Sponsored by:

Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Illinois awards $5.5M in forgivable loans to social equity cannabis dispensaries.

• Upcoming Dave Barnes concrert

• A deep-dive into the life of Betty Grable

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” 

–Pele

Sponsored

Investors have trusted this platform with +$1bn - here’s why

Through COVID, soaring inflation, and today’s crushing interest rates, a group of enterprising investors have collectively entrusted one billion dollars from their portfolios to Masterworks’ art investing platform.

Why? Because the contemporary art Masterworks offers—from legends like Picasso and Banksy—has demonstrated a low correlation to the stock market, inflation resistance, and exceptional appreciation potential. Not to mention Masterworks has completed 23 successful exits to date, distributing over $60+ million in net proceeds to investors in those offerings.

These investors didn’t need art expertise to diversify with blue-chip art, because Masterworks does all the heavy lifting, finding artists with appreciation potential (buying <3% of works offered) and then breaking an art offering into shares for you. If Masterworks sells a piece again for a profit, investors get a return. With 3 illustrative sales, Masterworks investors have realized net annualized returns of +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%.

With 65,000+ investors, offerings can sell out quickly. Luckily, you can get priority access here.

Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investment involves risk.

Disclosures:

The content is not intended to provide legal, tax, or investment advice.

No money is being solicited or will be accepted until the offering statement for a particular offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers may be revoked at any time. Contacting Masterworks involves no commitment or obligation.

Contemporary art data based on repeat-sales index of historical Post-War & Contemporary Art market prices from 1995 to 2023, developed by Masterworks. There are significant limitations to comparative asset class data. Indices are unmanaged and a Masterworks investor cannot invest directly in an index. 

Net proceeds distributed back represents the total liquidation proceeds distributed back to investors, net of all fees, expenses and proceeds reinvested in Masterworks offerings, of all works Masterworks has exited to date.

See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

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 innovative public space combines urban park amenities with sustainable rainwater management, serving as a model for ecological urban design?

A) Citygarden

B) Tower Grove Park

C) Forest Park

D) The Gateway Mall

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis event focused on literature and the arts, annually gathering authors, poets, and artists for readings, discussions, and signings, is D) Lit in the Lou

News

💼 Business

St. Louis-based baking products company expands with acquisition. (Link)

Preschool company adds new St. Louis-area center, plans next opening. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Hermann loading up for run at Four Rivers crown: No. 10 small school. (Link)

Three Cardinals takeaways: Frustrating week puts playoff hopes in jeopardy. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Illinois awards $5.5M in forgivable loans to social equity cannabis dispensaries. (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

⚽ North Texas SC at St. Louis CITY2
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Sunday, Aug 25th | (More info)

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

Music & Concerts

🎵 Dave Barnes
City Winery St. Louis, St Louis
Saturday, Aug 24th | (More info)

🎵 Eric Roberson
City Winery Stl, St Louis
Sunday, Aug 25th | (More info)

Family

🌿 Self-Care Summer Series (August)
5959 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis
Sunday, Aug 25th | (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 “An architecturally symmetrical St. Louis” 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

1904 Summer Olympics - The first Olympic Games held in the United States.

The 1904 Summer Olympics, held in St. Louis, Missouri, marked a significant moment in sports history as the first Olympic Games to be conducted on American soil. These games were part of the World's Fair, officially known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. The intertwining of the Olympics with the World's Fair intended to draw greater international participation and attention; however, it also led to a chaotic organization and a unique set of challenges. The games spanned over four and a half months, from July 1 to November 23, 1904, making them one of the longest in the history of the Olympic movement.

The 1904 Summer Olympics showcased more than 650 athletes, although participation was significantly affected by the distant location and the difficulty of the international journey to St. Louis at the time. Competitors from just 12 countries took part, with the majority of athletes being from the United States. This skewed representation impacted the competitive nature of the games, with American athletes winning 239 of the 280 available medals. Though this dominance underscored the limited global representation, it also highlighted the emerging sports culture in the United States and set a precedent for the nation's significant involvement in future Olympic Games.

Despite facing logistical issues and limited international participation, the 1904 St. Louis Olympics were pioneering on various fronts. They were the first to award gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third place, a practice that has continued to this day. The games also saw the introduction of new sports, like boxing, freestyle wrestling, and decathlon, enriching the Olympic tradition. However, due to the overshadowing presence of the World's Fair and the less inclusive nature of these games, they often remain a footnote in Olympic history. Nevertheless, the 1904 Summer Olympics were a stepping stone that demonstrated the potential for the global sporting event's expansion and evolution into the international spectacle it is today.

Famous People From St. Louis

Betty Grable: 1916–1973

Betty Grable, an emblem of the Golden Age of Hollywood, was more than just an actress and singer; she was an American icon whose legacy has transcended generations. Born and raised in the heartland of St. Louis, Grable's journey from a small-town girl to a global pin-up sensation encapsulates the quintessential American dream.

Early Life and Beginnings in St. Louis (1916-1930)

Betty Grable's journey started in St. Louis, Missouri, where she was born as Elizabeth Ruth Grable. The allure of show business captured her imagination early on, thanks to her mother's relentless ambition for her to become a star. From a very young age, Grable was enrolled in dance classes, and her family's relocation to Hollywood was a testament to their dedication to her future stardom.

Rise to Fame in Hollywood (1930-1940)

Grable's initial years in Hollywood were marked by a series of uncredited roles and small parts in films. It wasn't easy, but her perseverance paid off. By the late 1930s, she began landing more substantial roles, displaying a knack for comedy and musicals that would soon become her trademark.

Iconic Roles and Musical Successes (1940-1950)

The 1940s were the pinnacle of Grable's career. She starred in several hit musicals and comedies, including Down Argentine Way and Mother Wore Tights. Her charm, talent, and unparalleled beauty made her one of the top box-office draws of the decade. Grable's singing voice, while not classically trained, was warm and inviting, adding a relatable quality to her on-screen personas.

Million Dollar Legs and Pin-Up Phenomenon (1940s)

Perhaps what Betty Grable is most famously remembered for is her iconic pin-up photo, which featured her looking over her shoulder with her legs prominently displayed. This image became the most requested photograph among G.I.s stationed overseas during World War II, earning her the nickname The Girl with the Million Dollar Legs. Grable's pin-up status wasn't just about her physical appearance; it symbolized American beauty and optimism during a time of global conflict.

Connection to St. Louis (Throughout Life)

Despite her Hollywood success, Grable never forgot her St. Louis roots. She often referenced her upbringing in interviews, attributing her grounded nature and work ethic to her Midwestern background. Her connection to St. Louis remained a proud aspect of her identity.

Transition to Television and Later Career (1950-1960)

As the golden era of Hollywood began to wane, and with the rise of television, Grable adeptly transitioned to the small screen. She appeared on various TV shows, adapting to the changing landscape of entertainment. Although she never replicated the monumental success of her film career, Grable remained a beloved public figure.

Personal Life and Marriages (Throughout Career)

Grable's personal life, especially her marriages to former child actor Jackie Coogan and trumpeter Harry James, was subject to public fascination. Her relationship with James produced two daughters and was marked by both love and turmoil, mirroring the highs and lows of her professional life.

Final Years and Legacy (1960-1973)

Betty Grable's final years saw her performing in nightclubs and engaging in a few acting projects. She passed away in 1973 from lung cancer, but left behind a legacy that far surpassed the temporal boundaries of her life. Today, she is remembered not just as a film star, but as an enduring symbol of joy and resilience.

Key Achievements of Betty Grable:

• Starred in over 42 films, many of which were top-grossing hits during the 1940s.

• Her iconic pin-up photo became a symbol of hope and beauty during World War II.

• Known affectionately as The Girl with the Million Dollar Legs after her legs were famously insured for $1 million.

• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the motion picture industry.

• Served as a beacon of American culture, both domestically and abroad, during a critical period in history.

Betty Grable's story is a testament to the power of determination, talent, and charm. From her humble beginnings in St. Louis to becoming an international symbol of allure and optimism, Grable navigated the highs and lows of fame with grace. Her legacy as a beloved actress, singer, and pin-up girl endures, marking her as one of the most iconic figures of 20th-century entertainment.

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