Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum

• Upcoming St. Louis Blues home games

• A deep-dive into the life of Kate Chopin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 University is the oldest west of the Mississippi River?

A) Washington University in St. Louis

B) Saint Louis University

C) University of Missouri–St. Louis

D) Webster University

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The iconic St. Louis structure known for its unique stainless steel arch shape, standing as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States, is:

B) The Gateway Arch

News

💼 Business

Offering intentional programs for Black girls can help validate and inspire. (Link)

New Hyde Park development is part of St. Louis effort to invest in neglected communities. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Sonny Gray is named the Opening Day starter for the Cardinals, showcasing his key role and focus in their pitching lineup. (Link)

Blues rebounded from a 6-1 loss to Detroit with a 4-0 win against the Islanders, featuring a Buchnevich hat trick. (Link)

Sonny Gray might miss the season start due to a 'mild' hamstring strain from spring training, putting his opening day start for the Cardinals at risk. (Link)

🏦 Finance

St. Louis CCIM Chapter's real estate course, Mar 5-8, aimed to align real estate strategies with company goals​​. (Link)

Article highlights banking shift to higher purpose, better capitalization post-2007, and focus on societal welfare​​. (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 Kings at St Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Wednesday, Mar. 13th | (More info)

🏒 Minnesota Wild at St Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Saturday, Mar. 16th | (More info)

🏒 Anaheim Ducks at St Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, Saint Louis
Sunday, Mar. 17th | (More info)

⚽ Colorado Rapids 2 @ St. Louis CITY2
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Sunday, Mar. 17th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Olivia Rodrigo
Enterprise Center, St Louis
Tuesday, Mar. 12th | (More info)

🎸 Steve Ewing
City Winery St. Louis, St Louis
Saturday, Mar. 16th | (More info)

🎶 Sneezy
Central Stage St. Louis, St Louis
Friday, Mar. 15th | (More info)

Family

🖼 Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis
Sunday, Mar. 17th | (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

Great Fire of St. Louis (1849) - A significant fire destroys much of St. Louis's waterfront and downtown.

The Great Fire of St. Louis in 1849 stands as one of the most catastrophic events in the city's history, reshaping its urban landscape and development trajectory. On the night of May 17, the fire began on a steamboat moored at the city's bustling riverfront, quickly spreading to other boats and nearby buildings. Fueled by the predominantly wooden construction of the city's architecture and the proximity of buildings along the waterfront, the flames swiftly engulfed a significant portion of St. Louis, leaving a path of destruction in their wake.

Despite the efforts of the city's fledgling fire department and volunteers, the fire raged uncontrollably for hours. The conflagration destroyed over 23 steamboats, numerous warehouses, and hundreds of buildings, causing a substantial economic blow to what was then a major frontier city and hub of commerce. The devastating impact of the fire was felt not only in the immediate loss of property and business but also in the tragic loss of lives, with estimates of the deceased ranging from three to hundreds due to the chaos and lack of accurate records.

In the aftermath of the fire, St. Louis embarked on a period of rapid reconstruction and urban planning reforms. New building codes were implemented, mandating the use of more fire-resistant materials, and the city's fire department was significantly expanded and modernized. The Great Fire of 1849 became a pivotal moment in St. Louis's history, a harsh lesson in urban safety and planning that influenced the city's development for decades to come. The resilience and determination of its citizens in the face of such adversity played a crucial role in transforming St. Louis into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today.

Famous People From St. Louis

Kate Chopin (1850–1904)

Early Life and French Influence (1850–1868):

Born Katherine O'Flaherty on February 8, 1850, in St. Louis, Missouri, Kate Chopin was immersed in the city's vibrant mix of cultures, notably her own Irish and French heritage. Raised by women who valued education, independence, and an understanding of heritage, Chopin's early life was marked by the death of her father, which deeply influenced her views on women's roles and relationships within the family and society.

Education and Intellectual Awakening (1868–1870):

Chopin attended the St. Louis Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she was exposed to a rigorous curriculum that included the classics, French literature, and the arts. This education, deeply rooted in her French heritage, cultivated her intellectual curiosity and laid the groundwork for her literary career, fostering a love for storytelling and an appreciation for the complexities of character and culture.

Marriage and Life in Louisiana (1870–1882):

In 1870, Kate married Oscar Chopin and moved to New Orleans, a city whose rich cultural tapestry and racial diversity would greatly influence her writing. The couple later settled on a plantation in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, where Kate Chopin embraced the Creole way of life, learning French Creole language and customs, which would deeply inform her later work.

Widowhood and Return to St. Louis (1882–1884):

After her husband's death in 1882, Chopin returned to St. Louis with her six children to live with her mother. This period of her life was marked by significant personal challenges, including the responsibility of raising her children alone and managing her late husband's debts. The experience of loss and independence would become central themes in her works.

Beginning of Literary Career (1884–1894):

Chopin began her literary career in earnest in the mid-1880s, drawing upon her experiences in Louisiana and St. Louis. Her early works were well-received, marked by her keen observations of life in both the South and the urban landscape of St. Louis. These stories and articles, often published in local newspapers and magazines, showcased her talent for capturing the dialects, landscapes, and social dynamics of her settings.

The Awakening and Controversy (1899):

Chopin's most famous work, "The Awakening," was published in 1899, depicting the emotional and sexual awakening of a young woman, Edna Pontellier. The novel's candid treatment of female sexuality and critique of marital and societal norms was controversial, leading to widespread criticism that damaged Chopin's reputation and career during her lifetime.

Later Years and Critical Reception (1899–1904):

The backlash from "The Awakening" significantly affected Chopin's later years, both personally and professionally. Although she continued to write, her works were often rejected by publishers wary of her controversial image. Despite these challenges, Chopin remained committed to exploring themes of freedom, identity, and desire, though she would not live to see her work fully appreciated.

Death and Legacy (1904):

Kate Chopin died on August 22, 1904, in St. Louis, Missouri. At the time of her death, her contributions to American literature were largely unrecognized. However, the 20th century saw a reevaluation of her work, with "The Awakening" and her short stories now celebrated for their pioneering exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity.

Connection to St. Louis:

Kate Chopin's connection to St. Louis profoundly influenced her life and work. The city's diverse cultural environment, coupled with the personal and intellectual freedoms she experienced there, shaped her perspectives and themes as a writer. St. Louis provided Chopin with a rich backdrop for her stories and a supportive, if sometimes challenging, environment for her development as a pioneering literary figure.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered feminist themes in literature, particularly with "The Awakening."

• Captured the complexity of Creole life and the American South.

• Contributed significantly to American literary realism.

Kate Chopin emerged from the cultural crossroads of St. Louis to become one of the most important figures in 19th-century American literature. Her exploration of women's independence, sexual autonomy, and identity was groundbreaking, challenging the societal norms of her time. Though not fully appreciated until after her death, Chopin's work has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, celebrated for its boldness and depth of insight into the human condition.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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