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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Cannabis firm in $19M fight with partner.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Thomas Hart Benton

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not."

— Oscar Wilde

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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 venue is known for hosting live music performances across a range of genres, housed in a former movie palace?

A) The Pageant

B) Delmar Hall

C) The Fabulous Fox Theatre

D) The Sheldon Concert Hall

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The St. Louis museum focused on the history of transportation, showcasing an extensive collection of locomotives, cars, aircraft, and riverboats, is C) National Museum of Transportation.

News

💼 Business

Delayed Chesterfield music development Gateway Studios in dispute with contractor, says it will complete project. (Link)

Investor group makes offer to acquire St. Louis public company. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Miles Mikolas' run of strong outings for the Cardinals hits a snag against the Reds. (Link)

Lars Nootbaar prepares to begin rehab assignment for oblique injury: Cardinals Extra. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Cannabis firm in $19M fight with partner. (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

⚽ San Jose Earthquakes at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Wed, Jul 3 | (More info)

⚾ Kansas City Royals at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Tue, Jul 9 and Wed, Jul 10 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Cryptopsy
Red Flag, St Louis
Wed, Jul 3 | (More info)

🎵 Eidola
Red Flag, St Louis
Sun, Jul 7 | (More info)

Family

🏌️ Summer Academy 2024 Topgolf St. Louis
3201 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis
Starting Mon, Jul 8 | (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 gravity-defying structures” 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 Walk of Fame Established (1988) - Honoring notable people from St. Louis.

Established in 1988, the St. Louis Walk of Fame is a tribute and an acknowledgment to the remarkable individuals who have roots in St. Louis, Missouri, and who have made significant contributions in various fields such as the arts, science, sports, music, and more. Located in the Delmar Loop, an entertainment, cultural and restaurant district in St. Louis, the Walk of Fame serves not only as a reminder of the city's rich heritage but also as an inspiration to current and future generations. Each honoree's name is etched into brass stars and embedded into the sidewalks along Delmar Boulevard, accompanied by bronze plaques that offer a brief biography and highlight the achievements that have merited their inclusion.

The St. Louis Walk of Fame spans several blocks and features a growing list of honorees, each selected by the Walk of Fame's selection committee based on their significant contribution to their respective fields and their connections to St. Louis. Notable inductees include T.S. Eliot, a Nobel Prize-winning poet; Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll music; and Josephine Baker, an internationally renowned performer and civil rights activist. These luminaries, among others, represent the diverse talent that has emanated from St. Louis, each leaving an indelible mark on their profession and society at large.

As visitors wander down Delmar Boulevard, the St. Louis Walk of Fame offers an enlightening journey through St. Louis's history and its influence on the world stage. It's an educational experience, reflecting the city's pride in those who have contributed to its cultural richness and global impact. The Walk of Fame continues to add new names, ensuring that the legacy of St. Louis's notable sons and daughters is celebrated and preserved for generations to come. Through this enduring tribute, St. Louis not only honors its past but also signals its ongoing contributions to the wider world.

Famous People From St. Louis

Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975)

Henry Shaw was an eminent English businessman, philanthropist, and botanical enthusiast best known for founding the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, transforming both the city's landscape and its scientific community. His life story is a chronicle of ambition, philanthropy, and a profound connection to nature, spanning nearly nine decades from the turn of the 19th century through the late Victorian era.

Early Life in England (1800-1819)

Born in Sheffield, England, Henry Shaw was exposed to the world of commerce and horticulture at a young age. His father, a successful iron manufacturer, ensured Shaw received a robust education. However, it was the lush English countryside and the family garden that captivated Shaw's imagination, planting the seeds of his future endeavors in botanical collection and garden design.

Journey to America and Business Success in St. Louis (1820-1839)

In 1819, at the tender age of eighteen, Shaw embarked on a voyage to America, eventually settling in St. Louis, a burgeoning frontier town on the edge of the American West. By leveraging his business acumen and capitalizing on the town's strategic location along the Mississippi River, Shaw amassed significant wealth through the sale of cutlery and hardware. His success in business laid the groundwork for his later philanthropic and scientific interests.

Retirement and Travel (1840-1851)

By the age of 40, Shaw decided to retire from active business to pursue his growing interests in botany and travel. He embarked on extensive tours of Europe and the Near East, keenly observing the design of the great European botanical gardens. These experiences profoundly influenced his vision of creating a similar institution in St. Louis for the promotion of botanical knowledge and public enjoyment.

Establishment of the Missouri Botanical Garden (1851-1859)

After returning to St. Louis, Shaw began acquiring land adjacent to his estate. Inspired by the gardens he had visited abroad, he meticulously planned and developed what would become the Missouri Botanical Garden. Officially opening to the public in 1859, the garden was the first of its kind in the United States, an enduring testament to Shaw's vision and generosity.

Philanthropic Endeavors and Education (1860-1879)

Beyond the botanical garden, Shaw's philanthropy extended to the broader St. Louis community. He established the Henry Shaw School of Botany at Washington University and contributed significantly to the city's cultural and educational institutions. His efforts in education aimed to enrich the scientific understanding of plant life and promote academic study in botany.

Final Years and Legacy (1880-1889)

Henry Shaw spent his final years overseeing the continued expansion and development of the Missouri Botanical Garden. He passed away on August 25, 1889, leaving behind a rich legacy of philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for botanical sciences. Today, the garden stands as a premier botanical research institution and a cherished public park, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Connection to St. Louis

Shaw's connection to St. Louis was not merely coincidental but deeply woven into the fabric of his life's work. His decision to establish the Missouri Botanical Garden in the city was rooted in his belief in St. Louis's potential to become a center of scientific learning and cultural enrichment. Through his contributions, Shaw indelibly shaped the city's identity, making it a hub for botanical research and education.

Key Achievements of Henry Shaw:

• Founded the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the first and most renowned botanical gardens in the United States.

• Established the Henry Shaw School of Botany at Washington University, promoting the academic study of plant sciences.

• Became a leading philanthropist in St. Louis, contributing to various educational and cultural institutions.

• Pioneered environmental stewardship and botanical education, influencing generations of botanists and horticulturists.

• Left an enduring legacy in St. Louis, transforming the city into a center for botanical research and public enjoyment of nature.

Henry Shaw's enduring legacy as a businessman turned philanthropist demonstrates the profound impact one individual can have on the advancement of botanical science, education, and public enjoyment of nature. Through his visionary establishment of the Missouri Botanical Garden and significant contributions to the city of St. Louis, Shaw laid the groundwork for generations of botanical discoveries and plant conservation efforts. His life's work continues to inspire a renewed appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

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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