Episode 14 of Show-Me History traces the rise and fall—and eventual rebirth—of the Switzer Candy Company, a quintessential story of the American dream. It begins with two immigrant families, the Switzers and Murphys. The story celebrates resilience, family ties, and the enduring charm of candy.
From its origins as a 30-acre public commons in 1767 to becoming the city’s first public park in 1851, Lafayette Square has transformed from a dangerous, untamed space to a picturesque Victorian-era park.
What began as the old commons far from the city’s hub, Lafayette Square became a prominent residential area, only to fall into decline for decades and eventually be brought back to life. Come with us and learn about one of St. Louis's most cherished neighborhoods.
Once the icon of St. Louis, and originally named the Illinois and St. Louis Bridge, Eads Bridge is a significant piece of engineering history. It was the first permanent bridge to span the Mississippi River and was developed and built by self-taught engineer, James Eads.
Basing her teachings on German philosophy, the methods of Friedrich Froebel, and pre-existing kindergarten programs, Susan Blow developed the first continuous kindergarten program supported by public funds in America.
The last of our trifecta of episodes about 1849 in St. Louis finds us discussing yet ANOTHER fire, race riots, and our city's unfortunate past with slavery.
Every September, thousands of St. Louisans gather in Forest Park to take part in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Have you ever wondered why? Or how it started? Look (or listen) no further! Join us as we give you a quick history lesson about one of St. Louis's most unique events!
As if a cholera epidemic sweeping through the city wasn't bad enough, in 1849 a great fire swept through the city, destroying hundreds of buildings in the process and leaving a large portion of the city in ruins.
1849 could be considered one of the worst, if not THE worst, years in Saint Louis's history. In fact, so many terrible things happened that we had to break this topic into THREE episodes just to cover it.
Buried beneath the streets of downtown lay fragments of an outdated mail system. Having a short-lived run, the pneumatic mail delivery system was cutting edge technology in its day.
Once a major fashion industry second only to New York, St. Louis housed a major garment industry that developed innovative ideas such as the concept of Junior sizing of clothing for young ladies. This episode will explore the origins of St. Louis’s garment industry, its decline and current state of revitalization.
High on the bluffs on Alton, Illinois is painted a large mural of a mythical beast. Who painted it? How did it get there? Find out all this and more on this episode of Show-Me History!
We pick up where we left off in 1804, and go up to when Saint Louis was incorporated as a city in 1822.
Join us as we learn about the origins of the city of Saint Louis, Missouri. From a humble fur trading post to the capital of the Louisiana Territory.
