Sponsored by:

Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• St. Louis-based mining firm gets $400M financing proposal.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of David Rowland Francis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

— Arthur Ashe

Sponsored

Get The Coverage You Need, Without Breaking the Bank.  Savvy Insurance Delivers Average Savings of $1,500/year.

Auto and home insurance premiums are rising, but you don't have to pay more. Savvy's easy-to-use platform and expert agents help you find the right coverage at the best price. Compare dozens of insurers and save up to $1,500/year!

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!

Which St. Louis event, focused on literature and the arts, annually gathers authors, poets, and artists for readings, discussions, and signings?

A) The St. Louis Literary Festival

B) The Missouri Literary Festival

C) The St. Louis Book Fair

D) Lit in the Lou

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic venue in St. Louis recognized as the birthplace of a major international fast-food chain, featuring a museum and original restaurant equipment, is C) The first Steak 'n Shake

News

💼 Business

Financial services giant Edward Jones to pay $50M penalty in SEC record-keeping probe. (Link)

St. Louis-based mining firm gets $400M financing proposal. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Kyle Gibson, slumping Cardinals try to avert sweep vs. Reds: First Pitch. (Link)

St. Louisan Dominick Puni 'doing a hell of a job so far' for San Francisco 49ers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$150M redevelopment of public housing complex to begin in 2025. (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

⚾ Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tue, Aug 20th - Thu, Aug 22nd | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Mon, Aug 26th - Thu, Aug 29th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Black Flag
The Golden Record, St Louis
Wednesday, Aug 21st | (More info)

🎵 Paul Thorn
City Winery St. Louis, St Louis
Thursday, Aug 22nd | (More info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt St. Louis
4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Monday, Aug 19th | (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 a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” 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

Soulard Farmers Market Established (1779) - One of the oldest markets in the U.S.

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, the Soulard Farmers Market stands as a vivid testament to the city's rich history and cultural vibrancy. Established in 1779, it is one of the oldest public markets in the United States, predating even the founding of the city itself. Throughout its long history, the market has been a bustling center of trade and community, serving as a vital link between the farmers of the surrounding regions and the urban residents of St. Louis. Over the decades, it has evolved but has always retained its core purpose of bringing fresh produce and goods to the people of the city.

The architecture of the market, with its grand red brick hall, is reminiscent of its storied past. The main building, which dates back to the 1920s, is a landmark of the neighborhood and is surrounded by outdoor stalls that fill up with vendors early in the morning. These vendors offer a wide variety of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses, meats, and baked goods. The market is not only a place to shop but also a cultural and social hub, where locals and tourists alike gather to experience the vibrant atmosphere, sample exotic foods, and soak in the historic surroundings.

Today, Soulard Farmers Market continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of community and resilience. It hosts events and festivals throughout the year, bringing people together to celebrate the seasons, local produce, and culinary traditions. For many St. Louisans, a visit to the market is a weekly ritual, a way to connect with the past while enjoying the offerings of the present. As one of the oldest markets in the U.S., it stands as a beacon of continuity, reminding us of the importance of local markets in fostering community ties and supporting local farmers and artisans.

Famous People From St. Louis

David Rowland Francis: 1850-1927

David Rowland Francis was a distinguished American politician and public servant, whose career spanned various significant roles including that of Mayor of St. Louis, Governor of Missouri, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior. His life and work left a lasting impact on Missouri and the nation.

Early Years and Education (1850-1870)

David R. Francis was born in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1850. His early years were spent in Kentucky where he received his basic education before pursuing higher studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. His time at Washington University laid the foundation for his deep connections with the city of St. Louis.

Establishing Roots in St. Louis (1870-1884)

After completing his education, Francis chose to stay in St. Louis, a decision that would mark the beginning of his long and impactful relationship with the city. He ventured into the world of business, quickly establishing himself as a successful entrepreneur in the grain industry. This period was crucial in building his wealth and reputation in St. Louis, setting the stage for his political career.

Mayor of St. Louis (1884-1889)

Francis's foray into politics began with his election as Mayor of St. Louis in 1884. His tenure as mayor was marked by significant improvements in the city’s infrastructure and public services. Francis's leadership during the Great St. Louis Cyclone of 1896 showcased his commitment to the city and its residents, earning him widespread admiration.

Governor of Missouri (1889-1893)

Riding on the wave of his successful mayoral stint, Francis was elected as the Governor of Missouri in 1889. His governorship was characterized by efforts to modernize the state’s economy and educational system. Francis advocated for fair labor laws and sought to improve the welfare of Missouri’s citizens, demonstrating his progressive vision for the state.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior (1896-1897)

Francis's political career reached new heights when President Grover Cleveland appointed him as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1896. In this role, Francis focused on conservation issues and the management of land and natural resources. His brief tenure was notable for initiatives aimed at protecting America's natural heritage.

Diplomatic Service and World’s Fair (1897-1905)

Following his term as Secretary of the Interior, Francis was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, serving from 1897 to 1898. His diplomatic efforts contributed to strengthening U.S.-Russia relations. Returning from Russia, Francis played a pivotal role in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World’s Fair, in 1904. As the President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company, he was instrumental in the fair’s success, which left a lasting legacy in St. Louis.

Later Years and Legacy (1905-1927)

After his active political and public service career, Francis continued to contribute to public life through various roles in business and education, never straying far from his beloved St. Louis. He passed away in 1927, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to the city and state he served.

Francis in St. Louis: A Lasting Connection

David R. Francis's connection to St. Louis was profound and enduring. Beyond his political career, he was deeply involved in the city’s cultural and social life. His contributions to St. Louis, from his infrastructure projects as mayor to his pivotal role in the World's Fair, had a transformative impact on the city’s development.

Key Achievements of David R. Francis:

• Served as Mayor of St. Louis, implementing significant infrastructure improvements.

• Elected Governor of Missouri, where he advocated for educational reform and workers' rights.

• Served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, focusing on conservation and natural resource management.

• Played a central role in organizing the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.

• Strengthened U.S.-Russia relations as U.S. Ambassador to Russia.

David R. Francis's life and career were characterized by dedication to public service, a progressive vision for the future, and a deep commitment to the city of St. Louis. His influence on Missouri’s political landscape and his contributions to the cultural and social fabric of St. Louis are enduring testaments to his leadership and vision. Through his various roles, Francis worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and to leave a lasting positive impact on the community and country he served.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Poll