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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A deadly dust made their $1.2M Kirkwood dream house uninhabitable.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Thomas Eagleton

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

–Maya Angelou

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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 annual event in St. Louis is known for bringing together artists from around the globe to paint murals that transform the city's walls into works of art?

A) St. Louis Art Fair

B) Paint Louis

C) Mural Mile Festival

D) St. Louis Graffiti Fest

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The unique feature that distinguishes the St. Louis City Museum, making it a popular attraction for both children and adults, is B) Exhibits created from architectural and industrial objects

News

💼 Business

Central West End condo association sues developer, alleges building damage. (Link)

Well-known deli's building, name and trademarks for sale after sudden closure. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Scott Perunovich on his future with Blues: ‘You only have so many chances’. (Link)

Top 60 MLB prospects: Jackson Holliday, Marcelo Mayer lead Keith Law’s updated rankings. (Link)

🏦 Finance

A deadly dust made their $1.2M Kirkwood dream house uninhabitable. Governments say they don't regulate exposure in residences. (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

⚾ Texas Rangers at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Wednesday, July 29 to Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Monday, August 5, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Phish
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Dutch Experts
Platypus, St. Louis
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | (More info)

Family

📈 Spider-Man Day at MADE for Kids
5127 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis
Thursday, August 1, 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 “High-tech entertainment district in St. Louis with virtual reality arcades” 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 Refrigerated Warehouse Fire (1998) - One of the largest fires in city history, leading to changes in fire codes.

In 1998, St. Louis experienced one of the most significant and impactful fires in its city's history, a massive inferno that erupted at a refrigerated warehouse. This six-story facility, located on South Broadway, was primarily used for the storage of food products. However, on July 25, 1998, a small fire that initially seemed manageable rapidly escalated into an uncontrollable blaze due to the presence of large quantities of highly flammable plastic materials used in packaging and insulating the stored goods. The fire rapidly consumed the structure, producing towering plumes of smoke visible for miles and posing a significant challenge to the firefighting efforts.

The incident demanded an unprecedented response from the St. Louis Fire Department, as well as assistance from nearby districts. Over 150 firefighters battled the blaze, yet despite their efforts, the fire continued to spread, exacerbated by the building's heavy timber construction and the vast amounts of combustible materials stored within. The situation turned tragically worse when parts of the building began to collapse, thankfully without resulting in any fatalities among the firefighters or the public. However, the fire inflicted severe damage, engulfing the entire warehouse and threatening nearby structures, showcasing a disastrous example of how quickly a fire can escalate in certain conditions.

The significant loss from the St. Louis Refrigerated Warehouse fire led to a comprehensive reevaluation of fire safety codes and regulations within the city. Measures were taken to enhance fire prevention strategies, particularly focusing on the storage and handling of flammable materials in large facilities. Building codes were revised to improve fire safety standards, aiming to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This tragic event not only marked one of the largest fires in St. Louis's history but also served as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the importance of fire safety regulations and their critical role in protecting both property and lives.

Famous People From St. Louis

Thomas Eagleton (1929–2007)

Scott Joplin, celebrated as the King of Ragtime Writers, was an influential American composer and pianist whose work has left an indelible mark on music history. His life story is one of creativity, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of ragtime music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (c.1868-1885)

Scott Joplin was born around 1868 near Linden, Texas, to parents who were musicians in their own right. His father played the violin, while his mother sang and played the banjo, fostering Joplin’s early musical education. Joplin displayed a prodigious talent for music from a young age, often experimenting with piano, which laid the foundation for his future contributions to American music.

Emergence as a Musician (1885-1899)

In his late teens, Joplin left home to pursue a career as a musician. Traveling across the American South, he performed at various venues, honing his skills as a pianist and composer. During this period, Joplin absorbed the syncopated rhythms of African-American musical traditions, which he would later incorporate into his ragtime compositions.

Ragtime Revolution (1899-1901)

Joplin's music career took a significant turn in 1899 with the publication of Maple Leaf Rag, which became an immense commercial success. This composition showcased Joplin’s innovative ragtime style, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and vibrant melodies, establishing him as a leading figure in the genre.

St. Louis Years: A Hub of Creativity (1901-1907)

Moving to St. Louis, Missouri, a city vibrant with cultural activities and a thriving ragtime scene, Joplin continued to compose and publish music. During these years, St. Louis served as a critical backdrop for Joplin's creativity and productivity, where he composed many of his greatest works, including The Entertainer, solidifying his reputation as the King of Ragtime Writers.

The Entertainer and Mainstream Success (1902)

The Entertainer, published in 1902, became one of Joplin's most famous pieces, further cementing his status as a preeminent ragtime composer. Its enduring popularity, even into contemporary times, exemplifies Joplin's profound impact on American music.

Opera Ambitions and Challenges (1907-1911)

Joplin's artistic aspirations extended beyond ragtime; he sought to elevate African-American music and narratives through opera. His opera Treemonisha, written during this period, was groundbreaking in its portrayal of African-American life and its fusion of ragtime with operatic forms. However, Joplin faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and support for his operatic works.

Later Years and Continuing Struggle (1911-1917)

Despite his declining health and financial difficulties, Joplin remained dedicated to his music and continued composing until his death in 1917. His later years were marked by a struggle for acknowledgment of his more serious compositions and a desire to secure his place in the annals of American music.

Posthumous Recognition and Legacy (1917 and Beyond)

After Joplin's death, his music gradually faded from the public's attention, only to be revived in the 1970s when a wider appreciation for ragtime and Joplin’s contributions to American music emerged. Today, Joplin is recognized not only as the foremost composer of ragtime music but also as an influential figure in the development of American music.

Key Achievements of Scott Joplin:

• Pioneered the ragtime genre, fundamentally shaping American music.

• Composed Maple Leaf Rag, the first piece of instrumental music to sell over one million copies in American history.

• Created iconic pieces such as The Entertainer, which remains a staple of American music.

• Composed the opera Treemonisha, showcasing African-American life and blending ragtime with operatic styles.

• Granted a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976, acknowledging his contributions to music.

Scott Joplin's journey from a musically inclined child in Texas to the King of Ragtime Write is a testament to his unparalleled talent, innovation, and determination. Throughout his life, Joplin sought not only to entertain but also to elevate the status of African-American music. His legacy endures, not merely in the notes of The Entertainer or Maple Leaf Rag but in his enduring influence on the fabric of American music.

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-Matthew Larsen

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