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St. Louis Newsletter (September 16th)

St. Louis Newsletter (September 16th)

Here are your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Matthew Larsen
September 16, 2024

Quote of the Week

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.”

—Michele Ruiz

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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 park is distinguished by its large greenhouse conservatory, known as the Jewel Box, showcasing a variety of plant species?

A) Lafayette Park

B) Forest Park

C) Tower Grove Park

D) Missouri Botanical Garden

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic home in St. Louis known for being the former residence of the city's founder, Pierre Laclede Liguest, offering insights into the early days of St. Louis, is D) The Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion.

News

💼 Business

Sixth generation of St. Louis wealth management family moves up. (Link)

Nonprofit looks to build $4.7M STEM center after completing educational garden. (Link)

🏒 Sports

MLB Power Rankings: Royals, Padres shake up top 10; Our picks for each team’s MVP. (Link)

Blues’ offer-sheet analysis, Alexander Steen’s inexperience, jersey leaks: Mailbag, part 2. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Jim Edmonds, St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster, puts Frontenac home on the market for $9M. (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

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Monday-Thursday, Sept. 16-19, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Cleveland Guardians at St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 20-22, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Joywave
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Crash Test Dummies
Delmar Hall, St. Louis
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt St. Louis
4001 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | (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 an underwater section accessible to the public” 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

Corps of Discovery Expedition Departure (1804) - Lewis and Clark's expedition begins.

In 1804, the United States embarked on an ambitious expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and forge a path to the Pacific Ocean, marking a pivotal moment in the country's westward expansion. This expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Both men were chosen for their expertise in natural sciences and military leadership, making them ideal candidates to undertake such a challenging journey. On May 14, 1804, they set off from Camp Dubois, near present-day Hartford, Illinois, and headed up the Missouri River, marking the official start of an expedition that would become a legendary chapter in American history.

As the Corps of Discovery left the St. Louis area, they embarked on an uncertain and treacherous journey through uncharted territories. The expedition was a complex logistical operation, involving the coordination of over 40 men, including soldiers, frontiersmen, and Native American interpreters. They navigated the Missouri River in a keelboat and two pirogues (flat-bottomed boats), carrying supplies and trade goods for interactions with Native American tribes. The departure from St. Louis was not just a beginning but a leap into the unknown, driven by the goals of mapping uncharted lands, establishing trade with Native Americans, and asserting American presence in the west.

The journey from St. Louis would take Lewis, Clark, and their Corps of Discovery across the vast expanse of the western United States, reaching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they would encounter and document countless new plant and animal species, map the geography of the West, and establish relationships with various Native American tribes. The departure from the St. Louis region was the first step in a voyage of discovery that would greatly contribute to the nation's understanding of its newly acquired territories and lay the groundwork for its expansion across the continent. The Lewis and Clark expedition remains one of the most significant exploratory missions in American history, symbolizing the spirit of discovery and adventure that characterizes the United States' westward expansion.

Famous People From St. Louis

Auguste Chouteau (1749–1829) - Founded St. Louis in 1764 along with his stepfather Pierre Laclède.

Robert S. Brookings, a titan of industry and a visionary philanthropist, left an indelible mark on American education and policy research. His life story, spanning from a modest beginning to becoming the founder of the Brookings Institution, encapsulates the spirit of American enterprise and generosity.

Early Life and Education (1850-1867)

Born into a rural family in Cecil County, Maryland, Robert Somers Brookings faced the hardship of losing his father at a young age. Despite limited educational opportunities, he nurtured a keen sense of ambition and a desire for self-improvement that would guide his journey from humble beginnings to significant achievements.

A New Start in St. Louis (1867-1872)

At seventeen, Brookings moved to St. Louis, Missouri, a city that would become central to his life and legacy. Arriving with little more than determination, he began working at Cupples & Marston, a woodenware company, laying the foundation for his future success in business and his deep connection to the city.

Rise in the Business World (1873-1895)

Brookings' acumen and hard work paid off as he eventually became a partner in Cupples & Marston. His innovative approaches to distribution and logistics revolutionized the firm's operations, leading to unprecedented growth. His success in the lumber and warehousing business established him as a leading figure in St. Louis's business community.

Expansion and Diversification (1896-1910)

With the turn of the century, Brookings expanded his interests beyond warehousing, venturing into real estate and manufacturing. His investments significantly contributed to St. Louis's development, including participation in the 1904 World's Fair. His vision was instrumental in promoting the city's growth and prosperity.

Philanthropic Endeavors (1911-1916)

Brookings’s success afforded him the means to give back. He focused on education, believing it to be crucial for democracy and progress. His contributions to Washington University in St. Louis were transformative, including funding buildings, endowing professorships, and reorganizing its administration to ensure its future prominence.

The Founding of the Brookings Institution (1916-1927)

Seeing the impact of policy on democracy, Brookings founded the Institute for Government Research in 1916, the first private organization devoted to analyzing public policy issues. This initiative eventually evolved into the Brookings Institution, a leading think tank dedicated to improving governance through research and education.

Legacy and Impact of the Brookings Institution (1927-1932)

Under Brookings's leadership, the Brookings Institution became a pivotal platform for fostering informed policymaking. It tackled critical national issues, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in government. His vision for the Institution as a bridge between the academic world and public policy had a profound influence on American governance.

Final Years and Reflections (1932)

Brookings spent his final years overseeing the Institution that bore his name, reflective of his journey from a business magnate to a philanthropist shaping public policy. He passed away in 1932, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service and education.

St. Louis and Beyond: A Lasting Legacy

While Brookings's philanthropic efforts had a national impact, his work in St. Louis, particularly with Washington University, left a lasting mark on the city. His contributions to education and urban development transformed St. Louis, cementing his status as one of its most influential citizens.

Remembering Robert S. Brookings (1932 and Beyond)

After his passing, Brookings’s vision and generosity have been remembered and celebrated, not just in St. Louis but across the nation. The Brookings Institution continues to uphold his mission of public service through rigorous research and policy analysis, a testament to his enduring influence.

Key Achievements of Robert S. Brookings:

Transformed the warehousing and distribution industry, significantly impacting the business model of Cupples & Marston.
Invested heavily in the development and prosperity of St. Louis, contributing to its civic and educational institutions.
Played a crucial role in the advancement and reorganization of Washington University in St. Louis, ensuring its growth into a leading institution.
Founded the Brookings Institution, a pivotal organization in the realm of public policy research and education.
Advocated for the importance of informed policymaking and the role of education in democracy, leaving a lasting legacy in both areas.

Robert S. Brookings's life story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and generosity. From his early days in St. Louis to his groundbreaking work in business and philanthropy, Brookings's contributions have profoundly shaped American education and public policy. His legacy, epitomized by the Brookings Institution, continues to influence and inspire future generations committed to public service and societal progress.

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