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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming St. Louis scavenger hunt

• Upcoming Marshmello concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Martha Gellhorn

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” 

–Confucius

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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 historic home is known for being the former residence of the city's founder, Pierre Laclede Liguest, offering insights into the early days of St. Louis?

A) The Laclede House

B) The Campbell House Museum

C) The Sappington House

D) The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The historical figure's home in St. Louis that has been preserved as a museum, offering insights into the life of the famed explorers Lewis and Clark, is B) The William Clark Home

News

💼 Business

Judge denies new trial for father-daughter Clayton legal team. (Link)

New Riverfront Times editor defends pornography reviews. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Mizzou's Karissa Schweizer reaches Olympic 5,000-meter final. (Link)

Cardinals Trade Carlson To Tampa Bay, McGreevy Getting Called Up, Magical Moment For Tommy Pham. (Link)

🏦 Finance

CarShield paying $10M to resolve deceptive ad charges. (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

⚾ Tampa Bay Rays at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Washed Out and Babehoven
Delmar Hall, St Louis
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Marshmello
The Factory at The District, St Louis
Friday, August 9, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🕵️‍♂️ Scavenger Hunt St. Louis
4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (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 eco-city St. Louis with lush greenery and no visible technology” 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

St. Louis-San Francisco Railway Merger (1980) - Significant in the history of U.S. railroads.

The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway Merger with the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) in 1980 stands as a significant event in the history of U.S. railroads, shaping the landscape of rail transportation in the Midwest and beyond. Known colloquially as the Frisco, the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway had a rich history dating back to its founding in the 19th century, serving as a vital link for freight and passenger service across the central and southwestern United States. By the late 20th century, the economic challenges and the competitive pressures of the evolving transportation industry prompted the Frisco to seek a merger with a larger rail system, leading to its integration into the Burlington Northern network.

The Burlington Northern Railroad, itself a product of several major rail mergers in the 1970s, was looking to expand its operations and enhance its service offerings. The merger with the Frisco fit neatly into Burlington Northern's strategic ambitions, promising to create a more efficient and comprehensive rail system. The integration of the Frisco's lines extended Burlington Northern's reach into key markets in the South and Southeast, including important connections in St. Louis, a critical hub for both railroads. This expansion not only solidified BN's position as one of the largest railroad networks in the United States but also marked a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the U.S. rail industry, which would continue in the decades to follow.

The completion of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway merger on November 21, 1980, marked a turning point for rail transportation in the region and the nation. For St. Louis, it affirmed the city's importance as a critical freight and logistics center, a status that was further enhanced by the improved capabilities and extended reach of the Burlington Northern network. The merger reflected broader trends in the U.S. rail industry towards consolidation and efficiency, setting the stage for the modern freight rail system. Today, the legacy of the Frisco lives on through the continued operations of its successor companies, contributing to the dynamic and interconnected rail network that is a cornerstone of American commerce.

Famous People From St. Louis

Martha Gellhorn (1908–1998)

Lee Falk, a visionary storyteller and creative genius behind two of the world’s most enduring comic strips, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician, spent his defining years in St. Louis, Missouri. His illustrious career spanned more than six decades, during which he captivated audiences with tales of heroism, mystique, and adventure. Falk's legacy as a pioneer in the comic strip genre remains unparalleled, shaping the medium and influencing generations of artists and writers.

Early Life and Inspiration (1911-1934)

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Lee Falk's early life was steeped in a rich tapestry of literature and performing arts. From a tender age, he found solace and inspiration in the world of books, showing a particular fondness for tales of magic and adventure. This passion would sow the seeds for his future creations. Despite his eventual move to New York, his formative years in St. Louis instilled in him a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for storytelling.

Creating Mandrake the Magician (1934-1940)

In 1934, Falk brought to life his first iconic character, Mandrake the Magician. Armed with hypnotic powers and an unwavering sense of justice, Mandrake captivated readers, becoming one of the first superheroes in the comic strip genre. Falk's combination of magic, mystery, and human drama set a new standard for storytelling, proving to be an instant success.

The Birth of The Phantom (1936-1940s)

Just two years after Mandrake's debut, Falk introduced ""The Phantom"", the first comic strip superhero to wear a skin-tight costume and a mask. Set in the fictional African country of Bangalla, The Phantom followed the adventures of a line of crimefighters dating back to the 16th century. This character not only expanded Falk’s universe but also established enduring comic strip conventions.

World War II and Beyond (1940s-1950s)

During World War II, Falk served in the Office of War Information, where he was involved in the production of propaganda. His experiences during the war influenced his storytelling, introducing darker and more complex narratives into his works. Following the war, Falk continued to expand the mythos of his creations, introducing new characters and stories that kept readers engaged for decades.

A Legacy of Storytelling (1950s-1970s)

Throughout the 1950s and 1970s, Falk solidified his status as a master storyteller. He further explored the worlds of Mandrake and The Phantom, pushing the boundaries of the comic strip medium. His work during this period is characterized by intricate plots, memorable characters, and moral themes that resonated with readers worldwide.

Innovations in Comic Strips (1970s-1980s)

Falk's innovations in the comic strip genre continued unabated in the 1970s and 1980s. He experimented with long-form storytelling and serialized narratives, introducing a level of depth and complexity previously unseen in comic strips. Falk's approach to storytelling influenced many other comic strip writers and artists, establishing a template for future generations to follow.

The Final Years (1980s-1999)

Even in the later years of his career, Falk remained a prolific creator, tirelessly working on new stories for Mandrake and The Phantom until his death in 1999. His dedication to his craft and his characters remained unwavering, a testament to his passion for storytelling.

Falk's Enduring Legacy (Post-1999)

After Falk's passing, his creations continued to thrive, with new writers and artists taking up the mantle to continue the stories of Mandrake the Magician and The Phantom. His influence on the comic strip and popular culture is enduring, with his characters and themes remaining relevant and beloved by fans around the world.

Key Achievements of Lee Falk:

• Created two of the longest-running and most iconic comic strips in history, The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician.

• Introduced the first masked, costume superhero in comic strips with The Phantom.

• Pioneered long-form and serialized storytelling in the comic strip medium.

• Inspired generations of writers, artists, and readers with his imaginative and compelling narratives.

Lee Falk's legacy as a pioneering comic strip creator and storyteller is indelible. His innovative approach to storytelling, characterized by complex narratives and rich character development, set new standards in the medium. Through his creations, Falk captivated readers worldwide, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come. His life and work remain a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.

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

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