Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Priscilla Block to perform at The Pageant.

• Upcoming Steve Ewing concert.

• A deep-dive into the life of Elijah Parish Lovejoy.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In St. Louis, which famous brewery offers tours showcasing the brewing process and includes a visit to the historic Clydesdale stables?

A) Schlafly Bottleworks

B) Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

C) Anheuser-Busch Brewery

D) 4 Hands Brewing Co.

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic St. Louis hotel, opened in 1903, famous for its beautiful architecture and the introduction of the first French-style roof garden in the United States, is D) The Mayfair Hotel.

News

💼 Business

YWCA graduates; Integrate builds; Enterprise Mobility wins. (Link)

F&M adds; First Mid awards; Lutheran Services hires. (Link)

Former AT&T tower in downtown St. Louis sold to Boston firm. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Tipsheet: Calipari's jump to Arkansas makes SEC basketball even stronger. (Link)

Zillow Names St. Louis the Best Market for First-Time Home Buyers in 2024. (Link)

Cardinals rally in 9th to force extra innings but cannot keep up with phillies in the end. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Chesterfield firm that uses aircraft for geospatial mapping acquired in $44M deal. (Link)

Back taxes on Paul McKee properties top $1.6 million. St. Louis prepares tax sale. (Link)

Office in St. Louis' Cortex area helps minority- and women-owned businesses. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Busch Stadium, Saint Louis, MO
Friday, Apr. 19th | (More info)

🏈 St. Louis Battlehawks vs. Memphis Showboats
The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis, MO
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

⚾ St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Busch Stadium, Saint Louis, MO
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Games We Play
Old Rockhouse, St Louis, MO, US
Tuesday, Apr. 16th | (More info)

🎵 North By North
The Heavy Anchor, St Louis, MO, US
Wednesday, Apr. 17th | (More info)

🎵 Priscilla Block
The Pageant, St Louis, MO, US
Thursday, Apr. 18th | (More info)

🎵 Elvenking
Red Flag, St Louis, MO, US
Friday, Apr. 19th | (More info)

🎵 Steve Ewing
River City Casino, St Louis, MO, US
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

Family

📚 Free Kids Event: Children's Book Story Time
St. Louis
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

🎭 Balkan Comedy Night
799 Clark Avenue, St. Louis
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “St. Louis with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

St. Louis Historical Events

Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) - The exploration of the Louisiana Territory begins in St. Louis.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was a landmark event in American history, inaugurating the exploration of the vast wilderness of the Louisiana Territory. Initiated by President Thomas Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the expedition aimed to map the newly acquired territory, find a practical route across the Western half of the continent, and establish an American presence before European powers attempted to claim it. Beginning in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a group of volunteers on an epic journey that would pave the way for westward expansion.

The expedition set out from St. Louis, moving up the Missouri River with a keelboat and two pirogues. They faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather, difficult terrains, unknown diseases, and occasional tensions with Native American tribes. However, the expedition also marked a period of valuable exchanges between the explorers and indigenous peoples, from whom they received crucial assistance in navigating the terrain and surviving the harsh conditions. The journey led them across the Great Plains, through the Rocky Mountains, and eventually to the Pacific Coast, documenting new species of flora and fauna, mapping the geography, and establishing trade routes along the way.

Upon their return to St. Louis in September 1806, Lewis and Clark were hailed as heroes. Their expedition had lasted over two years, covering approximately 8,000 miles across uncharted American land. The detailed maps they created and their journals, filled with observations on Native American cultures, plant and animal species, and geographical features, provided invaluable knowledge for the young nation. The Lewis and Clark Expedition significantly contributed to the United States' understanding of the vast lands west of the Mississippi and helped to fuel the spirit of Manifest Destiny that would dominate American ideology in the 19th century.

Famous People From St. Louis

Elijah Parish Lovejoy (1802–1837):

Early Years and Education (1802-1826):

Born in Albion, Maine, Elijah Parish Lovejoy was raised in a religious family. He developed a profound sense of moral duty and justice from an early age. After working as a teacher to support his education, Lovejoy graduated from Waterville College (now Colby College) in 1826.

The Move to St. Louis and Initial Career (1827-1832):

In search of better opportunities, Lovejoy moved to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1827. He initially worked in various roles, including as a teacher and a schoolmaster, before deciding to pursue journalism. Lovejoy's experiences in St. Louis shaped his views on slavery and freedom, laying the foundation for his later activism.

Religious Awakening and Ordination (1832-1833):

Lovejoy experienced a religious awakening that redirected his life's purpose toward serving God and advocating for moral causes. By 1833, he decided to become a Presbyterian minister. His commitment to Christianity deepened his resolve to fight against slavery.

Founding of St. Louis Observer (1833-1835):

With his newfound religious fervor and commitment to abolitionism, Lovejoy founded the St. Louis Observer, a weekly Presbyterian newspaper. Through his editorials, he denounced the evils of slavery and called for emancipation, attracting both support and hostility.

Tensions in St. Louis and Anti-Slavery Stance (1835-1836):

Lovejoy's anti-slavery rhetoric intensified, causing tensions in St. Louis, a city with deeply rooted slaveholding interests. His forthright condemnations of slavery and calls for civil rights for freedmen made him numerous enemies. Despite threats to his safety, Lovejoy remained resolute in his mission.

Relocation to Alton and the Defense of Press Freedom (1836-1837):

In 1836, facing mounting pressure and threats, Lovejoy relocated to Alton, Illinois, a free state. Here, he continued his abolitionist journalism with the Alton Observer. Lovejoy's defense of press freedom and abolition became more pronounced, as he faced hostile mobs and saw his printing press destroyed three times.

The Alton Riots and Martyrdom (November 7, 1837):

The tensions culminating from Lovejoy's abolitionist activities reached a tragic climax on November 7, 1837. A pro-slavery mob, intent on destroying his fourth printing press, attacked the warehouse where it was stored. Lovejoy, defending his right to free speech and press, was shot and killed by the mob, becoming a martyr for the abolitionist cause.

Impact on the Abolitionist Movement (Post-1837):

Lovejoy's death sent shockwaves through the nation, galvanizing the abolitionist movement. He was hailed as a hero and martyr in the fight against slavery. Lovejoy's courage and principles inspired many, including fellow abolitionist John Brown and Abraham Lincoln, to take a stronger stand against slavery.

The Legacy of Elijah Lovejoy (1837 and Beyond):

Elijah Parish Lovejoy's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the press freedom and abolitionist movements. In 1897, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument was erected in Alton, Illinois, in his honor, serving as a lasting testament to his contributions to American society and his ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

Remembering Elijah Parish Lovejoy (1837 and Beyond):

Even after his death, Lovejoy remains a symbol of moral courage and conviction. His life story continues to inspire those who champion civil liberties, human rights, and the ongoing struggle against oppression. Elijah Parish Lovejoy's commitment to press freedom and abolition has secured his place in American history as a beacon of hope and justice.

Key Achievements of Elijah Parish Lovejoy:

• Pioneering abolitionist journalist and editor in a time of mounting tensions over slavery in the United States.

• Founded the St. Louis Observer, using it as a platform to denounce the institution of slavery.

• Became a Presbyterian minister, integrating his religious convictions with his abolitionist activities.

• Relocated to Alton, Illinois, in pursuit of a safer environment for his anti-slavery journalism, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

• Became a martyr for the abolitionist cause and press freedom, after being killed by a pro-slavery mob while defending his printing press.

Elijah Parish Lovejoy's legacy is that of a fearless advocate for the abolition of slavery and a staunch defender of press freedom. His moral courage and steadfast commitment to justice, even in the face of violent opposition, make him a towering figure in American history. Lovejoy's life and martyrdom remind us of the enduring power of conviction and the sacrosanct nature of the right to free expression.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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