Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Startup with app to help prospective homebuyers raises $17M.

• Upcoming St. Louis Cardinals match

• A deep-dive into the life of William Tecumseh Sherman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

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 attraction is renowned for its large-scale mosaic installations, one of the largest in the world, located within a historic church building?

A) The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

B) The Old Cathedral

C) The Shrine of St. Joseph

D) The Basilica of St. Louis, King

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic house in St. Louis known for its collection of Victorian-era art and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the late 19th century, is A) The Campbell House Museum.

News

💼 Business

Quickly growing, Nashville-style hot chicken concept to open 7 stores in St. Louis region. (Link)

Big law firm sues city of St. Louis, Collector of Revenue over earnings tax. (Link)

St. Louis-based janitorial business enters 5 new states with acquisition. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Cardinals Offense EXPLODES In Their Victory Over LA, Plus Thoughts On Bill Dewitt III's Remarks. (Link)

Should The St. Louis Blue TRY To Trade Their 16th Overall Pick & Move Up At The NHL Draft 2024. (Link)

Cardinals needed a boost from their bases-loaded blahs. They got it from one of the best ever. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Startup with app to help prospective homebuyers raises $17M. (Link)

Big St. Louis firm hires for 2 C-suite roles. (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

⚾ Baltimore Orioles at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
From May 20th to May 22nd | (More info)

⚾ Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

⚽ Seattle Sounders FC at St. Louis CITY SC
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Michael McDonald and Paul Reiser
The Pageant, St. Louis
Thursday, May 23rd | (More info)

🎸 Dying Fetus, 200 Stab Wounds, and Kruelty
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Friday, May 24th | (More info)

🎤 Steve Ewing
The Haus, St. Louis
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

Family

🌞 Self-Care Summer Series
5959 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis
Sunday, May 26th | (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 a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” 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

Busch Stadium Opening (1966) - Home to the St. Louis Cardinals, a central sports venue.

Busch Stadium, affectionately known to many as Busch Memorial Stadium, embarked on its grand opening on May 12, 1966, in St. Louis, Missouri. This momentous event marked a new era for the St. Louis Cardinals, one of Major League Baseball's most storied franchises. The stadium, named after the Anheuser-Busch beer company, which had purchased the naming rights, replaced the older Sportsman's Park with a modern, multi-purpose facility. It promised to be a central hub for both sports and entertainment in the region, equipped to host not just baseball but a variety of sporting and non-sporting events.

Designed as part of the then-popular cookie-cutter stadium concept, Busch Stadium was notable for its circular design that accommodated not only baseball but also football, concerts, and other large gatherings. This architectural approach, while eventually criticized for lack of uniqueness and character among stadiums, initially allowed cities like St. Louis to offer state-of-the-art venues for a wide range of activities. The stadium's initial configuration featured a seating capacity of over 50,000, ensuring plenty of room for the passionate Cardinals fanbase and visitors alike.

The opening of Busch Stadium was commemorated with much fanfare, underscoring its significance to the city of St. Louis and the Cardinals. The venue quickly lived up to its promise, becoming a beloved landmark and an integral part of the city's sports and cultural identity. Over the years, it hosted countless memorable moments, from Lou Brock's 3,000th hit to Mark McGwire's historic home run chase in 1998. Although the original Busch Stadium was replaced by a new stadium of the same name in 2006, the legacy of its 1966 opening endures, cementing its place in the heart of St. Louis and the annals of American sports history.

Famous People From St. Louis

Vincent Price (1911–1993) - Actor known for his performances in horror films

Vincent Price, an emblematic figure synonymous with the horror film genre, had an illustrious career that spanned several decades. Born in St. Louis, Price’s velvety voice and commanding presence made him a household name in American cinema, particularly in roles that delved into the macabre and the mysterious.

Early Life and Education in St. Louis (1911–1933):

Vincent Leonard Price Jr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Vincent Leonard Price Sr., president of the National Candy Company, and his wife, Marguerite Cobb Wilcox. Growing up in a well-to-do family afforded Price the opportunity to pursue his interests in the arts from a young age. He attended St. Louis Country Day School, where he first cultivated a love for acting. Price went on to study at Yale University, further honing his skills and passion for art and drama.

Rising Star in Theater and Film (1934–1940):

After studying in London and traveling across Europe, Price's acting career began in earnest in London’s Gate Theatre and soon transitioned to Broadway, where he made his mark in the 1930s. His compelling performances caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to his film debut in Service de Luxe (1938).

Master of Menace: Iconic Horror Roles (1941–1959):

The 1940s and '50s saw Price become a staple in horror cinema. His role in House of Wax (1953) cemented his status as a master of macabre, with his voice and stature lending itself perfectly to roles that were both elegant and eerie. Price's ability to straddle horror with a hint of humor became his trademark.

Collaborations with Roger Corman (1960–1970)":

Arguably the most fruitful period of Price’s career was his series of films based on Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, directed by Roger Corman. Starting with ""House of Usher"" (1960), these gothic adaptations became classics of the genre, showcasing Price’s exceptional talent for capturing the tortured and the terrifying.

Television Appearances and Later Career (1971–1980):

Price's distinctive voice and persona made him a sought-after guest star on television throughout the 1970s. His appearances on popular shows such as The Brady Bunch and Columbo introduced him to a new generation of fans. Beyond acting, Price was a noted gourmet chef and art collector, passions he shared through cookbooks and his work on the visual arts council of UCLA.

Horror Icon and Inspirational Figure (1981–1993):

Even as he aged, Price continued to inspire and entertain, taking roles that paid homage to his legacy in horror. His voice work as the inventor in Tim Burton’s Vincent (1982) and the narrator of Thriller by Michael Jackson showcased his broad appeal and enduring charm.

Price's Connection to St. Louis (Throughout Life):

Despite a career that took him around the world, Price never forgot his St. Louis roots. He was a generous philanthropist, contributing to arts education programs in his hometown. The Vincent Price Art Museum in East Los Angeles College, supported by donations from Price and his wife, Mary Grant, is a testament to his lifelong passion for the arts.

Honors and Recognition (Throughout Career):

Price received numerous awards and honors recognizing his contributions to film and the arts. Though he never won an Academy Award, his legacy as a horror icon has been celebrated by horror enthusiasts and film critics alike.

Final Years and Legacy (1987–1993):

Price battled lung cancer in his final years, yet remained active in the arts community and dedicated to his fans until his death in 1993. His legacy endures through his extensive filmography, his impact on the horror genre, and his contributions to the arts.

Remembering Vincent Price (1993 and Beyond):

Vincent Price passed away on October 25, 1993, but his legend lives on. He is remembered not just for his roles in horror but as a Renaissance man with varied interests and talents, from gourmet cooking to art collecting.

Key Achievements of Vincent Price:

• Became a defining figure in horror cinema with roles in over 100 films.

• Notable collaborations with director Roger Corman on adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s works.

• Starred in the first 3-D film House of Wax.

• Prolific career in television, lending his iconic voice to unforgettable characters.

• Significant contributions to the arts through philanthropy and advocacy.

Vincent Price's story is one of enduring appeal, from his early days in St. Louis to his reign as the undisputed king of horror. With a career that spanned the changing landscapes of Hollywood, Price managed to stay relevant and beloved by fans across multiple generations. His legacy as a master of the macabre and a patron of the arts continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring his place in the annals of American cinematic history.

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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