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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Construction to start later this year on $14M trail connecting CityPark to Midtown.

• Upcoming Chuck Mead match

• A deep-dive into the life of Sara Teasdale

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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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!

Which St. Louis park is famous for its elaborate holiday lights display, attracting visitors from across the region for a festive experience?

A) Forest Park

B) Tower Grove Park

C) Tilles Park

D) Lafayette Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The educational institution in St. Louis noted for its significant contributions to medical research, consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States, is B) Washington University School of Medicine.

News

💼 Business

Maker of surgical-simulation cadavers raises $2.25M. (Link)

Metro East-based law firm to enter new market with 6th office. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SLU men's soccer adds another nationally recognized recruiting class. (Link)

Way-too-early predictions for the NHL 2024-25 season: Stanley Cup winner, dark horse, playoff field, awards. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Construction to start later this year on $14M trail connecting CityPark to Midtown. (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

⚾ Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday, Jul. 26th to Sunday, Jul. 28th | (More info)

⚽ Leagues Cup Group Stage: FC Dallas at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Saturday, Jul. 27th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Lake Street Dive
St. Louis Music Park, St. Louis
Tuesday, Jul. 16th | (More info)

🎵 Chuck Mead w/ Florian Fox
The Golden Record, St. Louis
Wednesday, Jul. 17th | (More info)

Family

🌟 Kids & Krystals Summer Camp
Tower Grove, St. Louis
Monday, Jul. 15th | (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 where each district represents a different season” 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

First Kindergarten in the U.S. (1873) - Founded by Susan Blow in St. Louis.

The first kindergarten in the United States was established in 1873 by Susan Blow in the city of St. Louis, marking a revolutionary step in early childhood education. This significant development was inspired by the work of Friedrich Froebel, the German educator who founded the first kindergarten in the world. Recognizing the importance of early learning, Blow dedicated herself to the application of Froebel's educational philosophy, which emphasized play, creativity, and self-activity as crucial elements in the development of young minds. She transformed the Des Peres School, located in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis, into the first American institution to adopt this innovating teaching model, offering a structured yet nurturing environment for preschool-aged children.

Susan Blow's pioneering efforts in St. Louis were not just about establishing an educational facility; they signified a radical shift in how society approached early childhood education. Prior to this, there were limited formal educational opportunities for children under the age of six. Blow's kindergarten was groundbreaking, as it introduced the concept that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences, ideas that were quite innovative at the time. Her work established a foundation for the kindergarten movement to spread across the United States, profoundly influencing American education. The success of this first kindergarten led to the establishment of additional kindergartens throughout St. Louis and eventually across the country.

The legacy of the first kindergarten in St. Louis extends beyond its historical significance; it laid the groundwork for the universal acceptance of early childhood education in the United States. Susan Blow's dedication to Froebel's principles not only transformed the landscape of preschool education but also highlighted the importance of the early years in shaping individuals' lifelong learning paths. Today, kindergartens are an integral part of the American education system, reflecting Blow's early vision of nurturing young minds through engaging, play-based learning. Her pioneering work in St. Louis serves as a testament to the enduring value of early childhood education and its crucial role in individual and societal development.

Famous People From St. Louis

Sara Teasdale (1884–1933)

Sara Teasdale, a lyric poet from St. Louis, captivated readers and critics alike with her simple and clear poetic voice, becoming one of the early 20th century's most praised voices in American poetry. Her life, characterized by both triumph and tragedy, spins a narrative as compelling as her verses.

Early Years and Poetic Beginnings (1884-1907)

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Sara Teasdale was the youngest child of a well-to-do family. From a young age, she exhibited a sensitivity and love for poetry, which was nurtured in the private schools she attended. Her health was fragile, leading to periods of isolation that deepened her introspective nature and inexorable bond with the written word.

A Voice Emerges (1907-1911)

Teasdale's early work began to gain attention in local literary circles, culminating in the publication of her first volume, "Sonnets to Duse, and Other Poems," in 1907. Her poetry, marked by its emotional intensity and lyrical beauty, resonated with a growing audience. During this period, she became a central figure in the St. Louis poetry community, where her talent was recognized and encouraged.

Recognition and Acclaim (1911-1918)

Teasdale's stature as a poet grew with each subsequent publication. Her third collection, "Rivers to the Sea" (1915), was a commercial and critical success, establishing her as a major voice in American poetry. Her work from this period reflects a maturation of her voice and a deepening of her thematic concerns, with love and beauty recurring as central motifs.

Love and Marriage (1914-1922)

In 1914, Teasdale married Ernst Filsinger, a businessman who had courted her for several years. While the marriage provided stability and support for her writing, it lacked emotional fulfillment, a theme that would increasingly manifest in her poetry. Despite her personal turmoil, Teasdale continued to produce work that was acclaimed for its emotional depth and artistry.

Creative Peak and Personal Challenges (1920-1926)

Teasdale's creativity reached new heights with the publication of "Love Songs" (1917), which earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1918. Despite her professional success, Teasdale's marriage deteriorated, leading to her divorce in 1929. This period was marked by significant personal challenges, including health issues and profound loneliness, themes that found expression in her later poetry.

Return to St. Louis and Final Years (1927-1933)

Following her divorce, Teasdale returned to St. Louis, seeking comfort in her family and childhood surroundings. However, her health continued to decline, and she battled with bouts of depression. Her final collections, including "Strange Victory" (1933), were introspective, exploring themes of mortality and the transient nature of happiness.

Her Connection to St. Louis

St. Louis held a special place in Teasdale's life and work. It was not only her birthplace and final refuge but also the genesis of her poetic inspiration. The city's vibrant literary scene in the early 20th century provided a nurturing environment for her talent, and she remained connected to St. Louis throughout her life, drawing inspiration from its landscapes and seasons.

Death and Legacy (1933)

Teasdale's life came to a tragic end in 1933 when she died by suicide at the age of 48. Her death shocked the literary world and her many admirers. Despite the tragic end, Teasdale left behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and clarity. Her influence on American poetry, particularly lyric poetry, endures to this day.

Key Achievements of Sara Teasdale:

• Published multiple acclaimed poetry collections, including "Rivers to the Sea" and "Love Songs."

• Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1918 for "Love Songs."

• Became a pivotal figure in the St. Louis literary scene, contributing significantly to its development.

Sara Teasdale's life was a profound journey marked by breathtaking artistic achievements and deep personal struggles. Her poetry, characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and emotive strength, earned her a permanent place in American literature. Teasdale's contributions to the poetic form and the themes she explored through her work continue to resonate, making her legacy as one of the early 20th century's most beloved lyric poets secure and enduring.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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