Welcome to The St. Louis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Clayton private equity firm makes solar buy from new fund.

• Upcoming Craig Finn concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Vincent Price

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on."

— Robert Frost

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 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

Clayton private equity firm makes solar buy from new fund. (Link)

St. Louis panel told to reject WashU's CWE demolition request. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NHL Power Rankings: Jets stay on top, Wild rise, plus our early MVPs. (Link)

NHL goalie milestones that could be reached this season. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Boeing lays off union workers in St. Louis, IAM says .(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

🏟️ Concacaf Nations League - U.S. Men's National Team vs TBD
CITYPARK, St. Louis
Monday, Nov. 18th | (More info)

🏒 San Jose Sharks at St. Louis Blues
Enterprise Center, St. Louis
Thursday, Nov. 21st | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Craig Finn
Off Broadway, St. Louis
Monday, Nov. 18th (More info)

🎶 Don Toliver
Chaifetz Arena, St. Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (More info)

Family

🖥️ Eradicating the Inner War: A Journey Inward for Healthcare Professionals
Virtual via Zoom, St. Louis
Tuesday, Nov. 19th (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

Vincent Price (1911–1993) - Actor known for his performances in horror films, born in St. Louis.

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.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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