to developers, who then built the Normandy Shopping Center. I went to the opening day for the Walgreens, Britts Department Store, and the National grocery, which, as I recall, was some time in the early 1960’s (maybe 1961?). There was also a bowling alley in the shopping center, and we would spend many hot St Louis summer days there, because it was air conditioned. My grandmother lived in Pasadena Hills and actually ran the cafeteria at St. Ann’s for many years. St Louis was a wonderful, family-oriented city, and I have many warm memories from my childhood. Thanks for developing this site.
Post from ? (3/21/2012)
Let's dig a little deeper into the memory bag. I graduated from Cleveland High School in June, 1949. I remember the great musical tradition that marked "Down by the Bevo". Cleveland put on an operetta and a spring variety show every year with complete stage settings, full orchestral and vocal music. My first year at CHS they put on De Kovan's "Robin Hood" with Shirley Gatzert and Jack Haupt singing the leads. Shirley later went on to the Curtis Institute of Music. Jack could hit a high C as easy as you can imagine. A hard act to follow, but many did.
At a more basic, but none the less satisfying, level was singing the "Snitzelboch" song at the Swartzvald, known as the Black Forest in later years. Let's not forget the lady who came out to signify closing time at Bill Eislie's Bavarian Garden by singing Brahma's Lullaby. Finally, I remember sitting out in the back yard on a summer's evening and singing old songs with the neighbors and sending down to the corner tavern for buckets of beer. My cousin and I did the fetching. Sure you remember the corner tavern. Almost every block, "down by the Bevo" had a tavern on one end and a bakery on the other.
They were hard times for working families, but they had a talent for making things easier with a song.
Post from ? (3/28/2012)
My Grandfather was Fred P. Rapp and what a guy he was!!! Nice to see there are still some around who worked for him. Would love to hear some stories as I know he probably was at times hard to work for as he had a work ethic as hard as nails.
Post from Wayne Rosenthal (3/29/2012)
Just noticed the post from earlier this month about Nor Lakes Golf Course. I remember that course very well. It was on Canfield Drive , just off of West Florissant Road . I played my very first round of golf there on June 14, 1963, and continued to play golf there right up until the time they closed around 1970 or so.
It was an 18 hole course, and all of the holes were Par 3. So it was a good course for a new golfer, or even an experienced golfer that wanted to work on their short game.
I also remember Britts and some of the other stores in the Normandy Shopping Center . The bowling alley was called Normandy Lanes. Sometime in the 1980’s the name was changed to North Oaks Lanes. As far as I know they are still in business today.
Post from ? (4/23/2012)
I grew up at 1430 South Broadway and attended Pestalozi school.
I remember Chicken Joes, where they killed chickens and my mom bought chicken feet and wings
I remember taking cans and stomping them in the middle to fir you feet and go clacking
I remember what a livley shopping area South Broadway was
Fruit of the Loom men’s store, Velvet Freeze, open market selling nuts and fruit
Farmers market, open all night.
Remember Roxy’s flooring to buy your cheap linolium. We used it on everything.
Breeze washing powder had the wash clothes.
Yellow diner in the middle of the road
Huge indian in front of something
Moved to North St. Louis
Playing on the docks of closed factories
Tobin’s or Tobey’s hardware on 9th street
City hospital, free medical care.
Sitting out on the concrete steps with friends holding the transister radio up to our ears
When a 1 lighted car came by and you called perdiddle first you could kiss a boy
Everybody walking up and down the street.
You know there were still some wooden outhouses in St. Louis in the 1950’s
Who could forget 14th street shopping at Worths and Sobels. and eating at the soda fountain at Kreske’s?
I went to the old Ames school and remember the building the New Ames school in 1957
Swimming in the pool at Bremen park
The hot tammeli man, The paperboy on Saturday night
My brothers buying large packs of combs and selling them in taverns til midnight and they were little boys
Daddy building them all shoe shine boxes and putting black, brown and neutral waxes in the box with some rags, shined shoes in the taverns on South broadway.
Post from ? (4/23/2012)
I would like to share some of my memories of growing up in St. Louis (1966-1985). Thank you for the opportunity:
- Playing freeze tag until dark on spring and summer nights on Bluefield Drive in Florissant (I met my first “love” during one of these games at the Gibson’s).
- Having my mom buy Big Shot chocolate additive from Pet Milk.
- Living on a street where they were still building homes; we would play in the basements when the construction workers left for the day.
- Wearing Bat-Man masks and safety-pinning towels around our necks.
- Swimming at the Banquert Park pool, playing on the old Sherman tank and going to the air-conditioned library (a perfect respite during muggy St. Louis summer days).
- Camp Comet in the summer.
- Wearing our "good" clothes to school, the changing into our "play" clothes and tennis shoes when we got home.
- The wonderful smell of Meyers Confectionary (in Florissant).
- Walking to Banquert Park and passing all of the “saint” streets: St. Michael, St. Catherine, St. Joseph, etc.
- Walking around my neighborhood as a 7 and 8-year old and discovering cool new streets like Paddock, Meadowgrass and Aubachon.
- Those old soda machine that sold bottles behind a narrow refrigerated door; even if we could not afford a drink (which was only a dime), we would open those doors and feel the cool blast of air during the hot summer afternoons.
- Playing in my basement and lying on the cold tile during the summer, and lying next to the warm forced-air vents during chilly winter evenings.
-Watching “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” on Monday nights, never really getting most of the jokes, but repeating them the next day at DeSmet Elementary School.
-Going from one of the nicest first-grade teachers (Miss Meyers) to one of the meanest in second-grade (Mrs. Swank). Then, changing in mid-term in third-grade from Mrs. McCall to Miss Whaley (later Miss Wolf).
-Riding the skyway at Chain of Rocks Park with Todd Reed and Cheryl Eichorn at our fourth-grade picnic (they were “dating” and I was the third-wheel, as usual).
- What a treat it was to visit the Holiday Hill amusement park.
- Going barefoot on our lawn and stepping on my first bee.
- Going to Burger Chef, White Castle and Steak & Shake.
- Walking to Banquert Park and stopping by the A&W Root Beer Stand. If I had 50 cents, I would get a Baby Burger, Fries and a 10 cent root beer in a frosted mug. Another dime would net me a large soft-serve ice cream cone.
- Going with my parents to the Flaming Pit, Ruiz’s Mexican restaurant or the smorgesboard (now a buffet) at Famous-Barr.
- During the Christmas season, we would go to Stix, Bear and Fuller downtown to toy shop, visit Santa and ride the cool monorail.
- Watching the St. Louis Cardinals play in the late 1960s. My brother was at the game in 1967 when Bob Gibson broke his leg (off a ball hit by Roberto Clemente) and my dad was at Game 7 of the ‘68 World Series (ugh!).
- Taking my lunch to grade school in my cool “Rat Patrol” lunchbox.
- Knocking on Dick Weber’s door one time and asking if he had any MAD Magazines.
- Playing fuzzball (using a tennis ball and a whiffle ball bat) on Bluefield Drive with my best friend Mark Smith; playing football with a Nerf ball until dark and using the street lights to see after that.
-Getting a Cardinals football and helmet on Christmas, 1975, and then playing football by myself in the snow that night for hours.
-My dad gave me a Radio Shack tape recorder in 1972 and I played with it for five years.
- I remember my sister going crazy because the Beatles actually performed in St. Louis in 1966 and she could not go.
- Playing in the creek between Arlington and Burning Tree (off of Parker Road). Usually little water ran through there, but it went all the way to Lindbergh. My friends and I would climb out of there by the old Magic Market and A&P grocery store.
- The ice cream trucks (sometimes it was a van, sometimes a Jeep) and sno-cone carts in our neighborhood during the summer.
- The sounds the locusts made in the trees on warm spring and summer evenings.
- Sitting outside with my father and grandfather on these night while they sat with lit cigars to keep the misquitos away.
- Going to the Cross Keys Mall, River Roads and Northland centers.
- Watching the Valley of Flowers Parade as it went along Parker Road; then going to the fair.
- My mom worked at Southwestern Bell (the 1010 Pine building) and sometimes she would take me there and then we would have lunch at Mrs. Hollings restaurant.
- When the misquito truck would spray insecticide, my friends and I would ride our bikes behind it through the fog. How stupid were we?
- Remembering what a novelty a drive-thru restaurant was when the first Jack-In-The-Box opened on Lindbergh in Florissant. You spoke into the “clown” and the offered a Bonus Jack (which was like a Big Mac). I also recall when going to the McDonald’s on Hall Ferry and Lindbergh was a real treat. You only could eat outside at the red and white-tiled venue and the fries were made fresh.
- Going to the first Taco Bell on Lindbergh in 1976 and ordering a “Bell Beefer” burger.
- An ice storm that hit on New Year’s Eve, 1976 while I was at my friend Steve Boxdorfer’s house. We played cards and drank root beer all night.
- Listening to KXOX radio in the late 1960s/early 1970s (they brought back an oldies format briefly in the early ‘80s). Listening to Jim White, Bob Hardy, Rex Davis, Jack Carney and John McCormack (the “Man Who Walks and Talks At Midnight”) on KMOX (my dad’s station). Also, remember hearing “Thought For the Day” by Richard L. Evans and the "Morning March” every day before school on KMOX. Listening to Wolman Jack, Dr. Demento and the KADI Original Oldie Show on KADI. Every Saturday morning, my father would tune into KMOX for the Party Line (you could buy or sell things) show and Jack Carney’s vintage comedy show. In 1975, KMOX would have a two-hour show on Sunday evenings called “The Great Talking Machine,” where rare recordings were broadcast.
- Jack Buck and Harry Carey. Later, Jack Buck and Mike Shannon.
- Following the football Cardinals intently during the 1975 season (they went 11-3 during the regular season, won the NFC East, but lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 35-23 in the playoffs).
- Collecting stamps, match books, bottle caps, soda and beer cans.
- Saw “Jaws” at Grandview Cinema (the first movie where people were waiting in huge lines), and then played shark attack all summer at the swimming pool.
- Bluefield Drive block parties and garage sales.
- Mowing lawns on hot summer mornings and getting $5 per (big money at the time); shoveling driveways during the winter.
- Playing horseshoes and H-O-R-S-E with Mr. Gibson up the street and Jarts with my dad (he had a grinder and would sharpen each to a razor edge).
- The rivers that would run through our backyard during heavy spring rains; getting caught in a small tornado while driving to a friend’s house in 1980.
- Going downtown late at night in the early 1980s and hanging around Forest Park or playing on the old, closed Chain of Rocks bridge (we were nuts).
- Watching local personalities on TV like Dick Ford, Max Roby, Julius Hunter, Herb Humphries, Ollie Raymond, John Auble, Charlotte Peters, Captain 11 (where I first saw the Three Stooges shorts), Jim Bowlin (aka Corky the Clown), Mr. Patches and many, many others. What a life, what a town, what great memories.
Post from Mike Carosone, former north county kid! (5/1/2012)
just a small update from the 4/23/12 posting. Jim Bolin played Cookie from Cookie and the Captain, Corky the Clown was Cliff St. James.
Post from Mary Mueller (McKean) (6/12/2012)
I was happy to accidentally come across your "memories" website. I, too, have happy thoughts of growing up on Gratton St in South St. Louis. I went to Clinton and Clinton/Peabody Schools, leaving in 1959 to move to California. I remember so many happy days at the Zoo and Forest Park Amusement Park, with its every end of school year having thousands of kids from the St. Louis area converging on it for rides and food. I also remember the Muny and the Jewel Box, the White Castle and all the downtown shopping. The Veil Prophet Parade was something my Mom and I went to every year. She worked at the Carter Carbeuator plant and had many friends there, until getting layed off in 1958. I had several girlfriends I hung around with and we made many day trips to other parts of town, just for fun. I now live in Fernley, Nv., about 30 miles east of Reno. I remember going to Camp Wyman and Salvation Army Camp, which was so much fun for a city girl. I will always cherish these memories. You take care and have a wonderful summer.
Post from Carol Pettit 2477 Buck Creek Rd. Festus Mo.(6/24/2012)
The St. Louis Muny has been a part of my 78 year life with very fond memories. It was our weekly treat to go as a family and pack a picnic and go to the free seats to see all the wonderful shows. My sister and I learned the music, The Desert Song being our favorite. I can remember how big we thought we were when our Dad let us sit on the wall! We felt a very special connection because our dancing teacher,Nadine Duffin, was a member of the dance chorus. The Muny continued to be part of my life thru my teen years and in raising my family. Probably my most memorable experiences was when Sonny and Cher appeared and a group had tickets. At the last minute we got some extra seats so we took some of our teenagers and threatened them with their lives to stay in their seats and we would check on them at intermission. During the show a young girl appeared on the side stage steps and Sonny went over and gave her a kiss. It was my #2 daughter. I went over to where the kids were all sitting, my oldest daughter was so upset and Tracy showed up about that time happy as a lark. I guess she thought it was worth it even though she didn’t see anyone for quite a while. The Munt is one of St. Louis’ golden gems. Thank you for many years of family memories.
Post from ??? (6/26/2012)
Does anyone recall a garage band called Glass Onion from U.City that played in Heman Park in 1968 0r 1969?
Post from ??? (6/26/2012)
Came upon your website google-ing the old red plastic mills or Missouri sales tax tokens. Like everyone else who posted, a flood of memories came back of which I now feel compelled to share;
Juniata and Grand our first house:
My brother and I collecting beer bottle caps for the men playing bottle caps in the alley behind the neighborhood bar. The used a broom stick for a bat. They would pay us a quarter for a box of bottle caps.
We were so close to the Ritz theatre, the public Library, Tower Grove park ( I remember hot and humid St. Louis summers where my family would spend hours in Tower Grove park . I remember how loud the cicadas were .) The drug store on the corner of Grand and Hartford still has the original red tile and round windows, but they used to have glass bulbs filled with red or green liquid in the windows.
On Grand between the Library and our house, were shops, one was a grocery store that gave out plaid stamps.
My father was a baker at Lake Forest bakery at the time.
Cherokee street :
My parents bought the Cherokee Bakery in the late 50’s and we lived in the same building.
My brother and I attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic school. We walked 5 blocks to school. (everyone did)
Our playground was a hot black asphalt playground, right next to Kutis funeral home.
Loved to go to Dog N Suds up the street on arsenal for a hot dog and a rootbeer. (When ,I had the money!)
Hung out with our friends in the neighborhood. Always called the names of our friends from the front or back yard, never knocked on the door. (OH TOMMY!!) and never just the name we always said “OH” before the name. The neighborhood seemed to be between Cherokee and Wyoming. But was not limited to that area. Once we got bikes the city was ours.
Remember;
Swimming at Marquette pool where you had to wait in shifts to get in the pool.
Getting chunks of ice from the Pevely dairy truck that delivered milk.
Washing bakery trays in the back room of the bakery while listening to KXOK and Johnny Rabbit.
Getting top 45’s from the record shop. First album: The Dave Clark Five
Collecting soda (not pop!) bottles for 2 cents and large Vess bottles for 5 cents apiece and using the money to get candy at the corner Confectionery (not Quick shop).
Eating mini hamburgers (close to White Castle size but rounder) at the dinner on the corner or Cherokee and California ave.
Going the S S Kresge (see K-mart) multi level department store on Cherokee and going into the basement to buy comics.
Hearing the fruit salesmen going up and down the streets with flat tops on large wagon wheels calling out the ware of the day. STRAWBERRIES !! BLUEBERRYS !!
The sound of the knife sharpener guy whose cart went CLINK CLANK CLINK.
Halloweens when you could stay out past dark, without your parents and were still safe! (relatively)
Going to my first baseball game in the new Busch Stadium 1966 a loss to the SF Giants.
Black and white tv, rabbit ears, local TV, Cookie and the Captain.. my brother was in the studio audience once.
Mom said that many of the bakery customers were from the brewery and when I-70 was finished business dropped off, along with the advent of the subdivision and people moving out of the city.
My parents sold the bakery and bought a variety store in Des Peres on Manchester road.
We moved west as well and I now live in Omaha Ne of all places. Most of the family still live in the St. Louis area and I love going back to visit.
Attached is a photo of Cherokee days taken in front of our bakery. Sorry I do not know the names of the kids in the picture, but my brother and I are in it. My brother is in the front row dark shirt blue jeans with one pant leg out of the cowboy boot. I am the eyes and big ears behind the big kid wearing the Cherokee hat.
Post from William Knopf, Jr./Now living in Indianapolis/SLUH class of '75. (7/3/2012)
Childhome home on Neosho and Jamieson in St. Louis Hills in the 1960's-1970s. Two blocks from Ted Drews!
Nottingham and Busch elementary schools, then on to SLUH for my high school years.
My Dad was a painting contractor who had a shop/office on Potomac and Kingshighway. Stay at home Mom.
Francis Park with the churches on all four corners. Years, later, I met my wife on those racquetball courts! Yep, still married...
Riding my bike to Redbird Lanes for summer bowling leagues. Pick-up ballgames in Willmore Park with no adults.
Riding my bike after school to the "new" public library on Hampton and Eichelberger; now a used CD store.
Going with Mom and Dad to the Flaming Pit and the Parkmoor on Chippewa with Steak n' Shake in between.
66 Drive Inn in Crestwood. Avalon Theater on Kingshighway. The Cinerama on Lindell by the Chase.
All the new car dealers on Kingshighway between Chippewa and Arsenal -- bright lights and neon on a Friday night.
Meeting Stan the Man when my Dad was hired to paint his house in St. Louis Hills! My claim to fame at school.
Mini-golf on summer nights just inside the city limits on Chippewa, with the giant slides in later years.
Special dinners with my parents and their cool friends at Ruggeri's on The Hill. Ace was always our waiter and Stan Kann playing piano.
School picnics at Holiday Hill. The smell of the pool and lockers at the Southside YMCA on Grand.
Cardinal games at Busch, Blues hockey and Steamers indoor soccer at the old barn on Oakland, the Big Red at Busch in the fall/winter.
Playing "kick the cup" with other kids (never knew their names) between periods at the hockey game
Also remember the old St. Louis Stars outdoor pro soccer team playing at Busch and going with my grade school buddies.
Concerts at Kiel Auditorium and later at the arena and across the river at the Mississippi River Festival (SIU)
Streetside Records in Webster. Southtown Famous. Boyd's and Stix in Crestwood. Roberts Boys Shop in Webster.
Dr. Mack, DDS in Shrewsbury, basement office. I later worked in an office on the first floor of that building!
Dr. George Becker in Clayton...Dr. Jack Hartstein (eye doctor) in U City.
Miss Hullings. Cyrano's in Clayton. The Fox and Hounds. Riding the double decker bus to the Muny.
Downtown Christmas windows. Santa's workshop at Famous Barr.
Burgers with Mom and Dad at the Big Bevo on Hampton or at Jacks or Better in Crestwood (with the peanut shells on the floor)
Shakey's Pizza on Big Bend with friends after a movie at the Esquire Theater
Lots of fantastic memories from the 60s and 70s in my home town. I've since lived all over the USA but relish coming home for Imo's!
Post from Laura Vonk - hlvonk@gmail.com (7/4/2012)
Hi, I need help and I was hoping some people here would be able to help me... My dad was a Rock N' Roll lead guitarist in the St. Louis Area from 1950 to 1974. His name is Bill Angel. I am writing a book about his musical career for our family. He's given me a lot of information, but doesn't have a lot of pictures or memorabilia that I can add to the book. Like he said, not everyone had cameras back then like they do now, and he didn't think to save a lot of stuff because for him, it was "just a job", never knowing someday his kids or grandkids would love to see anything he had.
Anyway, some of the local people/groups he played with include, Pat Cook and the Rhythm Buddies, Kenny Loren and the Classmates, Jenny Jamison, Jim Marsalla and the Bop Cats, Lonnie Dean and the Satellites (later Lonnie Dean and the A-Go-Gos), Ron Curtis and the Showmen, and his own band, Billy Angel and the Rafter Rockers. Some of the places he played include The New Lindy Ballroom, Chain of Rocks Park, I40 Teen Town, Imperial Ballroom, The Music Palace, Splatter Platter Parties, Velascos, The Radisons, Skylark Bowling Alley, twice at the St. Louis Car Show, and several clubs at Gaslight Square (Celebrity Club, The Alley, The Backside, Etc.) Also several venues he played outside of St. Louis include The Surf Ballroom, The Top Hat Club in Washington MO, and the Franklin County Fair in Washington MO. He also played, opened for, or hung around some celebrities including Chuck Berry, Brenda Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ike & Tina Turner.
I'm looking for pictures that might have him in them. Pictures of the venues he played (many are no longer there or look different), newspaper clippings, ticket stubs that list any of the above people/bands, and, if possible, the programs from the St. Louis Car Shows of 1963, 1964, 1965.
Any help would be VERY appreciated and I can reimburse copy and mailing fees for any that can't be scanned. I will, of course, credit everyone in the book who sends me any info, pictures, or stories.
I saw in 2010 that Jerry Frank posted here. I know my Dad knows you and if you could contact me at the above address I'd love to talk to you!
Post from Jim Cooper (7/22/2012)
My names is Jim Cooper. I remember growing up in Clayton. MO 1951-1955. I worked part time at the Esquire Bowling Alley setting pins and later spent summers at St. Mary's Hospital as a janitor. Always had some spending money. Going to Parkmoor at Clayton Rd & Big Bend for the greatest PT, chocolate shake & onion rings on the planet. Cruising on to Fitze's Root Beer stand on Clayton Rd. at Brentwood Blvd, their hamburger sauce was never to be duplicated. Then on to Shake n Steak on Brentwood Blvd. From there it was to the drag strip on Highway 40 when it dead ended at Brentwood Blvd. Race to the first bridge (approx. 1/4 mile). Souped up 48 Fords, 39 Chevy's, with dual carbs, cams, & headers and a host of other hot cars. Very seldom ever bothered by the police.
Fridays and Saturday nights reserved for a trip to Rattisons on the East Side across the JB Bridge. Not exactly where you wanted to tell your parents where you were going, but the music was cool and the place really rocked. Drinks of course were available to anyone 16 or older. Life was really fun in those days and crime was not an issue. Our biggest crime was probably speeding or loud mufflers. I am so thankful I grew up in what I perceive to be the Golden Age in this country.
Post from ??? (7/29/2012)
I grew up in U. City but my Uncle owned Parkview Market at Kingston and Telegraph. He later moved to Florida and his son and a partner took over and expanded. I don't know if he still has partners but he now owns a bunch of Save a lots.
answer to Jim Cooper. I probably waited on you when I was a curb boy at Brentwood Steak in 56. Guys would bring their car to the lot and set up a drag race. They would then head south on Brentwood to 40. they would come back later and either brag or lament on their win or loss. It was a popular place. I remember when they adjoined the highway 40 with the express highway and it became highway 40 all of the way Vandeventer
Did anyone hang out at the club Imperial. George Edick used to let teens hang out in the basement and learn to jitterbug. they called their style the Imperial. Today there are 8 not for profit dance clubs in the St louis area that dance and teach the Imperial. he largest of these clubs is the West County Dance Club that has dances every tuesday night at the Moolah Shrine Temple $3 to get in another $3 for lessons.
Post from ??? (8/7/2012)
Grew up on the edge of Hanley Hills in the 70s -
Shopping center at Page and Hanley - unrecognizable now - used to have a Sands drugstore, dry cleaner, barber, jewelry store, National grocery store, hunting/gun store, Velvet Freeze ice cream, laundromat, Burt's 5&10 store, hardware store, auto parts store, Fotomat. Hanley Hills Baptist Church is gone !
I used to work at Venture Department store in high school - at Page and the Innerbelt - gone ! What happened to Town and Country shopping Center ?, the go-kart track ? I worked at KFC, the same bunch owned the one on St. Charles Rock Road and the one on Natural Bridge - gone ! Northwest Plaza with a roof - WTF ! What happened to Naugles' burger joint ? Britts Department store ? Zayre's ? Northland ?
River Roads ? Katz ? Korvettes? Streetside Records ? the YMCA on Grand ? Herbert Hoover Boys Club ? Red Barn hamburgers ? Chuk a Burger ? Skating at Heman Park ? Magic Lantern Theatre ?
I remember the high school basketball tournaments Christmas time at Normandy !
KSHE radio with Sweetmeat ! KKSS stereo for monster disco hits !
Channel 11 - the Ones to watch - Mr. Patches kids show !!! Red Goose shoes !!!
I saw "Cleopatra Jones" for 75 cents at the Loews State Theater downtown where I used to sneak in with burgers from Burger Chef across the street - the fixins bar where you could put anything you want on your hamburger !!!
The Stadium One Cinema were I saw the movie "Jaws" is now a Hooters !!!
Where is the Admiral riverboat ?
Maybe it was all a dream ...
Post from ??? (8/14/2012)
I have fond memoirs of Northwoods. I remember walking to Garfield School along North & South Passadena. On a fine spring day on the way to school we found an injured bobwhite quail. My good friend Amanda Cox happend to have her spring purse. The type of purse made of wicker or straw. Anyhow we put the bird im the purse & giggled all day at school when it warbled. It was a secret that we kept almost all day.
Post from ED Tritschler email ent1959@att.com (8/16/2012)
I grew up on the corner of Jefferson and Cherokee until 1952 when we moved to Michagin and Chippewa.
*Attended Shepard school
*A Roosevelt rough rider
*Watermelon stand@ Cherokee and Compton
*Working at Davis Photo Supplies on Cherokee
*Cinderella theater
? Sportsmen park sitting in the bleachers
* Fast pitch softball@ Fox park
*Swimming@Downs Springdale and Springforest
ADMIRAL cruise on the Mlsslsslppi river
*Chimpanzie show At the Zoo
*Highlands
*Southside YMCA
*First car a 1954 Ford two door with fender skirts
*Wearing blue suede shoes and Mr B shirts
*Cass Loma ball room
*Ted Drews on Grand
*Jefferson and Grand streetcars
*Public school stadium
*Kutis and Simpkins ford teams playing big time soccer
Post from STUMBAUGH@CENTURYTEL.NET (9/1/2012)
I REMEMBER GROWING UP UNDER THE OLD BROWN WATER TOWER ON BLAIR AVE IN NORTH ST. LOUIS. PITCHING PENNIES AGAINST THE WALL OF FINNS INN/PLAYING POOL AT PETES ON GRAND UNDER THEWHITE WATER TOWER GRADUATED CENTRAL HIGH IN 62 JIM STUMBAUGH
Post from Unsigned (9/5/2012)
My family moved to 19th and Warren in 1965. The house we lived in was built, we found out recently, by the family that founded Granite City. We had a fireplace in every room. Downstairs the mantles were wood, but upstairs they were marble.
We went to St. Liborious until it closed and then to St. Francis Xavier Grade School on SLU's campus.
I recall how cool the lobby of Northwestern Bank was during the summer and that the water cooler had the coldest water.
We used to sit on the bench near the alley between Warren and Montgomery. The alley took a sharp turn that we called Dead Man's curve.
Bellon's Market was on the corner of Montgomery and 19th.
We went to the ice cream shop on St. Louis Avenue and North Florissant, or down to Crown's on warm summer nights.
Does anyone remember the penny candy store next to Northwestern Bank? The door was latched, but if you knocked the little hunchbacked lady would come open the door. The candy was loose and she would scoop what you wanted into paper bags.
We got our milk at Horack's Dairy.
Anyone remember the hot tamale guy?
There was a tavern every block or two. John's Tavern was across the alley from our house and the drunks were always playing bottle caps.
We played corkball, wiffle ball and fuzz ball against the wall of our house that faced 19th street.
We went to Neighborhood to box and play "hoc soc", indoor soccer. It was on 21st Street across from St. Louis Park.
I had a St. Louis Post-Dispatch paper route bordered by North Market, 22nd Street and North Florissant. I wish still had the wooded paper wagon I used to haul my papers with. It had iron wheels and a painting of the Weatherbird on each side.
Post from Unsigned (9/6/2012)
"The Fred Mogel Show" (not sure of the spelling). Our Brownie troop appeared on it once and we told everyone recess was our favorite subject between the cartoons he showed. There was a similar show hosted by a cowboy who stood next to a covered wagons who had local kids (can't remember his name.)
DOWNTOWN
My family lived in Rock Hill and I went to High School in Webster Groves. When we wanted to go Downtown, usually to go shopping, it was an all day affair.
We either took the bus or, on rare occasions, my father would drop us off on his way to work at Century Electric. Even if he drove us, we either walked or took the bus or "street car" to get around in the city. Certainly NEVER did we take a cab.
But regardless of how we arrived, we always "dressed up"--"just like downtown" as they used to say. Mother wore low heels, a hat and white gloves. these were especially important if you intended to buy nylon stockings. The woman in the hosiery department would bring out to the counter little flat boxes. Inside was one pair of smooth, flat, nylons in your size and in colors you requested. She would
insert her own gloved hand into one of them--this was before panty hose-- to show you the color and if you wanted to examine them yourself you were expected to use only your gloved hand. In the early 50's these had seams down the back and you could get them in various degrees of "sheerness". They were expensive enough that you were very careful with them. When, at last, I was old enough to wear nylon stockings, myself. I was instructed to put them on while wearing white cotton gloves as well. This did not prevent me from snagging them and getting "runners" my first time out.
Often, the item on the agenda to buy was fabric. Mom spent what seemed like hours, moving from one length of cloth to another, examining the color and the pattern, feeling the texture, draping it and crunching it up to determine it's "hand". Then having selected one or several of the pretty textiles, she tucked the whole bolt under her arm and headed for the pattern department. Some times you got to sit down to look through the big books showing all kinds of designs for dresses and blouses and every kind of apparel that one could "stitch up" for oneself; but other times you just had to stand at the inclined counter turning page after page. Usually, after an interminable period of time spent selecting just the
right style, and clutching an envelope containing uncut tissue paper marked
with the shape of all the pieces of the dress or skirt she planned to make, we still had to find the "notions" department. This is where she found the zippers and
thread and bias tape and what ever else she had a "notion" to buy-- that she needed to complete her garment.
Last of all we hauled the fabric bolts, the patterns, and the "notions" to a large table, where the "sales person", carefully unrolled the fabric and smoothed it out, measured it, and cut it (with very sharp scissors--I remember that very often it wasn't even necessary to open and close the scissors to cut, but she would simply push the partly opened tool in a straight line, the blades slicing through the
material). Then she "wrote it up": she wrote out on a small form, the kind of fabric by number and the number of yards, the price per yard and the total. There was also a tax added on. Sometimes the tax totaled less than a penny, in which case you had to pay "mills". Red plastic mills were singles, green equaled five mills.
All of this was then keyed onto the big, sometimes very elaborate, cash register. The woman took the money and counted the change into your hand.
The ceilings of these stores tended to be very high, and cris-crossing the walls were a series of clear plastic tubes. The sales people would put mysterious messages into plastic capsules and insert them into the end of one of these tubes, shut the little door and zoom! you could see the capsule travel upward to the nether parts of the store. This was always very fascinating. My father
explained that these were "pneumatic tube" that moved the capsules with some combination of air and vacuum.
Sales people in the fifties were very different from what they are now. She, like my mother, was "dressed up". She usually wore a dark color wool dress or suit, stockings and heels. She probably wore "Cherries in the Snow" lipstick--just like my mother. "Cherries in the Snow" was very big in the fifties.
Her hair was fixed in a conservative style. My mother very often knew her name--and not just because it was on her name tag. When we went to clothing departments (in Famous Barr or Stix, Baer, and Fuller)
Mom would sometimes ask for a particular woman to help her. This was someone who would then find on the floor styles and sizes that she thought you would like (she probably knew your tastes because you'd been shopping there before), and she would bring them to you as you waited in the dressing
room. She would help you zip them up the back (or when I was a preteen getting my first bra, instruct me how to put it on properly) and offer her opinion on how it looked and how it fit, whether it was a good buy, and whether it was appropriate for the occasion you were buying for..
On the very top floor of Stix, Baer, & Fuller (which my mother always called "Grand Leader")there was a childcare center. (another post described the play room at Famous--she could be right) When I was very small (maybe 3 or 4) sometime I was allowed to stay there while my mother shopped (avoiding the fabric department). I think Mom paid a small fee, maybe a dollar, to leave me there. I have no memory of any of the adult "caretakers" I am sure were lurking there.This place would probably not be allowed to operate today. My mind calls up the image of a large room--not new and shiny and "clean"--certainly not antiseptic--but with the impression that it had always been there--and perhaps always would be. Much of the floor was covered with some kind of mats to cushion the inevitable falls of several dozen children apparently left to their own devises. In one corner there was a large, wooden boat (yes, a boat) which held about 6-10 kids at a time who could run from one side to the other, causing it to "rock". This was great fun. There was also a tower of sorts, perhaps shaped like a house, inside of which you could climb spiraling stairs, and which you exited by
way of a sliding board. When the shopping was done we went to the candy counter of Stix and mother always bought "orange slices" and "green mint leaves" and those chocolates with white sprikles on top.
These we carried home in a bag. We didn't eat them there because it would spoil our lunch.
For lunch we went to Miss Hullings Cafeteria. Miss Hullings had a reputation for good food and you can still find a lot of her recipes on line. Crowds of "dressed up", wearly shoppers would file in at lunchtime and worm their way through the line. To me the most interesting part of the line was the
automat. In a "normal" cafeteria today, one finds "cases" with food set out from behind--often under heat lamps or on ice. At Miss Hullings part of the line was devoted to a series of little doors which one opened to pull out a piece of pie or a sandwich that was replaced by someone in the back. Since I was not paying, I'm not sure whether the money was deposited beside the door or if one paid at the end of the line; but when we were through the line we carried our trays to a row of small, square, Formica topped, chrome edged tables that you could push together for larger groups. I don't remember this being very fancy. It was a very "public" kind of place. If two of you sat down at a table for four, you could expect a complete stranger to come and take an unoccupied seat if the place was crowded. Mother always tried to fill the empty chairs with her purse or our packages so this would not happen.
My mother (and my father as well) had grown up in St. Louis. To her it was all familiar
stomping grounds. To me, a trip to the City was always an adventure. Don't ask me how to find
anything there, I won't be able to tell you anyway. But as for the sights and scenes and smells of
Downtown--I remember them well.
Post from Rose Watson nee Walker (10/9/2012)
Like many others I just stumbled onto this site and wow the nostalga train started rolling! I lived on Destrehan from birth to about age 8. We then moved "up the street" to Destrehan and N. 9th St.--a five-family building and we lived over Miss Ida's drugstore (don't remember the real name of it). Mom used to send me there to buy fire engine red nail polish and my great aunt who lived in the same building would leave a quarter outside her door and I'd go buy two comic books and leave her the nickel change! I attended Clay School from Kindergarten through 5th grade (age 11) when my parents bought a farm outside Fulton MO and we moved in 1959, the same year of the January 1959 tornado that killed several people and did much damage around the city. I-70 was soon to go over the neighborhood and I understand there's not much left of our old neighborhood. Mom and I would go to Clementine's dress shop, the corner bakery, the shoe repair shop, and the dime store between 11th & 14th Streets. The bakery where the tall wedding cake stood and real cheesecake. The grocery store with wood floors on the corner of 11th & Destrehan and buying Welch's grape juice in the little bottles! I have such wonderful memories of Clay School but also remember the discipline of lining up on the playground (boys on one side, girls on the other always) to head to our classrooms--no running nor shouting in those days! The annual talent show, Spring trips to Chain of Rocks Park, Breman park, the zoo, Grants Farm, Forest Park, etc. all live on as wonderful adventures and memories. I now live in Colorado but will never forget the old neighborhood and all the sweet memories, even though now I realize how poor everyone was who lived there.
Post from Rose Watson nee Walker (10/9/2012)
Oooh St. Louies,
Hi. Someone wrote about riding monorail. Could be my memory is faded, but I think the monorail train, 2nd floor? Near ceiling of store was located at River Roads. Hallsferry & Jennings Sta. Rd., at Woolworth's?
I remember going there, riding that monorail train. I dont remember being downtown, but maybe it was moved circa 1960's.
I do remember my mom telling me about taking a streetcar downtown to shop when she was younger & her mentioning something about sitters for patrons kids. A cool idea IMHO...
I remember the Santa Village at downtown Famous Barr, going up probobly 7 floors of escalators.
Even took my own daughter there in early 80's .. After seeing Santa, you rode down a slide I think.
Oh yeah, A few blocks, if that, from River Roads was Hallsferry Circle... which connected to Riverview, West Florissant, 67 & Broadway, I think.
I can remember being fairly new driver & getting stuck circling in the circle several rounds... Learned to stay ti the outside OR just avoid that roundabout. : ).
I'm a Meat Man Ma'am, and a Meat Man knows....
The finest meats ma'am are Mayrose!
Post from Les Axelrod lesaxe@sbcglobal.net (11/1/2012)
I grew up in U. City in the 30’s and 40’s and went to Delmar-Harvard, Ward Junior High, and U. City High School.
I still have fond memories of going to the Pevely Dairy fountain in Clayton and getting their famous ice cream sundae: vanilla ice cream covered by freshly melted milk chocolate candy. Does anybody remember what that sundae was called?
My folks and I used to eat at The Coffee Pot restaurant, on Skinker and Delmar. As I remember, a full meal was about 50 cents. (But I may be dreaming!) Sometimes we’d go to the Shanghai Café on Delmar, or we’d head south to Parkmoor (Big Bend and Clayton Road).
I’ve lived in the Chicago area since 1956, but I still enjoy coming back to St. Louis for visits and reminiscences.
Post from Tom F. (11/1/2012)
To Liz Laughlin (1/13/2012):
Hello. I share many of the same memories you mentioned because I was your next-door neighbor on Frost Ave. I recall what great people your parents were and I hope you and your brothers Johnny & Jimmy are still doing well.
Post from Linda Harris Waller (11/4/2012)
I grew up in STL on the south side and went to SS Mary and Joseph grade school and Cleveland High (class of 1969). I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood! I lived below the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondalet convent and can remember sneaking movie star magazines and gum to the postulants. Of course, we also would climb the fence and sneak around the grounds at night. We swore that there was an evil man who roamed the grounds at night and later on, it was my own uncle who worked there. I remember eating lots of pizza from Imo’s, frozen custard at Ted Drewe’s and in High school, driving around the SteaknShake on Gravois and Germania a million times to see who was there and to show off our cars or dates on the weekends. Seems the Catholic kids drove around the McDonald’s up the street and the Public school kids owned the SteaknShake. I rode around both, having gone to St. Anthony’s High and then Cleveland.
We played constantly at Carondalet Park, went to the fishing contest for kids there every summer and ice skated there in the winter. I can remember swimming in shifts at the Marquette Pool and eating soft pretzels in between shifts. Every Saturday my girlfriends and I would shop on Cherokee street and eat lunch at Woolworth’s. My mom got my school uniform blouses at Fairchild’s and I think they were a dollar each. She would get me five every year to go with my little navy colored dress. In the summertime I would go with my girlfriend’s family to the Springdale swimming pool where we would get cokes and fries and danced in our swimming suits to the juke box playing. My dream houses were on Holly Hills, across from Carondalet Park and I always wanted to live in the house on the corner with the turret next to the front door.
My boyfriend went to Augustinian High and he was a “boarder” from Chicago named Roger. I worked at Cardinal Glennon hospital as a nurse’s aide and loved it. I also volunteered at St. Anthony’s Hospital as a Red Cross candy striper when the hospital was on Grand & Chippewa. I loved the Sears store (now torn down) near there and especially the Ben Franklin dimestore.
Some of my best memories are of the school picnics. SS Mary & Joe’s was always on May 30th, which was Memorial Day back then and wasn’t always on a Monday. We always got a new outfit for the picnic! As a rebel child I actually wore shorts to the picnic, which was a big no-no with the nuns. The principal was Sister Lizzie Joe and she was so damn mean! She would drag us girls into the auditorium every spring and lecture us on the evils of wearing shorts in the summer, especially if they zipped up the back! But the school picnic was always just after school was let out, so I figured I had all summer before I got into trouble for wearing shorts and surely by then Lizzie Joe would have forgotten by then. But not always!
Seems like we kids always walked everywhere or took the Carondalet bus…..to Cherokee Street, of course! I can also remember eating at the watermelon stand on Cherokee and Compton and they had gold watermelon. I also loved the Velvet Freeze across from Roosevelt High field. They had the best banana ice cream! Another favorite was to go to Baily Farms on Meramec and drink chocolate milk. Who remembers Chuck-a-burger? They had a great pizza burger!
I left St Louis in 1970 and have lived all over the USA since. But now that I live within 100 miles of the city again, I always go back and drive down all my memory lanes there. It seemed like such a safe and wonderful neighborhood back then, but sadly, things sure have changed. But I still have to hit White Castle when I’m in town and all of my old haunts.
So many landmarks are gone: Michigan Theater, Granada, Ritz, Melba, Melvin. Sears, SS Mary & Joe school, Augustinian Academy, Velvet Freeze, corner confectionaries, old bowling lanes, Hauser Bakery, old grocery stores, restaurants and drug stores. My mom always shopped at Bettendorf’s on Grand & Iron and I thought that store was HUGE! She’d let me get a burger and fries while she shopped and the lunch meats/cheese were awesome there. I just realized how many of my memory references are of food! LOL Remember the Sherbet shop, Virginia Tavern and Flier’s? Great places. My dad worked at Anheuser-Busch so he was on a different shift every week. When he worked afternoons we would always get the fried chicken special at Flier’s for dinner on Wednesdays and the Jack Salmon special on Fridays. And I remember fondly how the brewery smelled when we would go to pick him up at night (we only had one car) and I still love that smell of the roasting hops.
Yeah, it was great to grow up in St. Louis. I wish we could turn back the clock.
Post from Jay Davis (12/8/2012)
Good Afternoon.Praying all is going well for you today.In a manner of speaking,I am on a mission.In the early 60's z(grew up in Normandy--North County)At that time the Three Stooges were on a nation-wide tour with Captain 11.They made a stop at the field track of Normandy Sr.High.My mom walked me down from the "risers" to the field.The car stopped,my mom picked me up,and Captain 11 gave me a kiss on the cheek.I swore I would never wash that cheek again.In vain,I have been trying to locate any fil footage or newspaper articles dealing specifically
with that day when I was there.Hopefully,you can help me with my quest.It has been a pleasure that I have been able to share my wonderful memories with you.
Post from Bruce Kunz, a.k.a. The FIN MAN (12/8/2012)
Hello, my name is Bruce Kunz, a.k.a. The FIN MAN. I write the weekly Old Car Column for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch which has been appearing regularly for the past nine years.
I often make references in my column to places and things past in the St. Louis area. When I checked the St. Louis memories site this morning, I read a contributor's text about two St. Louis institutions in which the reader seemed to imply that they are no longer in existence. Let me set the record straight.
First, here is the reader's text:
Seems like we kids always walked everywhere or took the Carondalet bus…..to Cherokee Street, of course! I can also remember eating at the watermelon stand on Cherokee and Compton and they had gold watermelon. I also loved the Velvet Freeze across from Roosevelt High field. They had the best banana ice cream! Another favorite was to go to Baily Farms on Meramec and drink chocolate milk. Who remembers Chuck-a-burger? They had a great pizza burger!
First, there is still a Velvet Freeze here in the St. Louis area. It is, as they like to advertise, the only Velvet Freeze on the planet. At 7355 West Florissant in Jennings, it may be a long drive from S. County, but it's worth every mile. You can still enjoy your old favorite flavors and original recipies including the banana ice cream, as well as two of mine, Swiss Chocolate and Gold Coast Chocolate. John McGuiness, owner of the last Velvet Freeze, was once CEO of the corporation which had offices in St. Louis. Call or visit and please be sure to mention that you heard about it from The FIN MAN.
And then there is Chuck-A-Burger. The last one of those on the planet is still going strong on St. Charles Rock Road in St. John. They still have that great pizza burger and host regular 'cruise nights' with vintage cars and hot rods on display during summer months. You can get information and a phone contact on their web site at chuckaburger.com. Tell Ron Stille The FIN MAN sent you.
Post from ??? (12/8/2012)
i would love it if anyone can solve a question for me. we lived in st louis in the mid '60's and i worked at ralston-purina. this will sound dumb but there was a bakery in carondolet (?) maybe, that sold peanut coffee cake. it was frosted with white frosting and covered with peanuts. my husband still talks about it.
we were poor and lived in jefferson barracks in south st. louis. for entertainment we would hike down to missippi's banks and watch the boats go by. the best thing was going downtown and parking in a deserted lot watching the arch being built. there was no urban developments then. wouldn't recognise it now.
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if anyone can help me with this, please let us know.
Post from Marty in St. Charles (12/27/2012)
I just found your site and had to make a posting. I grew up in Overland and attended Overland School, New Overland School and graduated from Ritenour High School in 1953. Great memories of driving my 37 Chev convertible and hanging out at Steak & Shake on the Rock Road. Drag racing on lower bottom road. Going over to the east side underage age. The toll taker on the Jeff Barracks bridge was a teacher at Ritenour but chose not to recognize us if he did. Great times
Post from Trish Mixon (12/27/2012)
Just found your site by accident. Can't wait to read all of it! I lived in St. Louis ( Brentwood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, University City) from 1937 to 1951. The last schools I attended were Flynn Park and Mary Institute. My Grandfather owned St. Louis Pump Co. My uncle was the Budweiser Distributor and his daughter, my cousin Carmen, owned the Carmen Thomas ( True) School of Dance. My father was the District Sales Manager for Shell Oil Company. I have so many wonderful memories of everything from the Windows at Faous Barr and Stix B & F, butter cakes, Mavrockos ( spelling) candy turtles, horse bake riding in the park, the Zoo, ice skating at the rink and in the street, and on and on. I left St.Louis before the Arch was built and hope to go back this spring to show my husband where I grew up.
Post from Janet Viermann (12/30/2012)
I don't know how I stumbled on this website, but I've enjoyed it so much. I grew up in south St. Louis 1950-1960. Do you remember Famous Barr's famous French onion soup? I have the original recipe from an old recipe book written by the executive chef at Famous-Barr. Just passed it on to my children this Christmas. I remember the store fronts at Christmas and the visit with Santa, where you actually got a present they were labeled girl or boy and the age group. Don't know how much my mom had to pay for it but it was more than just a candy cane. I also have the most wonderful picture of me and Santa, a 5x7 sepia picture. I put it out every Christmas it looks like something from Miracle on 34th St. I have made copies for my children. The Santa really looks like the real Santa and the expression on my face is priceless. It was probably taken around 1948 - 1949, I was approximately 3-4 yrs of age. I remember the big boat at the playland where my mother would drop me off so she could shop. Don't remember if it was at Famous or "Grand Leader" I remember the Granada and Avalon show and the tamale man and so many other things that were mentioned. We lived in the Bevo area where shopping on Gravois was our prime shopping area. The Goodie Shop where they had the best candy apples, Woolworths's, Kreskees, Velvet Freeze, Pusaterris produce, Libson, DeeLee shop, Gravois Bootery, Kiefers, Bigalte Electric, two bakeries, Stop Flight, many more and of course a tavern on every corner. Thank you so much for the memories that reminded me how happy my childhood was growing up in south St. Louis.
Post from Gloria (1/2/2013)
To Marty in St. Charles Posted 12/27/2012
I was wondering if you remember the football games between Normandy High and Ritenour. The winner of the game kept the wagon wheel until the next year when the two teams meet again. I believe Ritenour ended up keeping the Wagon Wheel. Those where wonderful times. For Jr. high you probably went to Ritenour Middle, do you remember the "Handy House" across the street from the Middle school?
Post from ? (1/10/2013)
The football nights were something else. I was no jock but it was fun to watch. In my senior year it was pass the Slow Gin bottle around. I had my own 37 Chevy convertible that I used to cruise past the Handy House and ogle the girls. As I recall they played music that you could hear outside. Teresa Brewer "put another nickle in" seems to have been very popular. I only spent my freshman year there then moved to the new high school. I graduated in 1953..
Post from ? (1/14/2013)
Does anyone remember the spot grocery store in north st. Louis?
Post from Bob Dehn (1/21/2013)
schenberg's grocery stores in south stl.
merb's candy store on chippewa st.
roosevelt high school in 1936
cherokee cave
Stummer's restaurant on Grand & gravois
Sears & Roebuck at Grand & chippewa
f_Famous Barr at kingshighway & chippewa
Powhattan theatre on sutton in maplewood 1920.s
Harper's drug store on sutton av maplewood
Bettendorf's grocery stores
Fred P Rapp grocery's
Sutton school in maplewood
Ted's corner on Big Bend maplewood
Reifling Ford
Wedel's market on Southwest & clifton
the ice man w/horse & wagon 1920's & 30's
the milk man w/ horse & wagon
Tony Gigliarducci the scissors sharpener
the hot tamale man w/ push cart
Famous Barr open delivery trucks
Grand Leader delivery trucks
Berbericks delivery wholesale newspaper
the chain driven delivery trucks
Machecheks bakery on Watson Rd.
Accomac Food Shop Accomac & Ohio (my mother's store)
Popcorn lady at Gravois & Jefferson
Wild's Palace of Poison on Lemay Ferry
Clara Hempleman real estate office
Katz drug stores
Gasen drug stores
Portland Garage behind Gateswoth hotel
cooling off under the railroad overpass on Chippewa 1920's 30's
Geiger the paper delivery man in Maplewood
Ossenberg the ice man in Maplewood
the organ grinder w/ monkey
Post from ? (1/25/2013)
Does anyone remember the outhouse on
McNair Street near lynch. And did anyone go to Fremont School on Wisconsin. Does anyone know a girl named Elva Milford (maiden name)
Post from Linda Evans (1/31/2013)
I grew-up in the central west end on Taylor Avenue. I was born in 1949 and my memories extend until our move to Arkansas in 1958. (I didn’t know what segregation meant or that Catholics (which we were) were not always accepted until we hit Little Rock, Arkansas.)
Our street, and most of the block, was lined with two-story red brick buildings with each housing four apartments. We were surrounded by alley-ways that extended to so many homes like ours. The back alley ended at Stix School and close by was the Barns Hospital. Where Taylor Avenue ended a block from our house, I remember a large bakery and can still smell the aroma of the baking bread. A small market was right across the street for our house where, only occasionally, I was allowed to buy a popsicle.
My earliest memories of the neighborhood include a motorized cart winding through the alley selling fresh vegetables. I remember the Greek lady who always yelled out her window for the cart to stop – I believe Effie was her name. We played outside until after dark and run all over the place. We were even allowed to cross Kingshighway without an adult to get to the deli two blocks away, where we would buy our candy.. After studying all the candy through the glass display, I distinctively remember always choosing the dot candy on the white paper and the long strings of liquorish. I don’t ever remember buying deli meat or anything else substantial.
My dad worked for Missouri Pacific railroad and was housed at the big, beautiful train terminal, which has now been transformed into a hotel and shops. I remember that he took me there on Saturdays and I would immediately run upstairs to see the Ballroom. Mom was a nurse at a local hospital which was affiliated with the railroad (I can’t remember the name). We went to mass at the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral. I never knew what the priest was saying because it was all in Latin. I also thought that the wooden dowel rods that were used to close-off the pew was meant to keep me in!
My school years (from 1st to 3rd grade) were spent at Sherwood Day School. My memories were happy there but I do remember the realization that my family was not wealthy after visiting a friend’s home (her name was Linda) – even at seven, I realized the grandeur of a beautiful home! My Saturday’s were spent at Carmen’s School of Dance on Delmar Avenue. I loved dancing. My father’s sister danced professionally with Carmen and I believe he always hoped I would follow in her footsteps – I didn’t but was always a good dancer. My grandparents lived in Granite City, Illinois and we went there every Saturday morning; they lived on Washington Avenue. I can still hear the Cardinal Baseball games being broadcast on the radio that dad and all the neighbors would gather to listen. I also remember Christmas. Mom and I would catch the bus and journey downtown to see Santa and all the beautiful window displays. Part of this ritual included having lunch at a cafeteria (can’t remember the name) where I was allowed to pick-out anything I wanted even if I couldn’t eat it all. On special occasions, I got to go with mom and dad for dinner on the Hill.
When dad was transferred, I remember being sad about leaving. The late site I remember on our way out-of-town was the blinking neon Budweiser sign.
Ironically, my husband, who worked with IBM, was transferred to St. Louis in the early 1980’s. We lived in Des Pere. I spend a lot of time going back to old haunts. It was nostalgic for him as well as he played with the Cardinal organization for five years, spending one year on the roster in St. Louis.
My mom and dad have both died but provided me with a wonderful life and wonderful memories. I would love to hear from anyone that might have attended Sherwood Day School (1954-1957) or danced at Carmen’s.
Post from ? (3/5/2013)
does anyone remember the " crows nest" street car that ran from the delmar loop to the top of creve coeur park
back in the 20's & 30's ? a dinky car that carryed only about 25 people. I used to take it when I went to u-city swimming pool .
Post from Gloria (3/6/2013)
In response to a post on 03/05/2013. In answer to your question on the "crows nest" street car, I've heard about it. My grandmother live in the city on Biddle St., she and her friend Josey would get the street car and ride it all the way to Creve Couer Park. My grandfather live in Overland and would walk to Midland Blvd. to catch a ride to the Lake, so my grandparents met on the street car and eventually got married.
Post from Mel Galster galsterm@cox.net (3/12/2013)
I was born in 1950 and lived on 2133 Stansbury Ave which was a block away from Chippewa and Broadway in South St. Louis. Just like your email, I went to the Melvin Theater to watch Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon beach blanket movies. As a matter of fact, my best friend Joe Fernandez's sister worked at the Steak and Shake as a carhop and was a dead ringer for Annette Funicello. I worked for a couple of years as a stock boy at Morris Variety Store on Cherokee and California.
Again, my best friend Joe Fernandez, worked at St. Anthony Hospital at Grand and Chippewa as an orderlie. I went to Roosevelt High School from 1964 through 1968 and bowled at Du-Bowl on Gravois and Bowling Grand on Grand Ave with the Roosevelt High School team. I lived on Fairview Ave, one half block away from Pizza -A -Go-Go that you referred to. While in high school, my Friday and Saturday night dates usually included the Ritz and Shenandoah Theaters on Grand Ave. In 1966, I graduated to drive-ins and a car and always attended the 66 Park-In on Chippewa and Ronnie's Drive-in that you referred to in your letter.
Growing up on Broadway and Chippewa, most of my summer days were spent playing ball at Minniewood Park on Broadway and Meramac. A number of my friends got married at the VFW Hall on South Broadway and our daily hangout Ted Drews on Meramac and Grand.
I played baseball while in high school for St. Thomas Aquinas on Iowa Ave. After college, I played baseball for Watterson's Tavern as the Watterson's Water Buffaloes. I purchased parts for my 1960 Plymouth at Ron Barr's Auto Parts on Chippewa and Compton. As a kid, I swam daily at the Marquette Pool for a $1 per afternoon session.
I met and married a gal from New Jersey at college in Oklahoma and have 3 great kids who grew up in Bridgeton, MO. My name is Mel Galster and I appreciate sharing your memories of South St. Louis.
Post from bob dehn (3/28/2013)
hi do you remember "wild's palace of poison" on Lemay Ferry, where steak & shake is now. ?
also, in the 30's & 40's was "nehi" soda & "RC cola"
Post from Maurice Bulus (4/4/2013)
Dave, I am a SATL native, born and raised SLUH, SLU, Drewes, cards, Imos babay….and Luigis….wow many great memories on Watson Rd. I miss it. I rememeber the owner was robbed and shot making a deposit late at night, did he survive?
Post from Gene Kain (4/4/2013)
I grew up in Shrewsbury and my phone number was Sterling 1-5718. I remember hanging out at Ned Steins Drug Store that had a great soda fountain. You could buy a coke, a pack of baseball cards and a Superman comic book for a quarter. I remember taking the bus to Maplewood and hanging out at Katz Drug Store and getting pictures taken in the photo booth. My family would go out to eat at Cassani's on the Hill where a man named Johnnie barbequed ribs and hamburgers in a shack adjoining the resturant. I remember going to Dr. Catanzaro on Clifton with a $5 bill to cover my visit. No appointment necessary but sometimes you waited for hours to see the doc. I attended St. Michael the Archangel School where we had 60 students in my 6th grade taught by Sister Herman Joseph SSND. Always some good fights in the school yard after the German Irish game that the nuns broke up but never any suspensions for fighting. It was a great place to grow up.
Post from Millie (Weis) Hea (4/4/2013)
I've been on a quest to nail down some particulars on the Public Swimming Pools in Jefferson Barracks in 1950-51. After questioning many Historians at JB, we're coming up with a JB trolley that took up where the Broadway Car left off, and it brought you to a swimming pool off Gregg Rd. in the park. We think it was the enlisted men's pool up to 1946 when the Barracks closed. They believe that this was the one that the County opened to the public. We know there was another pool near the RR tracks by the river. That was possibly for the Officers and may not have become a public pool after 1946. But my big question is: Was there ever a pool in what is now Sylvan Springs Park in 1960 to be specific? Contact Millie (Weis) Hea: MLHea@SBCglobal.net Sylvan Springs Park was part of the Barracks. The sunken garden there use to be the "Beverage Garden" for the Barracks. Hope someone can respond. Oh, and if you did go to JB Pool in1950 or 51, do you remember a Dad with a small boy named Bubba and a small girl (forgot her name). He use to tie their hands and feet and have them swim the length of the pool underwater. At the end of the pool, he pulled them out and if they cried he threw them back in ".....so they wouldn't develope a fear of the water." He eventually was in the TV news. Thanks
Post from Sandra Barry (Lawson) - now residing in Scottsdale, AZ (4/7/2013)
I went to Eliot Elementary School in the late 50's and 60's. I will always remember being on the merry-go-round when I heard that JFK had been shot. I was worried about Caroline. There was a girls' side and a boys' side at the school. I loved that building, and went exploring in the attic during recess with Billy Turnbull. There was an old bell up there and lots of really old school desks, and it was very dusty. As we were coming down, the door opened and Billy quickly hid behind some mops. Mr. Leonard, our 8th grade teacher, pulled back the mops (I was still at the top of the stairs) and asked Billy what he was doing there. He meekly responded that he was hiding. I laughed so hard, so of course I was caught, too. Miss Wernle was my kindergarten teacher. She had a pockmarked complexion and short, tight curls, and seemed to always wear brown. I was so afraid of her and I never thought she liked me. My second grade teacher had crippled hands (I don't remember her name) and she called me "Saundra" (my name was Sandra). I often did not understand her and when she was teaching us time, I thought she was saying "half-assed" the hour instead of half-past, so it did not go well when I was asked the time on the big yellow clock with blue hands. We had gym twice a week and we wore those blue "monkey suits." I was so proud when I got the President's Physical Fitness badge ... knee bends, sit-ups, push-ups. Someone asked about the confectionery across the street, and it was Eileen's. She ran it with her husband (can't remember his name). There was a malt shop across from school on the girls' side for a bit, and they had good burgers and dogs, but they didn't last long. I think the crossing guard's name at the island was Grace. My mother worked at the Basket Bar for some of that time and I was able to get great lunches there. They put beer in their ketchup to make it stretch. I loved the big round sink in the girls' bathroom for washing hands ... you stepped on the ring around the bottom and water sprayed out. Mr. Hannebrink was the principal and Mrs. Rasche was the secretary. We square danced with the boys. We had a spring talent show. We did a field trip to the Lincoln Memorial in Springfield, Illinois and had a night on the Admiral. Recess was so much fun in those days ... you could play kickball, jump rope, hop skotch, tetherball, or just hang out on the swings or the merry-go-round. Oh, and we played dodgeball with a leather ball. One year there were so many students enrolled that some classes were moved to the auditorium and into the hallways. We had blue light lice checks in the nurses' office. My favorite memory of all? Singing "Silent Night" as we left school for the last time to begin our CHRISTMAS break. These were special times.
Post from bobdehn28@aol.com (4/11/2013)
in the 30's our phone number was HI-1260 & lived on Reber Place. very few people had cars, everyone else used the street cars & busses. the Tower Grove street car loop was 2 blocks away. we rented our house for $25. a month.
Post from bobdehn28@aol.com (4/14/2013)
how many remember the old comic strips from years ago, when they were REALLY funny, such as Judge Puffle,
Bringing Up Father (with Maggie &Jiggs), popeye, Orphan Annie, ( I will think of more later).
I thought of more comic strips:
Ella Cinders - Captain Kidd - Mutt & Jeff - Barney Google - Flash Gordon - Lil Abner
Dick Tracy - Little Orphan Annie -
these were all through the depression era, to help people take their minds off bad times.
Post from Pam Harster (4/28/2013)
In December of 2012 someone was looking for a bakery in South St. Louis that sold a peanut coffee cake. That has to be Carondelet Bakery (Doerings) and, yes they are still in business selling peanut cake, stolen, cheese cake, plum cake, grape cake, gooey butter cake and more. My grandparents took me there in the 1960's and my Dad use to go there in the 30's and 40's. It's the oldest bakery in St. Louis. I live in Ohio now but ALWAYS go back to this bakery every trip. Great people and wonderful old fashioned baked goods.
Post from ? (4/30/2013)
Just found your web-site and wanted to add some of my St. Louis memories.
Gethsemane Lutheran (Grade) School -- South St. Louis in Lemay (the old school long ago torn downand homes built on that site), I remember everyone loving our kindergarten teacher there -- Miss Steinborn -- we all thought she was "beautiful" -- boys and girls alike, although I remember hearing some adult "whisper" about her being an "old maid" and "spinster" -- As a child, I hadn't a clue what that meant. Miss Steinborn eventually left the school -- quit and GOT MARRIED. I remember she wrote the word "AIN'T" on a slip of paper, put it in a matchbox and took all of us kids to the playground where we all ceremoniously buried that word and promised to NEVER say it again. I went to that school till the sixth grade (1961) when it was torn down and replaced by the new school. I remember riding the bus to school and occasionally having some child throw-up on the bus. The driver then would have to stop and throw some "red sawdust" he kept in a coffee can, on that mess. I remember it smelling worse than the original throw-up and all of us kids would be gagging. The old school had a basement which housed the "cafeteria" where everyone sat to eat lunch. Some kids bought lunch (I think parents paid weekly for that privilege). Most of us brought our lunches in our favorite tin "lunch boxes" -- the ones with the matching thermos bottles. Also in the basement was a recreation area where we played dodgeball or square-danced inside when the weather was too cold or wet to go outside for recess. The playground outside had swings, slide, teeter totter and monkey bars -- and yes it was mostly gravel where we fell down and skinned our knees. There was no school nurse -- just your teacher with a bottle of methiolate ?? -- a pinkish-orange liquid that was dabbed on your "wound" with a glass dropper -- and gosh it stung! We played outside almost every school day and when we came in there was a "cloak" room to hang our coats and leave our muddy boots/overshoes. Kids don't grow up like that anymore.
Post from ? (5/7/2013)
Did the Four Freshman Sing during 1/2 Time at the St Louis Hawks Basketball Games at the Kiel Auditorium in the 1950,s It seems like I first remember hearing them there??
Post from Don Babchick (5/14/2013)
Your question about the Four Freshman singing at half time of the St. Louis Hawks game is definitely a possibility. The Hawks on Saturday nights after the games would have dancing and entertainment. They would clear the stage at the one end and have bands like Duke Ellington, The Four Freshman and others. One of my fondest memories is playing in a an amateur all star game before the Hawks played the Warriors in front of about 6500 people.
Post from ? (5/28/2013)
I grew up in Bellefontaine Neighbors, north suburbs, on a street named Avant Dr. Born in 1955.
I remember,
Walking to my first day of kindergarten by myself at least 4-5 blocks.
In the summer, we played 'four square' in the street.
We liked to pick the tar from the street repairs, it turned liquid in the summer heat
We rode our bikes in the fog streaming from the mosquito truck
Sleeping on the back porch, no air conditioning
My mom hung wet sheets in the door ways with fans blowing in an attempt to keep cool
Winter sledding down our street, skidding to a stop to avoid cars
Going to Bettendorf Rapp to shop with my mom and getting a china set piece at a time
Riding the bus to Baden
Our first TV, console, Zenith and watching Cookie and the Captain
The Vieled Prophet parade and ball
Post from ? (6/11/2013)
In response to a post of 03/05/2013 I did research on the old right-of-way and found all the old plat maps of the route from the east boundary of Maryland Heights all the way to Creve Coeur Park. It was an interesting project and was a lot fun and interesting history. The City of Maryland used the old right-of-way to access a new city park they built in the 1990s. I remember as a teen ridding from Overland out Dorsett Rd to Creve Coeur Park on my bike.
Post from ? (6/13/2013)
I was looking for some one who remembered lumkulse market on hallsferry rd at least I think that was its name
and the redwood restaurant on w Florissant rd
Post from bob dehn (6/13/2013)
how many of you remember some of the old "gas house gang" cardinals ball players from the 30's & 40's ? such as
leo durocher, dizzy dean, daffy dean, etc.
remember in the 50's when "uncle dick slack" the jolly irishman (acually jewish)
ran his radio commercials singing,
east st louis- that's the place to go "
Post from ? (6/17/2013)
I was looking for some one who remembered lumkulse market on hallsferry rd at least I think that was its name
and the redwood restaurant on w Florissant rd
Post from Ken Bremer (Dallas, Texas) aka Diego Ceja www.diegoceja.com (6/17/2013)
Your website brought some tears. What we had, will never be again. The nurturing of the 50's, 60's is gone, but it sure is fun to remember how lucky we were to grow up in such a wonderful society and community.
I grew up in Affton. I am 57. Here are some things that I remember so fondly:
Sing-a-longs on the school bus, to and from grade school.
Trick or treating in the neighborhood... without need of chaperons. (Parents today would want to know what planet this was on.)
Frankie's Twin Pools and Springdale Pool, Fenton I think is correct.
The Veiled Prophet Parade...back then it was still PC:)
Chuck-a-Burger
Steak n Shake
Chinaman's Castle
The Drive-in on 66 in Chesterfield, Park 66 (Please feel free to edit any mistakes I make in names)
Chesterfield Mall and Sears, when it was still the best dept. store your had.
The wooden escalators to the upper floors, downtown Famous-Barr.
Being treated to the Mississippi Room, downstairs, Famous-Barr Westroads??? (only kids from St Louis can always spell Mississippi)
Boy Scouts and camping, Troop 200
Summer camp at Boy Scout Camp S Bar F.
Swimming at Elephant Rocks
That wonderful doughnut shop on Watson(? you know which one, the small white buiding, best doughnuts in history) I Google Earthed it, and IT IS STILL THERE!!
Ted Drew's, somewhat up the road from it.
Grant's Farm
Art Hill
The St. Louis Zoo!!!!!!
Shaw's garden
Larry's Frozen Poor Boy Sandwiches (I think these were mid-west regional) Delete if you want.
McDonald's fires, pre-1967!
The Parkmore Restaurant.. Fried Chicken...near the Zoo.
The Green Parrot Restaurant
Luigi's onion rings, after a date (yeah we didn't have a lot of money).
Pizza from IL Visuvio, across from Chesterfield Mall. I worked there, I remember Carlo Casalo, the owner, and Moe the bar tender. I worked there at 16 making pizza. Moe always had a gun on him and was also Carlo's driver...yup real mafia guys. In fact the only people who dined "in" were Italian family. (please edit anything you want)
Charlotte Peters! My mom would watch her every afternoon.
Has anyone mentioned Stan Kan(n) the organist?
The Avalon, and particularly, The Granada theaters. I was so sad to see that they are both gone.
That's all I can think of for now...I'm sure I have lots more, since I lived there 22 years of the first part of my life. I often Google Earth my neighborhood, and am shocked at how it has NOT changed, except the trees are bigger.
