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Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Senior living nonprofit completes deal to expand to Northeast.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Charles Lindbergh

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."

— Thomas Jefferson

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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 district is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, fine dining, and arts scene, also hosting an annual Mardi Gras celebration considered one of the largest outside New Orleans?

A) The Central West End

B) The Delmar Loop

C) Soulard

D) Lafayette Square

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic venue in St. Louis known for hosting live music performances across a range of genres, housed in a former movie palace, is C) The Fabulous Fox Theatre

News

💼 Business

New St. Louis head of J.P. Morgan Private Bank wants to double size of office. (Link)

Health system gives glimpse inside new 14-story pediatric hospital. (Link)

🏒 Sports

St. Louis City SC hopes coaching change sparks turnaround beginning against San Jose. (Link)

Tipsheet: Jordan Montgomery's season goes from bad to worse in Arizona. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Senior living nonprofit completes deal to expand to Northeast. (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

⚽ Los Angeles Football Club 2 at St. Louis CITY2
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

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

Music & Concerts

🎵 Def Leppard
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

🎵 Hilrose and small void
The Fruit Basket, St. Louis
Thursday, Jul. 4th | (More info)

Family

🎭 Summer Family Fun Series
Missouri History Museum, St. Louis
Friday, Jul. 5th | (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 entirely underground 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

Completion of Union Station (1894) - Once the world's largest and busiest train station.

Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri, completed in 1894, rapidly became not only a significant landmark but also the world's largest and busiest train station at the time. The station's conception and construction were propelled by the burgeoning necessity for a comprehensive rail hub to accommodate the growing railroad traffic in the United States. Designed by the German-American architect Theodore Link, Union Station featured an impressive Romanesque Revival style. Its grandiose design included a vast train shed, which was the largest of its kind when built, and an ornate headhouse that provided passengers with various amenities and services, showcasing the architectural and engineering prowess of the era.

Union Station served as a critical hub in the nation's rail network, handling up to 100,000 passengers a day at its height. The station's strategic position in St. Louis allowed it to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the country, symbolizing the era's industrial growth and technological advancement. It was a bustling hub where travelers from all walks of life crossed paths, from soldiers heading off to war to families embarking on cross-country journeys. The station's ability to manage such a vast amount of rail traffic efficiently was a testament to the ingenuity of its design and the foresight of its creators.

However, with the advent of air travel and the interstate highway system in the mid-20th century, Union Station's prominence in the national transportation network began to wane. By the 1970s, it had fallen into disuse, marking the end of its era as a railroad marvel. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, efforts were made to preserve and repurpose the station. Today, Union Station has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use complex that includes shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as a hotel. This adaptation has preserved its legacy, enabling visitors to appreciate its historic significance while enjoying modern conveniences, thus ensuring that Union Station remains a cherished landmark in St. Louis.

Famous People From St. Louis

Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974):

Thomas Hart Benton, an influential American painter and muralist, was a leading figure of the Regionalist art movement. His work is celebrated for capturing the everyday lives of Americans, with a particular focus on the Midwest. Born in Neosho, Missouri, Benton's artistic journey spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on American art.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1889-1907)

Born into a family steeped in politics, Benton's path initially seemed to veer away from art. However, his passion for drawing and painting quickly became apparent. Despite his father’s wishes for him to pursue law, Benton was determined to follow his artistic ambitions, leading him to study at the Art Institute of Chicago and then in Paris, where he was exposed to various artistic movements of the early 20th century.

Exploring European Art Movements (1908-1912)

While in Paris, Benton immersed himself in the revolutionary artistic movements that defined the era, including Impressionism and Cubism. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic techniques and philosophy. However, Benton never fully embraced the abstract styles favored by many of his contemporaries, preferring to depict more realistic and narrative-driven subject matter.

Return to America and Finding His Voice (1913-1920)

Upon returning to the United States, Benton drifted through various stylistic phases, struggling to find a distinctive voice. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, an experience that profoundly influenced his perspective on life and art. This period marked a turning point, as Benton began to focus more on American subjects, drawing inspiration from the nation's landscape and people.

The Regionalist Movement (1920s-1930s)

By the 1920s, Benton had become a leading figure in the Regionalist movement, alongside artists like Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry. This movement sought to depict the realities of rural American life, countering the burgeoning abstraction of European-influenced modernism. Benton’s murals and paintings from this period often featured scenes from the Midwest, portraying the struggles and triumphs of everyday Americans.

Connection to St. Louis (1930s)

Benton's connection to Missouri, and specifically to St. Louis, played a significant role in his career. In the 1930s, he completed a commission for the Missouri State Capitol: a series of murals depicting the social history of the state, which included vibrant scenes of St. Louis. These works solidified his reputation and influence within the Regionalist movement.

Teaching and Influence (1940s)

Benton's impact extended beyond his paintings and murals; he was also a dedicated teacher. His tenure at the Kansas City Art Institute was particularly impactful, where he mentored students and championed the importance of drawing from life. His teaching philosophy profoundly influenced a new generation of artists, including the famous Abstract Expressionist painter Jackson Pollock.

World War II and Its Aftermath (1940s-1950s)

During World War II, Benton created works that reflected the conflict and its impact on American society. Post-war, as the art world's interest shifted towards Abstract Expressionism, Benton's popularity waned. Despite this, he remained committed to his Regionalist vision, continuing to produce work that explored American themes and landscapes.

Late Career and Legacy (1960s-1975)

In his later years, Benton experienced a resurgence in popularity, as a new appreciation for narrative and figurative painting emerged. His work was recognized with numerous awards and exhibitions, celebrating his contributions to American art. Benton continued to paint until his death in 1975, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades of American history.

Reflections and Final Works (1970s)

Benton's final works were reflective, exploring themes of history, memory, and the passage of time. He passed away at his easel, a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft. Today, his work is recognized for its historical significance and artistic merit, housed in museums and collections across the country.

Remembering Thomas Hart Benton (1975 and Beyond)

Thomas Hart Benton's death marked the end of an era for American Regionalism. However, his influence endures, with his murals and paintings continuing to inspire and captivate audiences. Benton's commitment to depicting the American experience made him a pivotal figure in the history of American art, creating a body of work that celebrates the nation's spirit and landscapes.

Key Achievements of Thomas Hart Benton:

• A leading figure in the American Regionalist movement, capturing the lives and landscapes of the Midwest.

• Completed iconic murals, including those for the Missouri State Capitol, highlighting his connection to St. Louis and his storytelling ability.

• Served as a mentor to future generations of artists, including Jackson Pollock, during his tenure at the Kansas City Art Institute.

• Received significant recognition and awards in his later years, affirming his lasting impact on American art.

Thomas Hart Benton's life was a testament to the power of art to capture and convey the essence of American life. His work, deeply rooted in the Regionalist movement, provided a narrative of the nation's heartland that was unrivaled in its depth and scope. Benton's legacy as a painter, teacher, and storyteller continues to resonate, underscoring his role as a pivotal figure in the canon of American art.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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