Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• St. Louis entrepreneur, after selling 'Shark Tank' firm, finds new purpose.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of Vincent Price

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."

— George Eliot

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 house is known for its collection of Victorian-era art and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the late 19th century?

A) The Campbell House Museum

B) The Magic House

C) The Hawken House

D) The Chatillon-DeMenil House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The museum in St. Louis dedicated to the documentation and exhibition of modern art, including works from the turn of the century to the present, is A) Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.

News

💼 Business

Specialty coffee roaster to open 4th coffeehouse 'sooner than later' in new south St. Louis HQ. (Link)

St. Louis public company sells in $3B deal, to go private. (Link)

Construction underway on Eureka's new $11.5M government center. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals Offense Is One Of The Worst In Baseball With No Signs Of Improving. (Link)

Flaherty Dominates But The Cardinals Comeback To Win, Matz And Gallegos Get Shelled in Game 2. (Link)

🏦 Finance

St. Louis entrepreneur, after selling 'Shark Tank' firm, finds new purpose. (Link)

Metro East contractor is building Texas company's 100% solar-powered factory in Illinois. (Link)

Co-owner of Northview Village Nursing Home sells stake in second St. Louis facility. (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 FC at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, May 15th | (More info)

⚾ Boston Red Sox at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
From May 17th to May 18th | (More info)

🏈 D.C. Defenders at St. Louis BattleHawks
The Dome at America's Center, St. Louis
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Mariah the Scientist
The Pageant, St Louis
Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 | (More info)

🎸 38 Special
River City Casino & Hotel, St Louis
Friday, May 17th, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 Alejandro Aranda
Blueberry Hill Duck Room, St Louis
Sunday, May 19th, 2024 | (More info)

Family

👟 BIG DOGS 1st annual Sneaker Ball
10266 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

👗 Mommy and Mini Ball 2024
6746 Page Avenue, St. Louis
Saturday, May 18th | (More info)

🍳 Healthcare Alliance-Breakfast Free
800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis
Wednesday, May 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 “Post-apocalyptic St. Louis reclaimed by nature” 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

The Great Depression and St. Louis (1930s) - Economic hardships and the impact on the city's development.

The Great Depression, a global economic downturn that took place during the 1930s, left an indelible mark on the United States, with cities across the nation grappling with unprecedented financial hardship. St. Louis, a thriving industrial and transportation hub at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, was no exception. As the economic turmoil unfolded following the stock market crash of 1929, the city faced significant challenges, including widespread unemployment, business failures, and a dramatic slowdown in the manufacturing sector that had once buoyed its economy. The impact was profound, affecting both the urban landscape and the lives of St. Louisans.

During this period, St. Louis experienced a sharp decline in economic activity, leading to soaring unemployment rates that exceeded the national average at certain points. The collapse of commerce and industry meant that thousands of workers lost their jobs, with little hope of finding new employment in the near term. This situation was exacerbated by the Dust Bowl, which sent scores of impoverished farmers into the city in search of work, further straining limited resources and social services. The city's infrastructure, too, suffered, as reduced municipal revenues led to cuts in public services and delayed maintenance, contributing to urban decay.

Nevertheless, the adversity of the 1930s also planted the seeds for future development and renewal in St. Louis. The New Deal, a series of programs and projects introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, provided crucial relief and employment opportunities for many residents. Projects like the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which would later become home to the iconic Gateway Arch, were initiated, offering both immediate jobs and a vision for post-depression growth. Additionally, these programs laid the groundwork for improvements in public housing and infrastructure, setting the stage for the city's eventual recovery and regeneration. Despite the immediate hardships, the Great Depression era ultimately contributed to reshaping St. Louis, guiding its transformation into a modern urban center.

Famous People From St. Louis

William Tecumseh Sherman (1820–1891) - Union Army general during the Civil War, lived and worked in St. Louis before the war.

William Tecumseh Sherman, a name synonymous with the Civil War and military strategy, was a key figure in the Union victory. His life story is a testament to resilience, innovation in warfare, and a complex legacy that continues to be debated.

Early Years and Military Beginnings (1820-1845)

Born in 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio, Sherman was orphaned at a young age and subsequently raised in a foster home. His early exposure to military life began when he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated sixth in his class. This foundation set the stage for his military career.

Initial Military Service and Resignation (1846-1853)

Sherman's early military career included service in the Second Seminole War and action in the Mexican-American War, showcasing his burgeoning military acumen. However, disillusioned with peacetime postings and seeking greater opportunity, he resigned from the army in 1853.

A Foray into Civilian Life: St. Louis and Beyond (1854-1861)

During this period, Sherman lived and worked in St. Louis, trying his hand at banking and law, but with limited success. His years in St. Louis were formative, embedding him within the societal tumult preceding the Civil War and allowing him to witness firsthand the nation's growing divisions.

Civil War Begins: Return to Military Life (1861-1862)

With the outbreak of Civil War, Sherman quickly offered his services to the Union, becoming one of its most competent and innovative generals. Initially appointed as the colonel of an infantry regiment, he rose swiftly through the ranks, his tenacity and strategic foresight evident from the outset.

Vicksburg Campaign: A Strategic Mastermind Emerges (1863)

Sherman's military prowess shone brightly during the Vicksburg Campaign. His strategies played a crucial role in the Union's capture of Vicksburg, a victory that was pivotal in gaining control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy.

March to the Sea: Strategy and Scorched Earth (1864)

Perhaps what Sherman is most famously known for, his March to the Sea epitomizes his belief in total war. By destroying Confederate resources and infrastructure from Atlanta to Savannah, his tactics demoralized the South, hastening the end of the war while sparking controversy over his methods.

Post-War Service: Reconstruction and Indian Wars (1865-1883)

After the Civil War, Sherman succeeded Ulysses S. Grant as the Commanding General of the United States Army during critical years that saw the country through Reconstruction and the Indian Wars. Under his command, the Army shifted focus to the West, engaging in military campaigns against Native American tribes.

Memoirs and Legacy (1884-1891)

In retirement, Sherman penned his memoirs, offering insights into his military philosophy and Civil War strategies. His death in 1891 marked the end of an era, but his strategic innovations and controversial warfare methods left a lasting legacy.

Reflections on Strategy and Controversy (Throughout Career)

Sherman's military career is marked by groundbreaking strategies that significantly impacted the Civil War's outcome. However, his tactics, particularly the use of scorched earth, have generated enduring debates concerning the ethics of his methods.

Remembering William Tecumseh Sherman (1891 and Beyond)

Sherman remains a historical figure of great complexity—revered for his contributions to the Union's victory and criticized for his harsh tactics. His military genius and the moral dilemmas his campaigns posed continue to fascinate historians and inform military strategy to this day.

Key Achievements of William Tecumseh Sherman:

• Pioneered modern total warfare tactics that significantly contributed to the Union's victory in the Civil War.

• Played a critical role in the Vicksburg Campaign, leading to the Union's control over the Mississippi River.

• Led the famous March to the Sea, instrumental in breaking the Confederacy's will to continue the war.

• Served as Commanding General of the United States Army, overseeing the military's role in Reconstruction and the Indian Wars.
  
  William Tecumseh Sherman's life was defined by his military career, where his strategic innovations left an indelible mark on American military history. His doctrine of total warfare, while controversial, was instrumental in ending the Civil War. Sherman's connection to St. Louis before the war provided him with insights into the nation's divisions, shaping his understanding of the conflict he would come to define. Despite the debates surrounding his methods, his impact on military strategy and the Union victory cannot be understated, making him one of the most influential military figures in American history.

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

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

Poll