St. Louis Memories (Chapter 6 - 2008 submissions)
David A. Lossos
To 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
Chapter One (2001-2003) , those I received in 2004 are posted at Memories
Chapter Two (2004) , those I received in 2005 are posted at Memories
Chapter Three (2005) , those I received in 2006 are posted at Memories
Chapter Four (2006), those I received in 2007 are posted at Memories
Chapter Five (2007) and current memories are being posted at Memories (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!).
2008 bonus: While scrolling endlessing through a roll of microfilm recently (yes, Virginia, I still look at microfilm) my eye caught a glimpse of some TV listings, and a movie listing also. I made copies of both, and you can take a look here for
June 27, 1955 Movie listing,
June 27, 1955 KSD TV programs listing,
June 27, 1955 KWK TV programs listing,
June 27, 1955 KTVI TV programs listing
Post from Carol Sue (1/4/2008)
Hi, I live in Oklahoma City but grew up in Clayton, lived there until I got married in 1966.
My favorite memory is of Lake Forest Bakery on Clayton Road, it only closed a few years ago.
My mom worked at Scruggs, Vandervoort & Barney on Hanley and Forsyth, she managed the childrens dept., she lived to be 91 years old.
Fitz's on Clayton Road
White Castle by the Delmar train station, we always ate there before taking the train to Iowa City where my sister and her husband lived for a few years.
Glazer drugstore on Hanley and Wydown
The Veiled Prophet Parade with the Queen and her Court in an enclosed float with beautiful flowers
Velvet Freeze Ice Cream
Ice skating at the Wintergarden
Mavrakos candy store in Clayton
The record bar in Clayton which was owned by actor Kevin Kline's dad.
Clayton High football parade days, decorating cars in front of "depo" and a police escort through Clayton while we sang our pep song as
loud as we could
Riding my bike to Famous Barr in Clayton and just parking it in front of the store, no one ever touched it
The Admiral in the summer
Caramel popcorn freshly made in a big copper pot at the downtown Kreske's
Homemade hot cake donuts at the downtown Woolworths
The absolutely beautiful Christmas windows at all the downtown stores, we would anxiously await for the drapes to open the day after Thanksgiving
The huge Salvation Army Christmas tree downtown, a new light would be lit everytime they reached another $ amount
Shaw Park swimming pool
The greatest zoo in the world
My phone number was PArkview 1-4736 and we had a party line
Thanks for a great website, I visit my best friend from high school every year in St. Louis, I always look forward to it.
Another Post from Carol Sue Taylor, Oklahoma City (1/4/2008)
This is my second posting today, I am enthralled with your website and thank you so much for creating it. I grew up in Clayton and attended St. Joseph's grade school on Meramec, was taught by the Ursuline nuns, boy were they strict. I would walk home from school down Meramec to Forsyth and then down to Hanley Road, kids today don't walk a block. We were safe back in those days, the 50's. For a special treat my mother and I would go to Straub's on Saturdays and buy their delicious Danish pastries, but they were considered upscale and quite expensive. By the time I was in high school I worked at Famous Barr in Clayton doing inventory, the store would be closed and inventory would take place on Saturday evenings and all day Sunday. I also worked at Scruggs where my mother worked and then later in high school I worked at Stix over at Westroads. I remember in college that Baker's Shoe Stores would have an end of summer sale and sell shoes for $1 a pair up to $2.99 a pair. I would save my money to buy shoes to take to college.
I also remember going to the Shady Oak Theatre on Forsyth, it was real small but you could go on Saturday afternoons for a dime and see a western, newsreel and a couple of cartoons. At Christmas time if you brought a new toy to donate, you got in free.
I remember the wonderful summer day camps that the Clayton Public Schools put on, we had arts and crafts and played all different sports against the other day camps, had wonderful field trips and swim lessons at Shaw Park.
I remember we had City Hospital and County Hospital depending whichever you were closest to if there was an accident you automatically went to one of them.
After college, I taught second grade at Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Webster Groves. Webster is still a beautiful place and I love to drive through the streets and admire the homes.
I was at Parkmoor on Clayton Road the last day it was opened and got to have their delicious onion rings.
Does anyone remember Redwood on Brentwood across from Westroads (now The Galleria). They were the first to serve charbroiled
hamburgers with a wonderful spicy red sauce.
There was also a kiddieland out on Page Blvd. where the rides were a nickel or dime.
St. Ann four screen drive in. I saw "A Summer Place" 12 times.
I also remembering saving the red mills, they were a type of plastic as I recall
Eagle Stamps given at Famous Barr, doubled on Tuesdays. Famous also had a wonderful candy dept. most of the stores had candy kitchens in their downtown locations.
Thanks for letting me come back and reminisce again.
Post from Gloria (1/6/2008)
Response to Carol Taylor.
I can remember so many of the things you wrote about. I grew up in University City, moved to Overland and then Hanley Hills. You are one of the few people to remember the Kiddie Land on Page Avenue in Pagedale.
We ate at the Redwood and the Parkmoor a few times, on our way home my Mom would stop by a five and
dime store on Ladue Road, can't remember the name of it, but it closed just a few years ago. My dad would always watch the paper for the White Castles coupon, twelve for one dollar.
I worked at Kressege's on Delmar at the loop. I worked the candy counter which was right in front of the doors on the Delmar side, it was so cold when the doors open.
I can remember the Vieled Prophet Ball at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel being on TV and the parade at night
time down town, you are right about the beautiful flowers.
My in-laws owned a tavern at the corner of Rosedale and Delmar. My husband worked at Delmar Bicycle Shop
There use to be a shoe shop in Clayton, my uncles would save all year to buy a pair of Thread's
shoes, at that time they were very expensive.
Post from Anonymous (1/10/2008)
In response to Gloria, the five and dime on Ladue Road was Spicer's, I think it may have recently reopened under different ownership. It is a small world, I found out in the 80's that it was owned by a man who married someone I had gone to grade school with. He had worked for the Spicer's while in high school and when they retired, he bought it. It was a great store, it was originally on Brentwood in the heart of Clayton a little tiny store just south of Maryland.
Does anyone remember Schneithorst's on Clayton and Lindbergh, they had a drive in behind it and on Friday and Saturday nights you would drive around and around until you saw someone you knew, but then they didn't allow you to do that anymore, you had to park in a spot and order. Their burgers had a great spicy sauce that was mayonnaise based.
Post from Anonymous (1/10/2008)
Thanks for a great site.
I grew up as a south side girl (Louisiana & Cherokee) in the late 60's early 70's then the family moved to Soulard.
My favorite early memories are of the Cherokee Street Parade. I don't know why they held it every year but what fun. The neighborhood kids would all meet at Gravois Park to watch the preparations. They would paint the horse's hooves silver and you could see the moon shapes left on the street for weeks.
Our favorite confectionary was Walter's on the corner of Cherokee and Louisiana. My mother hated the wax bottle candy we would buy because we would drink the juice chew the wax and it would end up melted on our "front stoop." It is probably still there!
My grandparents lived across the street from Gravois park and I would sit outside with my grandmother to watch the squirrels. When the season was right I was sent with her largest pan to climb the huge mulberry tree and pick till it was full. Sprinkled with sugar…what a treat. My grandfather sat out on his stoop most of the day... smoking his nonfiltered Pall Mall, drinking Bush and listening to his cardinals when possible. He would wave to every car that went by. Years after his death we found out he was a fixture/character to many southsiders, just like the knife sharpener man and "bucket man."
I don't know how Gravois park kept a blade of grass. All summer we would be there participating in the "Summer Park Program." How many popsicle stick bowls, plastic string lanyards and potholders I made! There was even an Olympics competing against the other parks. And I can't eat a bologna sandwich without thinking of sitting on the stairs of the pavallian. (White bread and yellow mustard. Still the only way I can eat it.) The park program surved this with a choice of white or chocolate milk. At St. Pius we only got white.
I learned to dance at the free program at Marquette park. But boy did I hate when the Marquette pool lifeguards would blow the whistle and make us kids get out for "adult swim." Never did see an adult take advantage of the free time…we kids were there on our own.
At Holloween my mom would take us out trick or treating. If the weather was bad, (always!) she would just take us to the corner taverns. (How many do you think there were?) And the old men would give us money. Maybe we got the big bucks because my dad made us sing a song. Where I live now the kids don't even tell jokes. I taught my kids to tell jokes while trick or treating and they always get tons more candy than their friends.
My friends and I would walk to Sears on Grand just to ride the escalators.
Dad's cookies in brown bag with string.
Helen's Pizza delivered in that envelope. How excited we were when we got to eat up those stairs at Helen's.
Going down the gangway into Gus' pretzels. Nothing beats that smell.
All day shows at the Melvin on Chippewa.
Post from Linda Nickel (1/10/2008)
I'm sure I'll think of more memories later but this was a pretty good start.
I happened upon your website while looking for some pictures of closed bowling alleys in South St. Louis because my husband and I belong to a Soulard Mardi Gras Krewe and our float this year is a bowling theme and we wanted to pay tribute to some of the old bowling alleys in South St. Louis. You don’t happen to have any pictures of any old bowling alleys in St. Louis do you? We are just looking for the way their sign out front looked so we can make our sign similar. I grew up in the same neighborhood you did. I went to the Ritz Theatre many times. My girlfriend and I would go to the Shenandoah Show on a Friday or Saturday night and the Ritz the night we didn’t go to the Shenandoah. I rode the Grand Streetcar many times as a kid. Loved the Woolworth’s on Grand and used to stand in front of LaMerite’s Bridal Shop and stare at the beautiful dresses in their windows while my Mom or Dad would go the bank at Tower Grove Bank and the post office across the street. My Mom used to do her grocery shopping at either the A&P on Grand and Magnolia or the Kroger on Grand past the Tower Grove Bank. Went to many overnight parties at the South Grand YMCA and a friend of mine’s Uncle owned Pelican’s Restaurant and we used to hang out there in the kitchen and eat free food. Never was brave enough to try the Turtle Soup though. Where did you go to elementary school? (Note from Dave: St. Pius V grade school)
Post from kim Albright (1/10/2008)
I am trying to find out information about the bowling alley that caught fire. I believe the name of it was Du Bowl Lanes. I also believe the street it was on was either Giles or Gravois. I have tried to find out about this on the internet but I haven't been able to find anything.
Post from Gloria (1/12/2008)
Anonymous, thank you for the reply. I'll have to take a trip over there and check it out. I do remember Schneithorst's on Clayton, the group I ran around with stayed more south of Forest Park.
I attended All Saint's Grade School in U. City, then Mercy High School & Normandy High School.
Chuck a Burger, Trio and Steak & Shake were are "hang outs". Ponticellos on Natural Bridge was for special occasions like birthdays and
Part of my family live around 13th and Shenandoah, then my father and his family moved to Mississippi and Park, had a bar on the corner.
We use to play at Cunningham Park in U.City, swim at Heman Park, Roller skate at the rink that use to be by the Arena, that use to be. I also made many plastic bracelets and pot holders.
My family had a reunion here in St. Louis this summer and we took a trip through the brewery and then bought lunch at Gus's Pretzels, (no table's to eat at in Gus's)
I use to buy all of my Prom dresses from La Merits down town, I think most of the girls at school went there. The dress's were very similar. After the prom dinner was always at Ruggeri's on the Hill.
We did the same thing on Halloween, I can remember being dressed as a ballerina and it starting to snow
on one Halloween night. Heaven knows U. City had enough bars at that time. There was a bar about every two or three blocks. There were two bars that sat side by side on Rosedale and Delmar and both did a lot of business.
I remember the name of Pelicans, I don't think I ever ate there, went to Mercy with some people by that name.
Post from Alan Wilson (1/12/2008)
To Anonymous of 1/10/08,
I also remember Schneithorsts and the delicious burgers. We used to park and visit with friends there on the occasional, but not every friday. Do you or anyone remember "Rainy Daze", the teen club on Olive Street west of WoodsmillRd (141) This was the late 60's, early 70s. West county was mainly travelled on 2 lane roads.
Post from "Proud to be a STL Native" (1/12/2008)
I recall a song..
Run, run, run..
I think I hear a nun..
Grab all your bottles and run!!!
If a nun should appear...
Say..
Sister have a beer..
In the cellars of good old Ascension.
Post from M Manning - Clarksville TN(1/14/2008)
Gloria,
My mom (Karen Gilles/Manning) used to work at Chuck-a-burger the at Trio years ago (60/70’s) I grew up in North County and graduated from McClure in 80. I then spent the next 23 yrs.in the Army only coming back once in a while. I’m now retired living in Clarksville TN.
I miss St Louis some day’s. I remember going to Chain of rocks Amusement and the old Amusement park by the Airport.
Listening cardinal baseball and Football. I saw my first Cardinal Football Game in 1982 in Wimbley Stadium in England. I was stationed in Germany at the Time. Playing Hockey in the street with the old metal skates.
Dave this is a great site.
Post from Tim Stone Ft. Worth, Texas (1/14/2008)
As I recall Dubowl was on Gravois just south of Grand.
I was born and raised in South St. Louis, attended Long School and graduated Cleveland High in 1973.
I've been away from St.Louis since 1992 and don't get back as much as I would like.
Post from Sandi A. in Overland (1/15/2008)
Kudos to you Dave, for such a wonderful website. what wonderful memories it triggered. i have lived in several states and am now in dayton, ohio. still get back to visit brother and other family in stl.
my parents always took me to hawks basketball games, old sportsmans park, great times watching stan kan play the organ at the fox, lunch at the forum or pope cafeterias, crown candy kitchens, ted drewe's, kiddieland. later i visited holiday hill, chain of rocks, and the highlands before it burned down.
i remember getting on a streetcar to go downtown for a day. the train windows at famous barr, stix, and the shopping at scruggs. travelling by bus to wellston. Remember the jingle "Wellston's got it every day, shop in Wellston."
Great fun in iveland, hoech and ritenour high school. 1966 graduate. we had a juke box in the cafeteria and always danced at lunch. shopping was fun in downtown overland when the fancy stores were there. i.e., sandro's was a favorite. Town and County mall and Northwest Plaza were two of the first. The Gem store on Page was a favorite and i always felt special because you had to have a military card to enter. Watching the blues play at the arena before they tore it down was always great fun. Grants Farm, the Zoo and the Admiral were true favorites. Saturday nights occasionally included a visit to the American Theatre and Gas Light Square.
Then there were the most wonderful hangouts. Steak n Shake, Chuck a Burger, and White Castle, then on down to Ponticello's. Many saturday afternoons were spent at the Gem theatre or the Beverly Theatre on Olive Road, then on to Frank and Helen's for lunch.
I suppose the best was saved for Sunday evenings at the Starlight Ballroom with Bob Kuban and Little Walter Scott playing weekly. What wonderful times we had there.
St. Louis was and is a wonderful city. on my quarterly visits, i still get goose bumps when i get within distance of viewing the arch. so much history and memories to treasure. who knows, perhaps one day i will move back. After all, there are now so many casinos, it will almost seem like a permanent vacation.
Post from Anonymous (1/18/2008)
This is for Linda Nickel 1-10-08….You have so many of the same memories as me. I grew up on McDonald and Spring. We practically lived on Cherokee and would spend hours going in and out of the stores. I think just about every outfit I owned came from either JC Penney or The Worth Shop. The Worth Shop had the coolest 60's fashions. My friends and I used to bowl at DuBowl every Sunday afternoon. We much preferred it over Grand Bowl because there weren't as many adults there. On Sunday afternoons, it was practically empty.
I even have a DuBowl story. My older sister's boyfriend always went with us and considered himself quite the bowler. He was all of 15/16 at the time. We girls mentioned that there was a machine in the ladies' room that offered a pill that claimed it would ease your aches and pains and give you great energy. One day after bowling particularly bad, Gary gave me a nickel and told me to go get him one of those pills. He took it and claimed he felt much better and more energetic. He went on to bowl a Turkey (3 strikes in a row) and swore the pill did the trick. Every time we went, he'd give me a nickel and I'd go get the magic pill for him. One day I was telling my Mother about this magic pill and she told me to buy one and bring it home. When she saw it, she burst out laughing. It was a MIDOL! We never let Gary live it down and to this day whenever I see him I bring it up.
That is just one of the wonderful memories of DuBowl, The Ritz, The Shenandoah and so much more. Just like you, I would press my nose to the windows of LaMerit and dream of my own wedding gown. Years later, I did just that and walked down the aisle of Tower Grove Baptist Church in a dress from LaMerit.
I truly enjoyed your memories. I attended Horace Mann Grade School and Roosevelt High School….Class of 72.
Post from Gloria(1/18/2008)
In response to M Manning.
I use to work for St. John's Liquor Stores in the 60's. I'm assuming that your mother worked at the Chuck-a-Burger on the Rock Road across from Ritenour High School. I remember an older lady who worked there for a long time, her name was Lil. Chuck-a-Burger was going to close at the end of 2007, it's run by the original owners son, and the person who they rented from was going to sell the property for new development, I think I read that the Rock Road store may get another chance. I think the owners last name is Stilles, not sure, his son did open a restaurant in St. Charles Mo., not the same. They have a web site, www.chuck-a-burger.com . In the spring and summer we drive over there in one of our show cars, it's a lot of fun.
The Chuck-a-Burger in Pagedale closed many years ago, not a good neighborhood.
I went to Normandy high school with a Tom Manning, he lived close to the Trio.
The amusement park you referred to was Holiday Hills, now the site of a big hotel and a Waffle House.
Post from Gloria (1/18/2008)
*In response to Sandi A.
I lived at Page and Ashby for several years until we moved into the Normandy School District. (Go Vikings).
I went to a Private grade School, but I lived close to Iveland. Do you remember the school fairs held on the
play ground at Iveland?
How about the rivalry between Normandy and Ritenour for possession of the Wagon Wheel? I don't remember where it finally ended up.
Wasn't Bob Kuban responsible for the song "The Cheater" ? Walter Scott had a tragic ending to his life.
The Gem store was a neat place to shop. I use to shop at T&C Mall all the time. Sandro's was a very nice woman's shop.
As you probably know Frank and Helens' is still open, do you remember Bengoni's they had to close a few years ago. Did you ever eat at Hamburger Heaven on Woodson Road?
Post from Jim Longo (1/24/2008)
Dave, I keep coming back and end up having more
memories stirred up. I hope this continues for a long
while. I posted once, on 8/9/200/, and thought I'd
start the year off with another posting. I have been
in Atlanta for 10 years, but love to think about the
old haunts, and tell my daughter stories about the
good ole days.
For Ruth, 4/6/200/ & 11/7/2007. The Fair behind the
Dime store was always a great time...Tilt A Whirl
always mae me sick..but I kept going back. I remember
the tornado....I was driving down Florissant Rd,in
front of Ferguson Department store, and it went right
over...very scary. I lived on Haley Ave., right behind
North Hills Dairy. It was probably the same
creek,(Moline or Maline, depending on who you talked
to. but a little down from your area. One of the kids
who wsa washed away was from the Ozenkoski family who
had the bakery next to North Hills Dairy. He was a
little younger than me, but I remember him. I also
went to McCluer, and was released in '67.
For Hutch, 8/14/2007, although I was actually a Cool
Valley kid, we also used the Ferguson Post Office. I
went to Guadalupe grade school,(don't be mad because
we got all those days off...we had to go to school
longer in the summer because of it!!) then McBride for
2 years and finally graduated from McCluer.
If anyone would like to get in touch, feel free to
email me at jlongo_98@yahoo.com. I haven't been back
to St Louis for 7 or 8 years, but the memories will
hopefully stay forever.
Post from Tom (1/24/2008)
Hi, Dave - my cousin turned me on to your great site. I'm Tom, McKinley HS class of '61 and I wanted everyone who visits your website to know about www.mckinleygoldbugs.com, which is another wonderful place for St. Louisians to reminisce. If you go to that site and click on "Features," there are a number of nostalgic stories about "dem good ol' days" which are certain to awake memories. My old phone number was MOhawk 5689, then they prefaced it with a 4. It was a 4-party line, and back when TV signals were often plagued with "technical difficulties," entertainment often shifted to listening in on the other parties.
Comment from Dave Lossos (1/28/2008)
Here's a website that's filled with History - Memories - Stories of Wellston, St. Louis County, Missouri complements of Bob Haefner. Bob's concentration is Wellston, but St. Louisians from all parts of the metro area will appreciate the stories and images. Thanks Bob.
Post from Gary (1/28/2008)
Great web site. I'm Gary, originally from south St.
Louis near Hampton and Eichelberger Streets, now in
Champaign, IL. I lived on Loran Ave between Hampton
Ave. and Francis Park.
Each Thanksgiving Day at Francis Park there was a
neighborhood football game between the Germans and the
Irish, locally known as the Toilet Bowl Game. My
brother and I and other neighborhood kids went
sledding in Francis Park at the big hill on the east
side of the park opposite about Itaska Ave., south of
St. Gabriel School. That was great fun. We wouldn't go
home until we couldn't feel our fingertips anymore.
In the summertime the park had a summer program, as
others have noted for different parks, where I learned
to play mill and mumbly-peg. I, too, made lanyards and
bracelets out of that plastic craft stuff and wove
numerous pot holders out of those stretchy fabric
loops. There was a wading pool that was filled each
morning and drained each evening. I learned to swim in
that pool. There was also a lily pond about in the
center of the park with loads of tadpoles. Great fun
to catch tadpoles and take them home. They wouldn't
last very long in a jar of water.
There was Winklemann's drug store on Hampton and
Itaska (I think) where we could get a cherry coke at
the soda fountain, and Velvet Freeze at Hampton and
Delor for an occasional ice cream cone. Knoll-Warner
bakery at Hampton and Eichelberger was also a favorite
stop for a doughnut. Bishop DuBourg high school is on
Eichelberger. I remember when that school was built.
I attended Nottingham School on Nottingham and
Donovan. When I started kindergarten we met in
temporary buildings (old army barracks buildings), but
by the time I reached second or third grade we moved
into a brand new building on the same site and teh
temporary buildings were removed. I remember when
Busch School was built a year or two later than
Nottingham. The library we used was in Buder School. I
can't remember what street that was on, but I would
ride my bike over there once in awhile.
I attended Southwest High School through the middle of
my junior year, then my family moved to Webster
Groves. My memories of WG High School are not good,
but I graduated from there.
On Friday evenings we might go to the Roxy theater on
Wherry and about Landsdowne. Admission was 14 cents in
the early 50s then the price went up to 25 cents.
Eventually it was turned into an "art" theater and I
quit going.
The first fast food restaurant I remember was Henry's
Hamburgers on Hampton around Nottingham, maybe a
little north of there. I think a hamburger cost 10 or
15 cents then. Oh, before that there was White Castle
at Hampton and Chippewa, a great place to duck into on
a cold winter evening and have a few hamburgers (12
cents apiece) and a cup of hot chocolate. White Castle
was right across from Hampton Village, where there
were several stores, among which were a Bettendorf
grovery store, J.C. Penney, and either Kresge's or
Woolworth's. I can't remember which it was. There was
also a dime store on Hampton further south, near Delor.
Post from
Lynn in Michigan (1/28/2008)
I was born and raised in St. Louis. I met my husband there while he was attending college and we moved to his home state of Michigan. St. Louis is still home to me. My husband cherishes his years there also. We were talking about those wonderful years the other night…Drag racing on Hall Street and so many other great 60's memories.
I clearly recall my parents taking my sister and I to the Policemen's Circus and Firemen's Rodeo.I was sharing those memories with my hubby and told him that you could buy chameleons there. They came in a tiny plastic box with holes in it. My sister got one and it died like 2 days later which was probably the norm.
Does anybody else remember chameleons being sold at the Arena? I think my husband thinks I'm whacky.
Post from Barbara LaRose Wear (1/28/2008)
Thanks Dave for the great web site. I was born in St Louis in 1943 at Josephine Heitkamp Hosp. later was Incarnate Word and now something else. I started school at Clinton Peabody, then in 1949 started to Hodgen. my mom & dad bought a house at 2600 blk of Eads Ave in So. St,Louis. Jefferson Ave was the shopping spot close. There was Nash Drug, Zollers Bakery. Stanley dress shop, Dime Store , Carl's grill and the Lafayette Theater. As many others Cherokee Street was the big place to go. During the Christmas Season we always went downtown to Scruggs, Famous Barr and other department stores to see the window display. Site Service station on Gravois sold christmas trees for $1.00. we would get on the street car and ride to Chippawa & Broadway and get a bus to Downs roller rink and swimming pool. Lawreys Market was on the corner of Eads & Ohio, he sold all the penny candy and nesbitt sodas. I had a very dear friend that I have been trying to find for a few yrs and if anyone knows of Delores Flannigan, she has married since then, please contact me at codeyblue06@aol or anyone else from the old neighborhood. Thanks again Dave for the great web site.
Post from Ginny in Charlotte, NC (2/2/2008)
Oh Dave, your pages have brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye remembering so much.
My phone number was Prospect 3384 then PR 3-3384 and I went to Holy Innocents School on Kingshighway near Arsenal where the church was, for many years, in the basement of the convent. Beloved Father Rost died (such a shock) and we got Father Palumbo from St. Ambrose. I was confirmed by Archbishop Ritter who later became a Cardinal. I had fantasies of being confirmed by the one-day Pope.
I was attending Southwest High School when the new football field and gym were built. Graduated in '66. Tag Day and Miss Gallandt and her "brother." How we loved Mr. Dripps.
I remember Ding Dong School with Miss Joan.
Rosalind Russell explaining the cross your heart bra. There was a sweater on a plastic bust and the bra was over the sweater.
Playing flips with our baseball cards.
When zones changed to zip codes.
Endless Mondays with my mom and her wringer washer and hanging up and taking down the clothes when they were dry. Then mom would proceed to sprinkle the clothes, roll them up and put them in the fridge for Tuesday which was always ironing day.
Everybody carried a Hankerchief even the boys.
Mother May I.
The first time walking into a store that had A/C.
Ladies Day at Sportman's Park. Admission for women and kids was 50 cents. Score cards were 10 cents. We sat at the end of the first base line in right field. Joe Cunningham would come over before the game and say hello.
Seeing Bonanza in color.
Ron Lundy and Danny Dark from Radio Park. Listening on our transistors.
Saddle shoes (black or brown) vs. Penny Loafers.
Petti Pants, girdles, garter belts and runs in stockings.
Bob Cuban Band (I heard Bob came to a very bad end).
Oh Pancho - Oh Cisco - those were the days!
Post from Codeyblue06@aol.com (Barbara LaRose wear) (2/2/2008)
For Lynn in Michigan, your not whacky about the chameleons being sold at the Arena, I took my son to all the events there and yes we bought them there and tied a sting around the legs of them and let them climb on our shoulders.so you do you have your right mind .LOL thanks for the memory, I forgot all about them.
Post from Larry (2/4/2008)
For Ginny in Charlotte, Bob Kuban is alive and well, still performing. It
was Walter Scott who was murdered. Ding Dong School had Miss Frances, Romper
Room had Miss Joan, followed by Miss Lois.
Post from Gloria from Overland Mo.(2/4/2008)
To Ginny in Charlotte NC.
Ding Dong School use to be a thorn in my side. Miss Frances would do the" mirror, mirror __ ___ ___
have all my friends had fun at play?" Then Miss Frances would have a mirror that looked like the she was looking at the children at home, then she would say " I see Tommy and Nancy and whoever, and she never said the name Barbara too much, which put my baby sister Barbara into hysterical crying, because she just knew Miss Francis didn't like her. Frances Horwick aka Miss Frances died at the age of 94 in 2001.
For Barbara's fiftieth birthday I bought her a video of Ding Dong School. At Barb's insistence we watch the video and of course she had her fit because Miss Frances did not see her.
I was wondering, wasn't it Jane Russell who did the cross your heart bra commercials?
A bit about Bob Kuban, as of 2005 he was still alive, I think you were thinking about Walter Scott.
In an ironic twist, Walter Scott frontman for The In-Men and singer of "The Cheater" (whose lyrics speak of the downfall of an unfaithful lover), was murdered in 1983 by his wife's lover, with his wife's collusion. His body was dropped in a deep well behind his or the lovers home.
We use to call the petti pants, pedal pushers, I've always wondered why? Do you remember the can can slips? I can still remember how much they itched especially if they were made of netting and starched.
The Cisco Kid, Roy Rogers, Sky King, Hopalong Cassidy (did you ever wonder what kind of a name is Hopalong?)
Post from Ruth (grew up in Ferguson)(2/11/2008)
Jim Longo - I graduated from McCluer in '67 also, I had to look you up, in that ugly old brown yearbook we had, you look familiar, but we must have hung out in different groups.(my last name was Beckmann) I couldn't handle the Tilt-A-Whirl either, or the Scrambler blah... I remember North Hills Dairy, aren't they the ones with the Pig Dinners? I also remember the bakery next to it. We went there some of the time, there was also a fish fry we went to, down your way. My sister went to Guadalupe one or two years, while they were redoing St. John and James Church. We used to walk the creek between Elizabeth and Barat, but I do remember the creek you are talking about.
Are there any other 67 McCluer grads here?
Someone mentioned Dad's Cookies, they still wrap them in the brown paper bag with string. My father grew up in the flat next door to Dad's Cookies, we used to play in my grandparents yard and look in their window to see them baking. I love the oatmeal scotties, just recently I found them being sold in our Shop N Save, they still taste great with a glass of milk to dunk them in!
I remember hanging out at the library on Church St., in Ferguson. We would tell my mother we were going there to "study", did anyone really study there?
Ding Dong school was Miss Francis, but the Mirror bit was from Romper Room, if I remember correctly.
I used to hang out at Northland, I just recently went by there, it's all rebuilt, it looks so different. I remember being in 8th grade, hanging out at the bus stop at Northland with a group of friends. We thought we were so "grown up", smoking our cigarettes, or I should say choking on them, wearing our black scarfs on our chins. LOL anyone remember doing that?
To Proud to be a STL Native We sang that same song "give a cheer, give a cheer, for the girls that drink the beer in the cellars of old John and James, then it's run, run, run, I think I smell a nun, drop all your bottles and run, if a nun should appear, say sister have a beer, in the cellars of old John and James". Maybe all the Catholic school kids sang it with their school names. Does anyone else remember singing that?
I remember the Admiral too, I loved to watch the dance groups, wishing I was part of one. We would go down and play the games, and ride the little rides, I remember the one that looked like a flying saucer. I also remember the metal stamp machine, I think I still have one or two of the ones I made. Remember always seeing Peabody Coal, no matter how long you were on the boat.
Post from Judith Pfeiffer Kaufman (2/16/2008)
I love reading the stories here
Hi! I grew up on Arsenal St. just a block from Kingshighway. Holy Innocents
was my parish and my phone number was COlfax 7537. I remember the
scissor man going up our street and the bell that clanged when he came by.
You never had to leave your house because all "the vendors" came to you!
White's Bakery came by in the morning. You could go out and get bread,
donuts and other goodies. The egg man and the milk man delivered all our
dairy products. We loved the ice man in the summer. He took these giant
tongs and carried the big block of ice up to the ice box in our kitchen. Many
times, he'd chip some pieces for us. In the winter, the coal man would put a
chute from the truck to our basement window and the coal would stack up in
a little room down there. On Saturday nights, the paper boy would push his
cart up the street and yell out "Get your evening paper". I, too, remember
the ash pits. We used to go down on Kingshighway to a florist shop and
root around through their ashpit. What treasures we'd find! There were always bits of styrofoam and ribbon and, if we were especially lucky, some
flowers that were not quite wilted - sometimes good enough for me to take
home for my mother. If you had a quarter or fifty cents, you could go to the
dime store and buy tons of things for someone's birthday!! The shows we
mostly went to were the Macklind Theatre (I remember getting dishware there
one night - wish I still had it!) and the Columbia over on Southwest Avenue.
Of course, many times my grossmother would take me downtown or to
Grand Avenue to the really big theatres. I remember the Fox and Stan Kann
coming up out of the floor playing the huge organ. When we went downtown
we'd stop first at Forum Cafeteria and have lunch. My dad bowled every Friday night just down the street from our flat - at the Arway Bowling Alley.
Sometimes I'd go down there. They had a machine you could put your foot in
and it showed an "x-ray" of your foot. I just wonder how safe that was!!
I'm sure I'll be adding many other memories soon. Thanks for the website.
Post from John Faris at: jcfaris@earthlink.net (2/16/2008)
For the past 50 years I have lived in Phoenix, AZ but grew up mostly in Maplewood.
As my memory started in life we lived on Arthur Ave. just east of McCausland. I went to kindergarten at Lindenwood School. I remember my father taking me to stand on the Fyler Ave bridge over the Frisco railroad yards and roundhouse on Sunday afternoons. We would see all of the steam locomotives firing up in readiness to go out on runs. We would watch very long trains of tank cars filled with gasoline being pulled into the yards from Oklahoma and Texas. This was before pipelines were built. I remember riding downtown on green double decker busses on the Lindenwood line. I remember going over the rickety Fyler bridge on green McCausland busses. While downtown, I remember getting on the yellow streetcars through the back door where we paid our fares to a conductor and would exit the front doors past the motorman.
I remember the city sanitation workers dressed in white uniforms who would have a push cart, broom and pan to keep the downtown streets clear of horse droppings along with any other debris.
The whole time I was growing up my parents did not own a car. We traveled any place in the St. Louis area, any time during the day or night, on a streetcar or bus, conveniently.
I remember the Veiled Prophet parades on Olive Street where the floats were pulled by horses, and later by trucks,while the power was supplied for the lights by trolley poles going up to the streetcar wires.
After moving from Lindenwood to Maplewood, HIghland 8995, I attended Sutton School, MRH Junior High School, and MRH High School.
I remember the Fats and Leans service club in Maplewood. They would play benefit softball games in the old ball park at Manchester and Laclede Station Roads. They would also have street carnivals and fish fry's on Manchester next to the high school on the land where the Maplewood city hall now stands. One of their benefit projects bought a brand new Cadillac ambulance for the Maplewood Fire Department.
I remember delivering the St. Louis County Observer every week. This was a free newspaper but we were expected to go out on our routes and collect at the end of the month. This always seemed weird to me and the “customers.” I also remember the Saturday nights when I sold the Sunday Post and Globe newspapers on routes with the carts with steel wheels. I remember having to stuff the Sunday edition of the papers into the previously printed and delivered parts of the paper before we could leave on the routes. This was done next to the big yellow building in the back of the Maplewood streetcar loop. All of the paper boys doing this created quite a scene.
I remember the war bond street dances every once in a while during World War II. These were held west of the intersection of Manchester and Sutton. There would be airplane searchlights swirling around in the sky to draw attention to the event, and of course the streets would be closed to all traffic except streetcars. These were great parties. At Sutton School, we had drives to collect spent metal toothpaste tubes and scraps of “tin” foil that were turned in to assist in the war effort.
I remember playing kick the can in the street. I remember playing step ball with tennis or golf balls. I remember the movie “Winged Victory” by Moss Hart. I must have seen it ten times. I guess it was a World War II propaganda film rather than a classic since it doesn’t appear on any of the TV movie channels.
I remember the only world series the St. Louis Browns ever played in. And wouldn’t you know, they played it against the St. Louis Cardinals. I remember the first operating television sets that I ever saw were in the display windows at Golde’s Department store. They were showing the 1946 world series between the Cardinals and the Red Sox. Even though this was a local broadcast, and the screens were tiny, it was really exciting. Something brand new.
As a small child, I remember the “Armistice Day” parades through downtown St. Louis. During the war there were a lot of military people and hardware involved, along with lots of bands. As I grew older, I marched in that parade in my high school band and later with the Naval Reserve. It was called Veterans Day by that time.
I remember Nahm’s Drive in on Manchester Road. I remember Phil’s Bar-B-Que in Afton.
I remember when the streetcar company burned many wooden streetcars in a salvage operation at Brentwood Junction on the land where the Brentwood bus garage is today.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous chapters of this website. I have many of the same memories. However, the few things that I have repeated were done with a sense of fine tuning or adding details.
Thank you for your good work.
Post from Jeanne in Apex, North Carolina (2/24/2008)
For Charles who posted memories on 1/9/2007 (OK, so I don't get to your Web site all that often!): the TV program he is thinking of was "Cookie and the Captain" --I don't remember the man's name, either.
I sure miss St. Louis; haven't been back there since my mother died in 2001 but my sister still lives there. I attended St. Pius school before we moved in 1953, and then I attended St. Joan of Arc (was married from that church in 1966). Graduated from Cor Jesu Academy (it was on the "Hill" then) and Webster College.
Loved those White Castle hamburgers; they have them in the grocery stores' freezer section here, but they just aren't the same.
Does anyone remember the great fire at Kriegshauser's Funeral Home on Kingshighway, sometime in the 50s? We lived at that time on Winnebago just down from Grand Ave. and the fire engines came even from that area to fight it.
Love your Web site, Dave. I'll try to visit more often!
Post from Gloria (2/24/2008)
From Gloria in response to John Faris:
Mr. Faris I really enjoyed reading your memories.
I had friends who lived in Maplewood right off of McCausland. Their name was Sparks. The street they lived on was before Manchester road, I can't remember the name, we would go south on McCausland for a few blocks, make a right turn onto the street, at the end of the street seemed like an alley, you could turn right or left, but not enough room for two cars to pass each other. Our friends house sat on the north/east corner.
Anyway this is a great web site and again I enjoyed your thread you posted.
Post from Kirt Boeckstiegel (2/29/2008)
Grew up in Pine Lawn 1944 to 1966
I remember hearing test ammo being shot at night at the small arm's plant on Goodfellow
Saturday afternoons at the Studio Movie theater and going to the Rio theater in Walnut Park.
Ed's White Front BBQ
Goodie Goodies drive inn (which is still there)
Ed the watermelon man
Star gas stations
Paying 11 cents for a pack of Lucky Strike smokes
Saving up soda bottles to cash in for gas money to cruise Streak-n-shake and Chuck-a-Burger
Gas a 17 cents a gallon
Katz Drug Store
Toll was 10 cents to cross the Chain of Rocks bridge
Fountain sodas at drug stores
The good old Goodfellow Terrace speed traps.
Terry Moore bowling alley
Pine Lawn Grill
Huge tree on Council Grove where Indians of old held counsel meetings
A lot of fond memories.
Post from Joechick0038@yahoo.com (2/29/2008)
I lived at 5242 Maple ave, My phone number was Forrest4146 . I remember watching double features at the Will Rodgers theater on Union. I remember Mammy's restaurant next door. I remember the ally behind my house. I remember going to A@W root beer stand and getting a hot dog and a soda for 25cennt. I remember selling papers on Saturday night from a wooden wagon with metal wheels. I remember going to forests part with my friends to catch snakes. I remember my friend Mike coming to my house to call me (Oh Joe). I remember going to Muller's bakery across the street from St. Marks school on Wednesday mornings and getting the most delicious cakes. I remember being the only Italian kid on the block. I remember going to the Highlands for School picnics. I remember eighth grade graduation you had to take a date on the admiral. My mom and dad owned a grocery and meat store on Paige and Hodamont. My uncle owned the Vogue lounge across from the Statler Hotel. You used to be able to walk from my house all the way to the river and no one would bother you. It was great growing up in St. Louis, I will always remember it. If anyone recognizes these memories or went to St. Marks elementary school please feel free to email me.
PS. I remember seeing the young boy hit by the Hodamont streetcar, I was there with my friend Mike Mcginty.
Post from Anonymous (2/29/2008)
to the person posted on 9/5/07,from overland,I probably know you.I graduated from ritenour in '81 and lived in st john on marvin'I remember all the things you do plus horack dairy,khoury league at woodson terrace park.cyc at st williams,fr boul,guthrie park,sands drug store in breckenridge plaza on the rock rd.I still go to erios pizza occasionally.and playing in the creek behind music palace,and riding my bike through the trails.the big slide in st ann,big boy restaraunt by holiday hills amusement park.theres so much more I cant list it all in one sittting.great site dave
Post from Gloria (3/7/2008)
In response to Kirt's posting 02/29/08:
You have some great memories. I remember my grandmother going to Sam the watermelon mans stand, if I remember correctly he sold watermelon by the slice and had tables and bench's to sit and enjoy.
Do you remember the hot tamale man, I use to see him on Easton Ave. in Wellston. It seems to me that the tamales where wrapped in something and then wrap the news paper.
I remember gas at Star gas station on Skinker and Rosedale, plus you got star stamps and you could trade them in for free gas. I think my generation and those before us knew how to save. We saved S & H
green stamps, eagle stamps, soda bottles were returned and we got as much as five cents per bottle.
Post from Gloria (3/7/2008)
To Joe chick in response to thread posted 02/29/08
I lived at 6400 and 6402 Maple, in University City, I'm trying to remember exactly where you lived. I had friends from St. Barbara's, and St. Rose of Lima's, a few from Notre Dame Grade School near Wellston.
Your right about being able to walk or go anywhere without a problem. During the summer we left our home
(after doing our chores) and spent the day at Cunningham Park, most of the time playing baseball, we didn't bother to go home for lunch. If we got bored we'd go to one of the many neighborhood bars and ask for bottle caps and go to a vacant lot between home and the park and hit bottle caps with broom or mop handles. We use to ride our bikes and skate in the alley behind our homes, never thought about playing baseball on the street or stepping foot on people's property. A lot of residents had fruit trees in there back yard close to the alley, so we did help ourselves to apples, pears, peaches from the limbs hanging over the alley, but not over the yard.
We could walk to Heman Park to go swimming, as long as it was in a group, of course a lot of families in our neighborhood had five to ten children in the family, we had eight and I was a grandchild so we had our own group.
Walks to the Delmar Loop, having lunch at Kressege's five and dime or one of the drug stores on Delmar then going to the U.City library. Going into Lambs quarry between Olive Street Road and Delmar when we were told never go there, I heard the rock for All Saints Church came from that quarry.
Our school picnics were held at West Lake amusement park way out near St. Charles, I thought we would
never get there, that was one of the few occasions Father Ryan rented school buses for us to ride. At that time we were lucky if we had one car per family, so transportation was a problem.
Our eight grade graduation was held on May Day, all eighth grade girls wore formals, and the boys suits and whoever was elected May Queen had a party at their home, we went on the admiral several times each summer.
Post from Gloria (3/7/2008)
In response to Anonymous posted 02/29/08
I would think you might have been in the age group of my children. Did you go to Home Heights for grade school. I would imagine you might remember the boy who was abducted on his way home from school and
after weeks of searching that area over there he was found murdered . At that time I-170 hadn't been built.
Was Big Boys restaurant on the north-east corner of Brown and Natural Bridge? We use to eat a Trio all the time over there.
Post from Robert D. Gassner (3/7/2008)
My memories of South St. Louis ( I am what is known as a state street hoosier ) IDAHO
Mister Softie
Cobble stone streets
chasing the milk man for a piece of ice
step ball
run ups ( hot box)
filling a pillow case at Halloween 10-12 block radius NO PARENTAL ASSOCIATION
Leaving the house at 8am and returning for dinner
WILLIE the bug man ( are we not all chemically imbalanced from chasing this guy)
concrete street lamps
FUZZ BALL
P.S. what a great web page this is, brings back many fond memories of the simpler times in life.
Post from Dave (3/7/2008)
Great website - thanks.
I was raised in Kirkwood (TAylor telephone exchange) and the things I remember -
If you couldn't ride your bike or walk - you wouldn't go there
Teen Town upstairs from Color-Art
St. Joseph's Seminary ruins (now Meramec Community College)
The nuns at St. Peter and all my classmates from 1st to 8th grade
Going to Sunday matinees at the Osage as a little kid and going to there Friday evenings to meet girls as an older kid
Going to Jake's (the confectionary on the corner of Geyer and Rosehill)
The Santa in the Steamboat across from the St. Louis City Hall each Xmas season
Tree Court and Holiday Valley swimming pools in Valley Park
Ducking into Katz Drug Store, Kirkwood Rexall, and the train station to catch the air-conditioning in the summer heat
On Jefferson you'd buy 45s at the Record store, a model at he Hobby Shop, cross the street for some Buster Brown shoes and a haircut at Larry's and get a pair of Levis at the "Model " on the corner of Jefferson and Kirkwood Road
The smell of the Woolworth and buying a "class" ring for $1.50 to be given to a girl
All of the store windows painted for Halloween
Post from Anonymous (3/7/2008)
Lived at 3113 Norwood, COlfax-0358; attended Benton elementary; Beaumont H.S. and Normandy. Graduated '55. Our street was 2 blocks west of Kingshighway, acrossed the street from the St.L.Public Schools Stadium. Soccer matches of foreign teams from Germany, Poland etc. Track meets in the spring, Football in the Fall, Shriner's Circus every summer with a fireworks display that at the time was unmatched anywhere.
My husband and I are St.Louis history buffs and have books on the 1904 World's Fair and also collect W.F. memorbilia. If anyone is interested we would love to have you join us... we meet at the south county library on Lindbergh. Reading the stories about the amusement parks in and around St.Louis city & county I've discovered a new book about the Highlands. It's called "FOREST PARK HIGHLANDS" by Doug Garner. You can get a copy at your library or Amazon.com.
Would love to hear from former "Bentonites" .... if interested in the World's Fair, please go to our website: www.1904worldsfairsocitey.com Thanks again for a great website!
Post from Kit Koenig (3/7/2008)
I was googling to see if Mavrokos (sp?) was still in existence so that
I could send my 93 year mother her favorite candy for Easter when I
spotted your website. The first thing that popped up was a picture of
Mills. I was so excited because I've tried to tell people about these
mills worth 1/10 of a penny that I had as a kid but no one knew what I
was talking about and thought I must be remembering things incorrectly.
Thanks for this great website. It's fun to look back sometimes.
Post from Anonymous (3/13/2008)
I love this website and go to it often. I went to Notre Dame in Wellston from 1951 until 1955. I still think about that school and the kids who went there. Does anyone else remember Notre Dame? camstanton@verizon.net
Post from Kathy from North County now in West County (3/13/2008)
Thanks for such a great site!
I remember growing up in North County and :
going to River Roads and Northland Shopping Centers and on a nice day a trip to Northwest Plaza was like going on a long drive.
not able to wait til May for our grade school picnic at Chain of Rocks Amusement Park and first walking through the neighborhood letting everyone know it was school picnic time and boarding the buses and meeting our parents at the gate of the amusement park.
eating chicken at Romaines on Sunday afternoon
going to The North Drive In and sneaking in by way of the trunk
eating at Chili Barn at the intersection of 270 and Dunn Road
playing softball at Surrey Lane and then our family eating at Kelly's on Bellefontaine Road
bowling on a kids Saturday morning league at Lewis & Clark bowling alley on Chambers Road
eating brain sandwiches at Pete's Hole in the Wall at the corner of Halls Ferry & Chambers Roads
going to St. Casimir's Friday night dances during the school year
when KXOK would come to Thomas School and Johnny Rabbitt came and sold 45's for 50 cents
spending the summers at Bellefontaine Country Club and meeting new people at the swimming pool
I could go on and on but these are some of my best memories!
Thanks for this super website!!!
Post from Larry Janzen (3/16/2008)
My memories of St. Louis was our phone number EVergreen 8122. We lived in the Wellston area.
My favorite past-time was playing in the ashpits. The ash pits we used as a fort. The allys were our favorite place to play as well.
Ray's Market was on the corner, Beans Confectionary near by, the fabulous bakery that baked the most wonderful bread and Parissi's tavern where all the adult folk went in search of spirits.
The Victory show in Wellston where we saw Tom Mix and Roy Rogers for 10 cents.
My favorite stores were the dime stores, Kresges, Woolworths and Neisners. We got our clothes at Busy Bee and our shoes at the Red Goose Store.
Television didn't exist but we had radio. Why did we all sit around and look at the radio? Who knows.
Mother took me to Ray's Market to buy our groceries. During world war II we had to use ration stamps. After the war ended, I couldn't understand we didn't buy meat with stamps.
I attended Laclede school for Kindergarden later transferring to Notre Dame Catholic school for the rest of my schooling.
One of my big treats was when my mother and I would walk two blocks to the Velvet Freeze on Goodfellow. Oh, the ice cream was so good.
The Wellston area was a very safe place to live. Everyone knew each other and our doors were not locked. Even during the war with the black outs.
My big treat of the day was when I was given a ride on the City Limits car to Ferguson. Our next door neighbor was a motorman with Public Service, he would take me for his last run of the day. My big treat was to turn the crank of the fare box where the money would be counted. At the end of street, Wabada, was the Hodimont and City Limits line.
My name is Larry Janzen, I now reside in Citrus Heights, CA.
I will be returning to St. Louis this summer to attend my 50th high school reunion. I graduated from Normandy High School.
Post from Connie Stevens (3/20/2008)
Our St. Louis vacation every summer was the high point of childhood in the 1950s. We came down from Quincy, IL, and stayed at the Mayfair. It smelled and sounded like "the city." The bellhop, in his regal uniform, made noises like different animals for the kids in the elevator. We always included a visit to Forest Park to rent opera glasses and sit in the back seats for a magical outdoor opera like Oklahoma. All my major life decisions were made when I was at the St. Louis zoo. Of course, the Cardinals were the big draw - the nights of Stan Musial, Red Schoendist, Kenny Boyer at third, Larry Jackson in on the mound . . . and the ever present "Cold Beer Here! Cold Beer Here!" and "Get Your Ice Cream, Peeeeeeevely Ice Cream!"
I once had a recipe for the Mayfair cheesecake, but I lost it. Does anybody still have a copy of the recipe? I'd sure like to make one of those fluffy tall pieces of heaven once again. Connie Stevens, Constance.Stevens@gmail.com
Post from Phyllis (Knox) Robinson (3/20/2008)
Attended BENTON grammar school K thru 8th. Graduated 1951. Any one out there who is a former Bentonite? Most of us went on to Beaumont, Hadley or Ranken. I lived across from the Public School Stadium. I remember Saturday trips downtown for "shopping" and lunch at the Tearoom in Famous-Barr. Most times though we had a hot dog and rootbeer at the dimestore and we did this standing, I can't remember if there were stools. Remember all the great stores within walking distance, Famous, Stix, Vandervroots, Sonnenfelds, Kline's, Cunninghams, was Montaldo's downtown? Shoe stores for women.... Bakers, Burts, Lees ..... oh well you St.L gals will remember now. Phyllis (Knox) Robinson. Love this site!
Post from Carl (3/20/2008)
I just came across this site of wonderful memories. Thanks so much for putting it all online. I lived in East St. Louis from '43 to '56 and in St. Louis from '56 to '69. Reading comments from people whose memories I share almost brought tears to my eyes.
Post from Gloria (3/20/2008)
In response to Larry Janzen
Larry , I enjoyed your thread, good memories to say the least. I know we grew up in the best of times.
I hope you do make it to the class reunion, you won't regret it, especially if this is your first reunion.
It's nice to find another Viking on this web site.
Post from Richard in Carmel (3/24/2008)
I was directed to your site from a Cardinal baseball forum I frequent- Gatewayredbirds.com.
I live in Carmel by the Sea, Ca. now, but spent my early years in St. Louis during the 30's and 40's. We moved from Bonne Terre, Mo. when I was a baby, and lived on Lawn Ave. at Pernod- one block off Kingshighway. Went thru 6th grade at Kennard Grade School, then moved to St. Louis Hills in the late 30's. I was interested in the 1/28/08 post by Gary in particular. We lived on the same street, Loran, between Hampton and Tamm Ave- where Francis Park begins. Our address was 6244, a few doors from the park, and I have many of the same fond memories of activities there. The hill for sledding, and the lily pond with the tadpoles. There were 8 clay tennis courts which we enjoyed greatly, as long as it had not rained lately. They had to close until they dried out. In the meantime, we could bash balls on the handball court, as long as no one wanted to play handball.
The drug store Gary mentioned was Wykles, I worked there one summer jerking sodas at the fountain. That was one tough job, hot nights with people stacked six deep waiting for some hand packed pints and quarts. Great for your tennis muscles though. The dime store was Ben Franklin, as I recall. The grade school I attended was a group of portables just west of Hampton, called Adolphus Busch, on the other side of the no mans land that ran south of Eichelberger. We used to snare rabbits out there, and make forts.There was a good baseball field next to school, and I spent lots of time there playing baseball, softball, Indian ball,and corkball- that great old StL game. That area has been long since built up, and a fancy new school followed the old one. I have to say that I really enjoyed that old school, as humble as it was. Great group of kids.
We were always looking for after school and summer jobs- we needed spending money all the time. I worked for a Nascar type guy in a Mobil gas station on Hampton and Walsh, washing and greasing cars, and pumping gas. Gas was pretty dear: 14 cents for regular, and 16 for ethyl. Black market gas during the war was 25 cents at the station on highway 66 next to the famous Coral Court Motel. Just don't get arrested for doing something illegal.
My Dad was an official of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, so I got to spend lots of time around Union Station, and traveling down to Arkansas with him. Wonderful experiences with engineers, conductors, and porters. Sleeping in double berths and all. Tailor made for a young boy. Too bad none can experience it today.
Worked one summer for the Dept. of Agriculture, checking traps for the dreaded Japanese Beetle, that was invading the area. We found a few, and I got to work on the spraying crew for a few extra bucks.
Worked one summer as a leather creaser and cutter for Prince Gardner Co. on South Vandeventer Ave. This was a highly sought after job among those of us at Southwest High School. It paid very well, and we could work after school and then the summer following. After attending Missouri U, and Washington U., plus 4 years in the Strategic Air Command with B-45's and B-36's, I was a salesman for Prince Gardner for 15 years, traveling out of Denver and, later San Francisco. In 1970, my wife and I went into business here in Carmel, and are still at it.
All the comments from everyone bring back lots of fond memories. Spent part of every high school day at Parkmoor on Kingshighway and Chippewa. A Famous Barr went up on that site later on. Saw some of my first movies at the Avalon Theater across the street. I think that was the first time I saw Gunga Din, one of my all time favorites. Attending Southwest High School from 42 through 46 was a very nice time. Great bunch of students and pals.
All for now, maybe I will think of more things- so will be back later.
Post from Florita Samantha Abernathy (3/25/2008)
I remember the pink streetcars that went down Lockwood in Webster Groves; the twin boys (one body and two heads; two legs and three arms) named Billy and Bob who sold newspapers across from Old Orchard Drugs and the 1949 Turkey /Day Football game when Webster beat Kirkwood 101-37
Post from Patsy L. (3/31/2008)
(Regarding) A post from Gloria dated (1/6/2008).
I too worked at Kressege's on Delmar at the loop, at the cosmetic counter. My "best girlfriend" worked at the rootbeer counter.
Small world!
I moved to the West coast, my girlfriend moved to the East coast. We are still friends to this day
Post from Gary (4/1/2008)
My name is Gary. I grew up in Lemay back in the 60’s. I now live in Florida. I remember Tony the knife sharpner. I read another person mention how we would call are friends at their windows to come out to play. I thought we only did that!
Does anyone a band called the Midnighters? They played at the Barn in St. Charles. My brother was the lead singer. He also played with Bob Cuban.
I remember our fourth grade class foing on a field trip to watch them put the last piece in the Arch. And of coarse Sportsman Park and then Busch Satdium.
Great idea you have here Dave.
Post from Gloria (4/1/2008)
In response to Patsy L. post on 03-31-08
It really is a small world. I spent a lot of time at Kressege's when I wasn't working and before I got a job there.
I stayed in St. Louis County. It's true about friends I have several I went to kindergarten with, we still get together for birthdays. My Mother's family went to the same grade school I attended, so four or five of my friends mothers went to school with my mom. My husband went to U. City High School.
I'd bet somewhere along the line we know or know of each other.
Post from Leonard Louis currently living in Westlake Ohio. lslouis@sbcglobal.net (4/1/2008)
Does anyone remember the "Nickel Show" held each Saturday night in
McCready's basement on Dodier Street in the 1940s. For five cents
neighborhood youngsters could see a cereal, a full length movie and
possibly have their name pulled out of a hat to win a candy bar. The
drawing was held while Mr. McCready changed reels on his projector. The
basement was set up like a movie theater with folding chairs for the
youngsters and an elevated projection booth in the back. These were
simpler times - parents could feel safe about their kids participating
in such an activity. Its such a shame we have lost our innocence.
Post from Mary Wiley Proemsey (My telephone number was Highland 8750, and it was Maplewood 17, Mo., on the address) (4/5/2008)
I have always lived in St. Louis and have wonderful memories of tap-dancing by stepping on tin cans we found in the alley. The cans would form around our shoes and making clicking sounds.
I remember "Wrestling at the Chase" being shown on the only channel St. Louis had. It was on Saturday night. My family didn't own a TV, but I babysat for people who had one. Everybody watched wrestling.
I remember going everywhere on the streetcars and later on the buses. I was about 9 years old the first time I went alone to my aunt's home, had to transfer twice to other buses. What freedom!
My Girl Scout Troop 607 went to Forest Park for drawing and painting at the Art Museum, cookouts, hikes, the Jewel Box, Zoo, and day camp. We took a train from the Maplewood Railroad Station to Union Station and then walked to Quality Dairy for a tour. Took the bus home. The girls always sat at the back of the bus on all our trips and sang Scout songs. No one ever told us to be quiet. Maybe we outnumbered them. We sure had fun.
Later, as a Scout leader for my daughter's troop, I took the girls on a hike from Kingshighway across Forest Park to the southwest corner of the park at Clayton and Skinker. We lived in South County and it was 1969--most families had at least one car and maybe two.
I remember school picnics that were held at the Highlands. We had a parade from Sutton School in Maplewood to the bus loop on Sutton where we loaded onto streetcars and later buses, some of them were double deckers. Our families met us at the Highlands with picnic lunches and we spent the whole day.
I remember living on Flora and waking up in the morning to a whole block of yellow streetcars that were packed with people standing. They were coming from Webster and Kirkwood and were taking people to work. Later I remember the red streetcars and then the buses lining the streets. Sometimes on Sunday when I was bored, I spent a nickel on a bus ride from Maplewood to the end of the line in Kirkwood and back.
I remember my mother taking my brother and me downtown shopping for Christmas clothes, eating at Pope's Cafeteria, seeing the Christmas Decorations and mother sending us home in a "motor car" (taxi).
I remember sledding on Art Hill and ice skating on the lagoon at the foot of the Art Museum in Forest Park.
I remember when the Freedom Train was parked on the St. Louis Riverfront, and taking a bus on a very hot summer day and waiting in a long line to see the historical documents of this country, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. No Arch there in those days. We were dressed up to view such famous materials.
We could walk to shop on Manchester in Maplewood, but we had to take a streetcar or bus to Midtown (Grand Ave.) or Downtown.
I remember having $5.00 to spend on Christmas gifts for my family.
I remember riding my bicycle around town with my friend, Harriet, and also on River Des Peres road. Not so many cars then.
How about those ice trucks that delivered ice to the homes? The driver sometimes had to break the ice with a pick and he would give us slivers of ice.
There are so many happy memories of growing up in St. Louis. It would take too long to list them all and some have already been mentioned by others. Thanks for letting me share my memories.
Post from Patsy L. (4/5/2008)
In response to post from Gloria (1/6/2008)
We went to the Parkmoor a few times. Remember one of the drinks they served there, called "The 400" ? It was chocolate milk poured over ice served with a straw ( in it ). We felt like "we had arrived" drinking our 400. ~smile~
We watched the Veiled Prophet Ball on tv, and would go downtown to see the V.P Parade. That was always a thrill. My Daughter said we need to go to St Louis next year to see the parade. I think that is a very good idea.
I loved going to White Castle to get burgers 12 for a dollar. We couldnt wait to get home, so we ate them in the car, along with our orange soda. I have bought them in the supermarket here in California, but its not the same.
I have so many wonderful memories of growing up in St Louis.
Post from Dave DeLaney 573-751-2261 daytime 573-893-5712 evening(4/5/2008)
Does anyone remember an old restaurant at Grand & Magnolia called the “Mission Inn” or later “Pirone’s Mission Inn”?
I ran across your website and thought that those that frequent it might be able to help me. This restaurant is considered the founding location for the US Jr. Chamber of Commerce or the Jaycees back around 1915. Our organization credits the restaurant as where the initial meetings were held. We have very little information other than some old post cards and a few photos. If anyone has any other information we would be happy to hear from them. I am in Jefferson City.
Post from Anonymous (4/5/2008)
Went to Our Lady of Mount Carmel grade school and lived on Hornsby new McLaren which is two blocks from Riverview and two block from the Halls Ferry Circle more or less. We moved into that new house in 1951. I remember the grand opening of Katz Drug Store on Riverview at the Circle - sometime in the mid 1950s. That was quite an event with a carnival and high wire trapeze act. Those were fascinating times for a 9 or 10 year old kid. At the corner of Riverview and McLaren was Gerwitz Drug Store, Simmons Market, and Jenny Wren Ice Cream. I remember roaming the shell of River Roads Shopping Center when it was still under construction, and several times we walked to Northland Shopping Center to spend the day, and then walked back home. We went even farther on our bikes. My cousin and I rode our bikes out all the way out to the fireworks stands that were between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on the way to Alton. In eighth grade we rode to Belleville, Illinois and back for our Boy Scout cycling merit badges. My scouting career started at Baden School when we were members of their Cub Scout Pack. Later Mount Carmel began its own Scouting program. Mt. Carmel had Cub Pack 1, Boy Scout Troop 1, and Explorer Post 1. My first summer camp was at Iron Dale followed the next year by Lion's Den. Thereafter we went to Beaumont at Antire Road. Worked at the news paper box at the corner of Riverview and McLaren a few time as a substitute. Also delivered the Morning Globe on my bike as a substitute when the regular kids were on vacation. We would deliver each paper to the door and collect the 5 cents. Those were long nights for 7th and 8th grade kids. The papers arrived at the corner at about 7:45 PM and the route was finished at 9:30 or so. I remember swimming lessons at Fairgrounds park and later at Chain of Rocks. We also had our school picnics at Chain of Rocks and later on Mt. Carmel's school grounds. We would take the Lee Avenue bus and transfer to the Kingshighway to get to Steinberg Skating Rink, or the lakes in Forest Park when they were frozen. Ah, yes. Those were fascinating times.
Post from Anonymous (4/15/2008)
What a great website! I'm just wondering if anyone remembers the following or can supply any information. Thank you in advance!
Does anyone remember Hollywood Miniature Golf Course? If so, where was it located?
Does anyone remember the exact location or address of Golden Fried Chicken Loaf which was probably the greatest fried chicken restaurant of all times?
Post from RAY RUMINER (4/15/2008)
I GREW UP IN SOUTH ST.LOUIS, UNTIL THE AGE OF FIVE .EVEN THOUGH I WAS YOUNG,I STILL HAVE THOSE MEMORIES COMPLETE AND INTACT.I WAS BORN IN 1958, AND WE STAYED UNTIL 1963, WHEN WE MOVED TO THE COUNTY ,OUT IN HAZELWOOD.
WE LIVED IN A FOUR FAMILY FLAT ON EILER ST.ON THE ONE CORNER WAS THE LAUNDRAMAT.MY SISTER AND I USED TO PLAY WITH THE GIRLS WHO`S MOTHER RAN THE LAUNDRAMAT,DOROTHY AND SUSIE BOYD.THE LAUNDRAMAT WAS ON THE CORNER OF EILER AND VIRGINIA..ON THE OTHER CORNER, EILER AND ALABAMA, WAS KOHLER`S STORE.THE OWNERS WERE SO NICE AND PATIENT WITH ALL OF US KIDS , TRYING TO DECIDE ON WHICH PENNY CANDY WE WANTED .I REMEMBER WHEN THEIR DELIVERY TRUCK WOULD PULL UP ALL OF US KIDS WOULD GET IN A LINE , SO WE COULD TAKE OUR TURN ON RIDING THE TWO WHEELED DOLLY.
MY GREAT AUNT AND UNCLE ,CLARA AND MIKE OVERSTREET,LIVED IN THE NEXT FLAT OVER.MY AUNT WOULD TAKE US UP TO BELLRIVE PARK IN THE SUMMER.HOW MANY PEOPLE I WONDER, STOOD ON THAT RUSTY OLD FENCE, TO WATCH THE BARGES GO BY?.I KNOW THAT MY MOTHER DID WHEN SHE WAS A GIRL.
I HAVE THE SAME MEMORIES THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DO I THINK OF THOSE TIMES,THE SOUNDS OF THE SACADA`S IN THE SUMMER, RIGHT WHEN THE STREET LIGHTS WOULD START UP.THE FATHERS AND UNCLES, AND GRANDFATHERS SITTING OUT ON THE BACK STEPS,LISTENING TO HARRY CAREY.THE SMELL OF TAR ,IN THE SUMMER FROM THE ROOF WORK ALWAYS BEING DONE,THE SCHOOL PARADES THAT WOULD COME DOWN ALABAMA,THE PAPER GUY ON SATURDAY EVENING THAT YOU COULD HEAR COMING FOR BLOCKS.THE RAGMAN . THE TAMALE MAN.THE VIT-A-C MAN,THE COAL MAN.
I ALSO REMEBER A LITTLE GIRL THAT I CALLED MY GIRLFRIEND, COLLEEN KELLY.HER DAD,FRANK, WAS A CITY POLICEMAN.TO THIS DAY I WONDER WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HER , I KNOW WHEREEVER SHE IS , AND WHATEVER HER LIFE HAS BEEN , ONE THING IS SURE .SHE IS STILL GORGEOUS
THERE WAS A CLOSED MOVIE HOUSE ON VIRGINIA AND VERMONT, THAT I DO NOT KNOW THE NAME OF, BUT WAS ALWAYS FASCINATED BY THE ARCHCITECTURE OF THE BUILDING.TO ME IT LOOKED LIKE A CASTLE, WITH ITS ROUNDED SHAPE.THIS IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG OF MY MEMORIES, BUT I GUESS THESE WILL DO .RRaykat@aol.com
Post from Mary Esther Jahn (4/15/2008)
I don't know if you can help me with this problem or not. I am looking for a fragrance that I used to get at Stix, Baer and Fuller. It was called Ambiance (or could be Ambience) and I think it was made by Clime Soleil. I can't find anything regarding this wonderful scent or the designer and thought maybe you could help me. I would order it in the mid to late 1960's.
Post from Pat (4/15/2008)
Growing up in North County back in the 50's and 60's were the good old days. Underhill 7-5567 was our number. We had a party line, kids today would never make it with a party line. I went to Holy Cross in Baden. My dad use to drop my brother and me off at Hildebrands bakery in the morning before school and then we would walk. Walked home to Bellefontaine neigbors from school. What a haul that was back then. I remember the Baden show and the Rio show on Riverview. We grew up swimming at Suburban swim pool and bowled at the bowling lanes at St Cyr. There was a little confectionary by the park on Broadway, they use to have the little Freund fruit pies. Made many a trip to Riverroads and Northland shopping center. There were small carnivals that would come to town. Some would set up at Riverview plaza, at one time the Royal American shows played on some ground on Hall St.
Remember the good time!
Post from Gloria (4/17/2008)
Response to anonymous 4/15/08.
Golden Fried Chicken was in the 6100 block of Delmar. The Pageant Theater is located at 6161 Delmar.
We always used the parking lot behind the restaurant it was much easier to find a parking space then in the front.
When the restaurant moved to Olive Street Road and Warson Road. The chicken tasted the same, but it was a very small building, mostly carry out. Then after a few years the owner moved the place further west on Olive, didn't stay open long.
I don't think you could go wrong at Golden Fried Chicken.
Post from Anonymous (4/17/2008)
I just found this site by accident. It's fantastic. I lived in St. Louis from 6th grade til after graduation. Normandy Jr. and Sr. high.
I remember Hanley hills and my best friend , whom I have lost touch with and wish someone could help me find, Maureen Oconnell. Staying outside til dark. Trying to get mom to agree to let me wear shorts when it was way too cold so we could look "cool". Teepeeing the yard of a guy I liked on Halloween with pink and blue toilet paper. Spending the night with Maureens aunt and her letting us get in her make up and stay up late and go outside after dark!
Lots more.
Post from Barbara Coyne at bcoyne@q.com (4/22/2008)
Please help me identify a piano my uncle used to take with him in his roadster to evening gigs around St. Louis in the 1920s. Piano is a Princess, made in Japan, 31 inch tall upright, 3+ octave keyboard. It isn't a toy.
Post from Gloria (4/22/2008)
Response to Anonymous 04/17/08:
This is a great web site, I get so much enjoyment reading the interesting comments.
You are the second "Viking" I've found on this site.
Your looking for an old friend, have you tried classmates.com or the Normandy High School. com web site?
Do you know about our Alumni Association?
Post from Tim Howard (4/22/2008)
Lunch with Nana at the Stix, Baer & Fuller counter and customers would stand behind those almost finished and wait for the counter chair. The best Dog, Fries and Malt in the City!
Any adventures with Nana and always by bus or Streetcar.
Walking to the Cathedral at 5:30 in the morning from Laclede Ave over Newstead to serve Mass at 6:00 am.
Friday night and Saturday mornings at Steinberg Rink, we walked there too.
Summer history programs at Jefferson Memorial
Taking the bus or streetcar everywhere, we where 10 and never feared the bus to take anywhere, Clayton, U City, the Park, you name it, we went
Post from Karen (4/22/2008)
In response to anonymous; Hollywood golf was on Manchester. I can't remember just where. I loved going there is was a big treat. It was not like the little put put courses. Ray , when I first cot married in 1960 we lived in a flat on Eiler and Compton behind the A & P store. My brother Lived on Fassen across Virginia from me. I remember the laundermat. . I grew up in Lemay. I first meeting for the Lemay Baseball association was held in our basement. My dad and 6 other men started it. I spent a lot of time at ball fields,especially Heine Meine's Those were the days.
Post from Jim 'THE DAD' Keith(4/22/2008)
Hey Dave and all the other St. Louis Memories Fans,
There is a fellow on the internet that has a site dedicated to the 'old' SANDY'S HAMBURGER shops. Best way to find it on the net is just GOOGLE, Sandy's Hamburgers.
He'd love to make contact with anyone that has memories of Sandy's, maybe pictures or any thing that concerns Sandy's.
He also sent me an email requesting any information I might have....and now I pass it along to you......ANY one remember large outdoor advertising neon displays called ' ROTO SPHERES.'
There is a site on the net regarding the history and whereabouts of any of those signs left. St. Louis was reported to have had five or six at one time. The only one known at this time is at Lou Fuz in the Kirkwood area...and the points are now missing.
Thanks for the Memories
Post from Anonymous (4/26/2008)
I didn't know there was an alumni group for Normandy, could you post info? thanks so much
Post from Ray R. RRaykat@aol.com (4/26/2008)
In my last post i stated that i lived in South St. Louis from the time i was born until 1963(5 years) .I lived on Eiler st.I had stated that i didn`t know the name of the closed movie house on Virginia , and Vermont.In the past few weeks , i have found out the name of it . It was called the Virginia Theatre. It closed in 1950.It is now being used as Victory independent Baptist Church.
I can remember some of the places our family would go for dinner .We went to Al Smith`s on Grand ,Dog-n-Suds on Gravois.In the summer , it was a treat to stop on the way home from my grandparents home in Pine Lawn,and get ice -cream from Ted Drewe`s or the Velvet Freeze on Gravois at Compton.
Speaking of Pine Lawn , does anyone remember Chicken Cottage on kienlen ave.?My parents had their wedding day breakfast there with their wedding party ,on October 1, 1955.We went there occasionally in the early 60`s .I remember they had red and white checkered table cloths , and a velvet picture of a Matador and Bull on the wall .
In South St. Louis, i remember my Aunt taking my sister and i to Cherokee St to go shopping.I remember one time while we were there we visited with a neighbor of ours (mrs.Bertha Brown) who worked at S.G. Adams.We were able to go up to her office on the second floor.I rememeber this because the upstairs all had wooden floors.
Post from Chuck Nowotny (4/26/2008)
I have been reading some of the memories so familiar to me having grown up in St. Louis [Cleveland Class of '63] and St. Louis County until the Marines took me away in 1965. I would like to know if anyone remembers the name of the drug store on Hampton Avenue near Tillis Park, near the Hill that had a homemade wonderfully think and very strong ROOT BEER. The taste of licorice, the dark creamy head and the chilled glasses were just the ticket on a hot steamy July afternoon as I worked as a Park and Recreation leader with Suzanne Zepp from the summer of 1963 and 1964. My dad taught piano at Hynek Studios on Hampton and I'd walk a couple of miles just to get great big frosty frothy glass of that licorice beverage. For the life of me, I've gone back to get some of those wonderfully salty corner bread pretzels form a street vendor at Gravois and Carondelet on the county side of River Des Peres and a glass of root beer but it seems I can’t find either anymore. Bummer.
I am Chuck Nowotny my first phone that I recall was Flanders [1] 9358 Now in Huntington Beach,[Surf City] Ca.
I saw something about Cookie and the Captain, "Eight Bells Matey, What time is it, It's Popeye Cartoon time !" the Captain was Janice Mogle's uncle, I went to school with Janice. Then there was Texas Bruce Cartoon show.
Remember [Paul] Heimbergers Bakery and Gooey Butter Cake. Paul Heimberger and I went to Kiddy Garden at Pease Lutheran in Lemay used to be by Sylvan Springs. I also went to Cleveland with Ole Jerry Posoloski who's dads had a five and Dime Store in Lemay near Heine Meine Field. I stood up for poor Jerry many a time when bullies picked on him. Problem was, Jerry didn't seem to care at all.
I have been reading some of the memories of so many, all so familiar to me having grown up in St. Louis [Cleveland Class of '63] and St. Louis County until the Marines took me away in 1965. I would like to know if anyone remembers the name of the drug store on Hampton Avenue near Tilles Park, near the Hill that had a homemade wonderfully think and very strong ROOT BEER. The taste of licorice, the dark creamy head and the chilled glasses were just the ticket on a hot steamy July afternoon as I worked as a Park and Recreation leader with Suzanne Zepp from the summer of 1963 and 1964. My dad taught piano at Hynek Studios on Hampton and I'd walk a couple of miles just to get great big frosty frothy glass of that licorice beverage. For the life of me, I've gone back to get some of those wonderfully salty corner bread pretzels form a street vendor at Gravois and Carondelet on the county side of River Des Peres and a glass of root beer but it seems I can’t find either anymore. Bummer.
I grew up first in Jefferson Barracks and attended Peace Lutheran School until moving to Allen and Mississippi where I went to Emmaus for a year or two. Then we moved to Morganford and Carondelet by the National Food store that now is a Goodwill. I attended Salem Church and School until being forced to attend Cleveland High School in 1959 – 1963. All my parochial chums and chumettes went to Lutheran High
School South. I lived on the border of the county but was still just a smidge within the St. Louis City Limits by Kettlers Farm on Weber Road. I dated all Lindberg girls until I left Missouri.
We played Cork ball with broomstick bats, I recall fondly the dad’s playing Bottle caps at Cedar Lake each summer Sunday. Fuzz ball and waffle ball in the back yard for hours on end. The Crest Theater in Afton, the Granada to see Psycho. The Fox and Stan Kann at the organ when you were with a hi-dollar date. Steak~N~Sheak at Gravois and Germania. Vic’s Tropical Fish, the landmark rotating VESS bottle at the Loop. The bear pits at Carondelet Park with nary a bear in sight.
Ahh, Cusinelli’s fried ravioli and their great thin crust pizza before that icky Imo’s greased up the streets. Heck, right up the hill from my house on Weber road was Monte Bello's Pizza.
Belly bombers at three o’clock after a great date of sneakin in the South Twin or Ronnie’s Drive Inn’s. Wishin I could afford the doins at the Coral Courts Motel and wishin while I was at least wishin that I had a gal to spend the imaginary money on while there. Evelyn West and her Million Dollar Treasure Chest???
Lake Tishamingo, Cedar Lake, Sunset Country club as a caddy with old Buzz the Hobo! Driving to Ironton to Johnson’s Shut Inn’s and diving not jumping but diving off the cliff into the pool below, dodging the boulders without killing myself over and over again. Velvet Freeze at Bates and Grand while transferring and waiting for the next bus which came every 15 minutes or so. What a concept? Public transportation that really worked.
Speaking of Sonja Henie, she was my second cousin once removed? Go figure!
Who remembers "Phil" the Gorilla at the St.Louis Zoo? Why sure I do, I even have a movie of Phil swinging on a tire and spraying everyone with water from the moat. I used to be able to ride the big Galapagos Tortoises at the Zoo with the Pink rocks.
I remember pony riding in Hampton. Well Norma, before my senior year in High School, I used to work as a ride operator for the fellow who had the Kiddy land and pony rides on Hampton and Devonshire. My dad worked across the street at Hynek’s and taught Piano.
Ice cream trucks, sno cone carts cruising the neighborhood like clockwork selling ice cram samiches the occasional popsicle and of course, nut covered drum sticks to ward off the oppressive heat. Of course in those halcyon days, I don’t even recall it being hot much less humid. I only found out about heat and humidity when I returned to St. Louis after coming home from d’nam.
Oh, and of course there was the mosquito man driving through the neighborhood spewing out a pink fog of who knows what to kill the skeeters. We kids drove our bike in and out of the billowing poisonous cloud totally indifferent to the hazard of what ever it was. I am 62 now and still no mosquito will come within a hundred feet of me. Even went to Vietnam and did not catch malaria.
Summer barbeques in everyone’s back yard with the hickory smoke rising straight up over the pork steaks and the air spare ribs redolent of Maulls scented. Thje Admiral cruising by my house in J.B. and the steam calliope on the top deck playing happy tunes.
Jack Salmon at Dohacks restaurant on Lindbergh. For those who asked, Jack Salmon is Whiteing and they still sell it at Schnucks and Deerbergs last time I checked. I would go to Joe Tangara’s Chariton restaurant on Broadway for Jack Salmon, Frog legs sometimes a whole frog and deep Fried Chicken.
Pinky Pevely and the Milk man? Harry Carey, Stan the Man and Red Bird Lanes. Kenny Boyer, Red Schoendienst, The bleachers at Sportsmans park.. Wally Moon? Yes Wally was a left fielder for the Cards.
Oh wow! Memories of downtown with my Mom on a bus and streetcar. The Animated Stix, Baur & Fuller and Famous and Barr Christmas displays and the little theater inside with puppet shows like Pinochio, Monstro and the Fox.
Many many more, it was a charming childhood of getting my dads beers for him form the dedicated beer refrigerator in the basement and after poping the cap, drinking a few large swigs on the way back from the basement. No one cared, it was expected and I seldom drink, never to the excess to this day.
Post from Gloria (5/1/2008)
In response Anonymous 04-26-08:
The address for the Normandy Alumni Association is: NHSAA, P.O. BOX 210869, NORMANDY MO. 63121 Or go to: NormandyHighSchool.com
RESPONSE TO RAY R 04-26-08:
The Chicken Cottage was right down the street from my Aunts apartment, we went there a lot during the sixties,not there anymore but my Aunt still lives there. She is very brave and a little silly to live there now.
Response to Chuck Nowotny 04-26-08
I take Jamison ave. to Chippewa on Sunday, the pretzel vendors are on the street corners about noon.
Pretzels cost $5.00 for a bag of six.
Post from Kristine -Omaha, Nebraska (5/3/2008)
Hey, what about the areas that had Woodland or Victor as prefixes???
I grew up in the 50's and 60's in the Crestwood/ Sappington area. I went to
every grade school in the Lindbergh School District. The district kept
changing the boundary lines of who went where. I would go to Grant School
and then the kids across up the block would go somewhere else. I can
remember waiting in the summers to find out who went where and then being
upset that your friends up the street weren't going to the same school as
you were.
Does anybody remember E.J. Korvettes??? What about Yacavellis (don't know
about the spelling on that one.) They had the lobsters up front in tanks and
you could chose for dinner. I don't know, maybe it is still there. I move
away from 35 years ago.
I don't know, but I think that this might be the only city I know of where
people still ask people where they went to high school, even up into their
90's. Ha! Ha1! Where you went to high school gave you so much information
about the other person.
What about asking for a soda and meaning Coke, Seven-Up, etc.
This is a wonderful website and I hadn't thought about a lot of this stuff
for years!!
Did not know anyone else experienced the bug spray truck that put off that
horrendous white cloud to ride you bicycle through.
Wonder if it really did any good killing off those big nasty Missouri
mosquitoes!
What about that horrible tornado, can't remember the exact year, that took
off part of the roof on the Arena?
Gosh, I could go on and on and thought you guys had pretty much covered it
all!
It's funny what memories can do,
Post from Gloria (5/5/2008)
In response to Kristine 05-03-08:
The tornado was in February 1959, of course the Arena was brought down in February 1999, seems like February was a bad month for the Arena.
Yacavellis is still around.
I do remember E.J. Korvettes, we were one of the first people in our neighborhood to purchase an above ground pool from Korvettes. We shopped at the one in Cool Valley.
Post from Lynn (5/6/2008)
I remember Korvettes! We bought many of our school clothes there. They had the coolest 60's fashions. We also shopped at Worth's down on Cherokee Street. My 8th grade graduation dress came from there in 1968. It cost $11 and my Mom almost didn't buy it because she had set a $10 limit. I got the dress and felt so pretty. I always wanted to shop at the Libson Shops, but they were too expensive. I never knew Famous Barr had clothes anywhere other than the basement for years! Mom did her best and looking back, my sister and I were just as well dressed as anyone else.
8th Grade Graduations were a big deal in the City. I went to Horace Mann School and remember our party was held in the basement of the Oak Hill Church. It was catered, we had a live band and all the girls were dolled up. We had our hair done and everyone got new dresses. The boys all wore suits and ties and for the first time didn't seem to be afraid to ask us girls to dance. What I wouldn't give to see pictures taken that day. I know several people took pictures. How I'd love to see them. Horace Mann…Class of 68. Mrs. Freer was our Teacher. What a great time that was.
Post from Anonymous (5/12/2008)
I grew up in Pine Lawn in the early 60's and had an EVergreen phone number.
We lived off of Natural Bridge on Oakdale Ave and went to St Paul the
Apostle school, which we walked to because there were no buses at the time.
I remember the Steak n Shake (mostly counter service only) on Natural Bridge
and Ponticello's which was next to the Bettendorf-Rapp grocery store and
Muntz TV. Muntz TV had a Minah bird in the showroom and we tried to get it
to talk to us. Next to Muntz TV was the library. I remember on Saturdays
they showed movies in the basement for us kids.
Other memories---5 cent ice cream cones at Silver Bros Drug store, Hodges
Roller Rink on Friday night, Velvet Freeze (everyone seems to have had a
Velvet Freeze). The 905 liquor store-"the party begins at 9-0-5"! Katz Drug
Store.
I also remember asking a storekeeper for his "window" every October so we
could paint Halloween pictures on it! The Chamber of Commerce came out to
judge them and the winners got lunch at Terry Moore Bowl.
Also Hickey Field and cherry Cokes at Goody Goody! Britt's department store
at Natural Bridge and Lucas & Hunt.
Did anyone go to Camp Viking? Normandy School District ran a day camp every
summer and their buses picked us up and we went out to Normandy Junior and
Senior High schools. We swam, trampolined, learned archery and crafts and
all kinds of other fun stuff. It was great!
Post from Laurie in Dallas, Texas (5/12/2008)
Thank you for maintaining this terrific site. I recently returned from a family visit to St. Louis and, as always, fell in love with my home town all over again. I grew up on Hanley Downs in Richmond Heights in the 50s and 60s before Highway 40 lopped off my bike-riding route. To anonymous who inquired on Jan. 10th whether anyone remembered Schneithorst's on Clayton and Lindbergh: yes, yes, yes! I loved the onion rings. Not only that but I went to school with Janie Schneithorst, the founder’s daughter, and my father went to school at Principia with Mr. Schneithorst. Goodness, I must be older than dirt!
Regarding the Cardinals! My great grandfather, who was by then quite deaf, listened to the games at top volume. One of the commercial sponsors was a lending company, “Friendly Bob Adams.” Friendly Bob promised to help you pay off your bills by consolidating your loans into “one easy payment,” to which my great grandfather replied, at a multi-decibel volume, “You just miss one of those payments, and you’ll find out how friendly he is!”
Post from Mike in Dallas, Texas (5/12/2008)
I remember reading the Globe over a 905 beer and eating pork steaks or a fried cow brain sandwich covered in provel watching all the hoosiers go by.
I remember watching the Cards in my “Mets are Pond Scum” t-shirt and going to Rich & Charlie’s for some fried ravioli afterwards.
I remember going to Thurmur’s with my grandparents after bowling tournaments.
Post from David and Diane Kanis (5/19/2008)
Hello! Our names are David and Diane Kanis from central Minnesota and our email is flax@midwestinfo.net . My wife Diane was raised on Walch and Louisiana Street. As a child she used to go to the Virginia Street Show and they would get their groceries from the old Wilhelms Market. Her mom used to shop at Scruggs, Vandervoort, and Barney. We used to go to Bush Stadium and see Orlando Sepata and Julio Havierre play ball when visiting St. Louis. Dianes childhood phone number was SWeetbriar 7709 I worked at the Bell telephone Company at 1010 Pine street downtown. When our kids were small-about 40 years ago we used to go to Ronnies or South Twin Drive in. Sometimes our friends would stay at the old Corral Courts Motel. They were old stone cabins on Chippewa. We would take our kids to Ted Drews Frozen Custard stand and sometimes we would see Ted working in the stand. We also used to go to White Castle and after the car hop would take our order she would take the little magnet that was attached to a chain around her neck,place it on the speaker and give the order to the person inside. Jefferson memorial and the Art Museum was great. Thick with memories we are. Could go on forever but don't want to bore you. Email if you like!!! Dave and Diane
Post from anonymous (5/19/2008)
I lived in Hanley Hills & I went to Normandy Jr. high in 61/62 62/63 then moved to Carson Rd. and went to Normandy Sr. high, gradutated 67. I think my friend, Rose Parrino lived in Pine Lawn, the girl who lived in Hanley Hills was Maureen Oconnell. Still haven't found her. We were friends all the time I lived in St. Louis. I was reunited with another friend a few years ago and it was like we'd never been apart. Laughed and talked and still keep in touch by email and cards and visits.
Post from Linda (5/19/2008)
I came across your site when I was looking up some info about Bishop DuBourg High where my hubby and I graduated in 1975.
I was born in Saint Louis in 1957 on Wyoming Street in Holy Family Parish. Our phone prefix was "Prospect"
Later we moved to Epiphany parish and our phone prefix was "Sterling" I remember I was so disappointed because all my new friends had the phone prefix of "Mission" Silly, but fun!
I remember the Fuller-Brush man coming to the door when I was a child. I think it was usually on a Monday, and boy was he pushy!
I remember Mr. Softee trucks. My friend's brother operated a Mr. Softee ice cream truck.
I remember playing Red Rover in grade school...Red Rover, Red Rover, send.(insert name)....right over!
When kids came to your house to play they would call at the door, "Oh.(insert name)...can you come out to play?"
And most of all, I remember wonderful Bishop DuBourg high school and great teachers like Mr. Floyd Hacker (Mr. Bow tie). Sr. Rita Marie, Mr Merriott., Mrs. Humphrey,.,Sr Mary who ran the school newspaper....and all the others.
Those were the good old days, that's for sure!
Thanks for this site and for the trip down memory lane!
Post from Linda (part 2) (5/19/2008)
I went to Horace Mann school for kindergarten (in 1963 Holy Family did not have a kindergarten.) My kindergarten teacher was Miss Pickering. From first grade to 4th grade I went to Holy Family school, then we moved and I finished grade school at Epiphany of our Lord.
I went on to DuBourg High. My friends and I used to hang out at either Jack in the Box (right next to DuBourg) or go further down Hampton and eat at Taco King. They had the best tacos and french fries! On weekends our group would either go to Steak N Shake, or sometimes to IHOP. Sometimes we even got "Belly Bombers" at White Castle. I remember getting dressed up on a Fri or Sat nite and go dancing on the Admiral. When I was a little kid our whole family went on the Admiral during the day during the summer months. It was so much fun!
Post from anonymous (5/19/2008)
Does anyone remember the jingle, Crestwood Plaza where the big stores are!
I remember the big hole in the ground, before they starting building it.
Wasn't it the first big shopping St. Louis? I also remember when John F.
Kennedy came through on a campaign stop and spoke at the shopping center in
the parking lot.
Post from Mrs. Gibb (5/19/2008)
I too thank you and my 82 year old parents loved the stories as I read
them this past weekend.
My Dad was a South St. Louis kid and Mom was from Pine Lawn off
Sylvan. They will write there own post soon for the very important
early St. Louis memories (which I find completely fascinating). I am
one of 5 daughters raised in North County. Claudia, Lesa and I had a
magical childhood riding our bikes in Frostwood (Berkeley) back in the
late 50's thru 1971. Then we moved with two more sisters, Laura and
Jill, to Wedgewood East where my folks still reside.
The local public pool in Frostwood was a great place to spend summer
vacation. I can still smell the rubber of those silly old swimming
caps. We rode our Schwin bikes everywhere even over to January Wabash
park and back again. Never felt frightened playing dodge ball after
dark in the light of the streetlight.
There was a neighborhood IGA, a Ben Franklin with penny candy where we
bought all our Christmas presents for the folks, a Brooks hardware
store that had everything you needed. The IGA lot was where the
carnival (and pony rides, ferris wheel, little cars that went around
in a circle) were held for the neighborhood kids. Cotton candy aroma
for blocks... I think there was a Rexall drugs there too.
The corner gas station gave a bag of candy and sometimes a full set of
glassware with a fill-up. Dad would send us there for gas for the lawn
mower (25 cents filled the can) and we rode our bikes to IGA often for
a loaf of bread or gallon of milk. Sidewalks the whole way.
We attended St. Bartholomew grade school (Fr. Garvens, Mrs Schardt,
Mrs Orso, Mrs Patterson, Mrs Lambert, Sister Celeste (the
terror)Sister Elaine and Sister Carmen. We must have lived through
sweltering heat before school let out for summer. We wore wool
uniforms even then. Went thru 1st - 8th with the same kids. All
friends. Then off to St. Thomas Aquinas for 4 years. We were polite to
adults, held the door for others, called adults Mr or Mrs... Dances in
the cafeteria on Friday night, Christmas Bazaar that was fabulous,
Class of 1960 - 1968. Bonnie Lampert, Donna Pell, Nancy Klein, Debbie
M, Jim Orso, Tom Watson, Matt Gilmore, Mel Stearn, Dave Walters, Pat
Cheetham, Mike Heuer, Judy MacClaine...
My husband and I just moved home to St. Louis after our careers in the
southwest. We have always enjoyed St. Louis and wanted to be part of
it as our StL folks age. I am grateful to all you who stayed here and
keep things up and stay active in these beautiful communities.
Favorite things: noshing thru da Hill (as Steve Miserany would say)
eating Gus' pretzels, Amaghettis (on the Hill only), Forest Park,
Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaw's Garden forever to me), Ferguson
Farmers Market today, Soulard in yesteryear and today, the Science
Center; everything Forest Park. Still hear the Johnny Londoff
Chevrolet song we listened to, while praying for school closing. There
never was a snow day in those years. Picture for a Sunday Afternoon
which was usually Johnny Wisemueller or Charlie Chan or Sherlock
Holmes. Industry on Parade at the Grandview Theatre.
Memories: Luigi's at Airport Road, that little store across the
railroad tracks from the Frostwood Pool, Bettendorf Wrap bakery (those
crescent cookies and eclairs) the bakery off Church Street in
Ferguson, those bakery ladies in Baden who ate eclairs and crank a
small glass of beer at the same time (They also had a long braid which
they pinned in a crown around their head), donuts from the bakery off
Washington in old part of Florissant. Our family visits always seemed
to include a box of donuts which is very St. Louis.
Are there any good sites or recollections of the history on Berkeley
Integration out there? My sis and I are very interested in the
politics behind the law.
-home again, Mrs. Gibb -
Post from Melody Schmitz (5/22/2008)
Does anyone remember a beauty shop on St. Louis Ave. approx. 1968. The
ladies name was Betty?
Post from Gloria (5/22/2008)
In response to Anonymous 05/19/08:
I went to www.NormandyHichSchool.com , clicked on the online directory and found Rosemary Parrino, It will give her married name, there isn't an email address.
Next I went to Classmates.com and found a Phil Parrino who graduated in 1961, he may be related in some way. I would email him and ask if he is related to your friend.
What part of Hanley Hills did you live in, if you don't mind my asking?
As for Maureen O'Connell, did she go to Normandy?
Hanley Hills was a nice place to live at one time.
Post from Mark J.P Manning(5/22/2008)
REF: Mrs. Gibb.
My mother Karen Gillies (Manning) and Aunt Sandy Gillies
(Skellington) both went to St. Thomas Aquinas. She had a friend Gloria
who moved to CA she went to school with. My mother past in Nov 2003, I
came back from Iraq for her last days.
Post from Mrs. Gibb (5/25/2008)
for JP Manning from Mrs. Gibb
JP, you might find some of your Mom's classmates at the site I am now
sending you. Some have emails so you could contact them. The site is
for many years at St. Thomas Aquinas. I believe she was in a different
class than mine.
http://aq-mercy.epconline.com/aquinasgrads.htm#1972
Good luck!
Post from Carol Sue (5/27/2008)
I have written in before but just got back from my 45th high school reunion from Clayton High. I stayed with my best friend, who now lives in South County. We went to see Jersey Boys at the Fox, it was great being inside that wonderful old theatre again, thank goodness they never tore it down. We drove all over even though gas prices were high. I loved going through Forest Park and even got to go on a home tour in the Central West End. When I am there it feels like I never left, I never venture too far west, just don't know anything about all the new areas past Chesterfield and such. Glad to see people continue to write their memories, I love your site, thanks again.
Post from Anonymous (5/31/2008)
I have been reading memories for the past year and had to add mine-- Grew up in Northwoods. Telephone # EV-55476. Went to Ascension grade school. I remember: Sr. Mary Donald, Sr. Barbara and my favorite 5th grade teachers Mrs. Lee and Miss. Abbott. The parade on last day of school and bus trips to Blanchette park for school picnics. Playing softball in the summers and crowding 6-7 girls in coaches' volkswagon to get to games (no seat belt law in those days). The dead-end street Reder where all the kids would play until dark. The cut-through next to the Pages' house to get to the shopping center. Going to Riviera swimming pool-it was huge. Halloween--you actually went into everyone's house and had to tell a joke or sing a song to get candy. Calling "Oh Melanie" to get your friend to come out to play. Taking the bus from Northland shopping center with Straight A tickets to the cardinals' games--watching Lou Brock steal bases. Riding bikes to the airport with girlfriends. The earthquake of 1968--I was watching a Shirley Temple movie that Saturday morning and soon the whole house was shaking. Creature Feature and Wrestling at the Chase on Channel 11. Going to visit my grandma on Hiller Place in Walnut Park and playing "runup" in the alley. The Rio theatre and $1 matinees in the summer. Going to Normandy high school for 3 months before my family moved to Crestwood--we might as well have moved to Mars. After about a year, I became aclimated to south county and now have very fond memories of my teenage years there.
Post from Gordon & Phyllis (6/5/2008)
Dave, love this site. QUESTION: Does anyone remember the name of the movie theater at GRAND & NATURAL BRIDGE?
I thought it was the TOWER, however, my husband doesn't agree. Gordon & Phyllis email:grobinso@mail.win.org (Comment from Dave Lossos: Score one for the husbands of the world! The theater at Grand and Natural Bridge was the Norside. The Tower Theater was located at 2138-40 E. Grand Blvd., near the water tower.)
Post from Anonymous (6/5/2008)
I don't remember the street we lived on in Hanley Hills, I just remember we lived on top of a hill. There was a cemetary behind us. At the bottom of the hill was a little bridge. I think that might have been where we caught the bus to Normandy Jr. high. Thanks for the hint about www.normandyhighschool.com.
Post from GP (6/5/2008)
My phone number was STerling 2354. You knew the area where people lived by the phone exchanges.
Media people: John Roedel, Dottie Bennett, Pookie Snackenberg (on Jack Carney's radio show.)
Ike & Tina Turner played at the Sunset Hills Teen Town on Wednesday nights.
Hodge's Chili Parlor downtown.
The Parkerhouse rolls at the Forum Cafeteria downtown.
Dime stores sold hot peanuts in their candy counters & you could buy a nickel's worth.
Ice cream cones were 5 cents for 1 scoop & 10 cents for 2.
The Powhattan Theater in Maplewood showed movies outside during the summer. Like a drive-in but without the cars.)
You knew to come home when the street lights came on.
The big Katz drugstore downtown sold big, long bags of popcorn & every Katz had one of those photo booths where you made funny faces with your friends all packed into the booth & got a strip of pictures through a slot.
Brain sandwiches were still being sold a few years back at the tavern on the corner of Reavis Barracks & Gravois.
Rather tough girls in the 50's wore their headscarves with the knot tied just below their lower lip, rather than under their chin. Those girls dated Hoods. :)
A Mission Box was on the teacher's desk in Catholic grade schools. The students were urged to drop their coins in to buy "Mission Babies."
Later, moving to the suburbs you were a Schneidy-Packer if you hung out at Schneidhorst's at Clayton & Lindbergh.
Parkmoor's onion rings were the best! So were their Kingburgers.
It seemed there was a German bakery or a tavern on every street corner in S. St. Louis.
One of the tea rooms in either the downtown Famous or Stix store had a magnificent dessert for little girls. The base was a block of cake topped with ice cream with the whole thing overed in whipped cream with sprinkles. A doll was stuck in the top so it looked like a lady in a ball gown (sort of an early Barbie cake.)
What exactly WAS Jack Salmon?
Odorizzi's Steak House downtown. The owner's daughter, Cathy was killed in a car accident on Lindbergh the summer after she graduated from St. Joseph's Academy.
Ruggieri's Steak House. Stan Kann also played the organ there sometimes.
The Toll House restaurant in Webster Groves.
Roncaro's Steak House.
Broasted Chicken.
Fried pie stands.
My mother listening to Arthur Godfrey on the radio while she did her housework or else she listend to Ed Wilson.
Polio scares & not being allowed to go to Maplewood pool for fear of catching it.
Driving out Hwy 66 to the Diamonds as a teenager.
Going to the East Side to drink illegally. Also, the Blue Note in E. St. Louis & seeing Muddy Waters perform and going further south on the East side & seeing Chuck Berry perform "My Ding-a-Ling." (Can't remember the name of the club.)
Evelyn West & her "$50,000.00 Treasure Chest" as insured by Lloyd's of London. She appeared at a burlesque show on DeBaliviere or in that area.
Charm Schools put on in the summer at the downtown department stores. I think they may have been sponsored by Helena Rubenstein. You were to learn how to walk & sit gracefully as well as how to apply make-up.
HoJo's on Clayton Road for the best hot dogs.
Post from Larry (6/5/2008)
Ah the Rio Show...I remember so many Saturday matinees. Mr. Dwyer was
the manager. One day he arranged to have the St. Louis Knights football
team there in person. What a thrill. There was a house on Riverview near
the Rio that had an outdoor goldfish pond. In the winter those fish were
all frozen in the pond, then came back in the spring.
I remember the Arena Roller Skating Rink, a first class facility. Girls
had to wear skating skirts and boys had to wear slacks. No jeans. It was
beautiful and the music was provided by a live organist. During each
skating session they would have "couples only" skating and special
"demonstration" skating. That's when the really good skaters with the
super quiet "precision skates" did dance skating. I remember the
Fourteen Step and the Tango, etc. All that was lost with the huge
tornado that blew the roof off the arena and destroyed the rink that was
in the building next to it. My skates were in for repair and I never saw
them again.
Post from Gene brussman (6/17/2008)
My name is Gene brussman sr and presently live in Panama City Fl I have many happy memeries of St Louis. Does anyone remember a hotdog stand called Worthingtons or Wethingtons ? It was on Hampton close to Oakland. I graduated from Soldan High in 1958.Remember the Union wellston victory and palm theaters as well as the Fox ,Lowes . White Castle hambergers 5 for 25cents I lived in the 5300 Theodosia close to Union andEaston.Go to the St Charles A&w root beer stand for a nickle root beer. I many times wish I still lived in St Louis
Post from Unknown (6/17/2008)
This is in response to Kim Albrights question about the bowling alley on Giles and Gravois. It was in fact, DuBowl Lanes. My grandpa was Virgil Rosa, the manager who helped people out of the building that day it caught fire. It caught fire from electrical problems. The DuBowl lanes that is on Lemay took the name after the fire. I believe the fire was in 1976.
Post from Pat in North Carolina(6/17/2008)
Thank you so much for your time and effort. I really enjoyed your site when my brother forwarded it to me.
Especially the person who noted remembering that Suthwest High School paid for statues out in front of the building instead of a swimming pool. That one is a clear memory!!!
Post from Gloria (6/21/2008)
My grandchildren are spending the summer with me and my plan was to try to show them things that happen when I was growing up. Which I think might be a bit difficult to an extent. The Highlands, West Lake and Holiday Hills amusement parks are gone. It's against the law to raise chickens in St. Louis County, so no fresh eggs each morning.
Anyway, the boys were getting ready to jump in our pool and it started raining, no lighting or thunder just a soft summer rain, as they came back in the house they had a sad look on their faces, I told them to cheer up that when I was a child I would go outside and play in the rain, or sit on the curbs and float little paper boats down the street, or just lay down on the grass and chew on a few sprigs of peppermint leaves,then when the rain stopped we went swimming in our pool. What a wonderful time.
While they were in the pool I brought out my clothes line and clothes props to hang up a load of laundry, I
can remember the smell of clean fresh clothes, and nothing better the aroma of fresh sheets on beds.
The boys ask me if my clothes dryer was broken which gave me a chuckle. Later I found out that newer
