Episode 15 – The Social Evil Hospital
While the language in this episode is clean, the topic is a little on the heavy side. Parents, maybe skip this one with the little ones. As I started researching the Social Evil Hospital, it just rabbit holed into the topic of, we’ll say, women of ill repute. This episode contains adult subject matter and […]
Episode 14—Switzer Candy—A quintessential story of the American dream.
A real-life example of the American dream, immigrating from Ireland to the poor Kerry Patch area of St. Louis, to mansions in Webster Groves in Kirkwood, this is truly a story from rags to riches. Essentially a story of two families, both starting in Ireland, immigrating to America, and finding their way to St. Louis, the […]
Episode 13 – Lafayette Square Park
In this episode of Show Me History, we dive into the rich history of Lafayette Square Park in St. Louis. 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. We’ll explore […]
Episode 12 – The Lafayette Square Neighborhood
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. All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions […]
Episode 11 – Mr. Eads and His Bridge
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. All research, editing, and production done by River City Productions […]
Episode 10 – Susan Blow, the Mother of Kindergarten in America
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. Her first class at Des Peres school was in St. Louis, MO. Blow’s kindergarten and teacher training program would spur on a movement of early childhood […]
Episode 09 – 1849 in St Louis part 3
Part 3 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. Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and leave a review. Feedback is greatly appreciated.
Episode 08 – Ballooning in St. Louis
What started as a race between a few friends has become an internationally renowned event. The Forest Park Balloon Race is an annual event drawing thousands of spectators. In this episode we’ll explore the origins of the race and ballooning history of St. Louis. St. Louis has a rich history when it comes to hot […]
Episode 07 – 1849 in St. Louis part 2
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.
Episode 06 – 1849 in St. Louis (part 1)
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. Research and hosting done by Amy Blankenship. Editing by Dave Blankenship. Please subscribe and leave a […]