Exploring the Historical and Cultural Tapestry of St. Louis Parks

Parks are like the little green lungs of a city, and in St. Louis, they’re practically bursting with stories! We kick things off by boasting about our beloved parks, the perfect spots for a picnic, a casual stroll, or a wild bike ride to nowhere. But wait, did you know there’s a park that was saved by the "Real Housewives of Jefferson County?" Yep, that’s right! We dive into the juicy details of how some fierce housewives rallied to save a piece of history. Plus, we uncover the surprising backstory of a park that once served as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War and was also the site for the 1946 US Olympic water polo team tryouts.

It’s a delightful blend of history and modern day shenanigans as we chat with the phenomenal NiNi Harris, the mastermind behind the book 'St. Louis Parks', who has a family member who planted trees in these very parks starting in 1864. She also discusses the development of the city's parks, highlighting the visionary planning that started in 1907 to create a connected park system via Kingshighway Boulevard. Trust me, you’re gonna want to stick around for this!

[00:00] Introduction to St. Louis Parks

[00:52] Meet the Hosts: Arnold and Mark

[01:57] Thoughts on Hard Work and Opportunities

[03:16] Introducing Nini Harris: St. Louis Historian

[05:15] Diving into St. Louis History

[07:25] The Importance of Primary Sources

[08:51] St. Louis During the Civil War

[12:35] The Rich Heritage of St. Louis

[16:22] Exploring St. Louis Parks

[21:19] The Second Edition of St. Louis Parks

[27:57] The Role of County Parks

[28:42] Rediscovering Jefferson Barracks

[29:06] Historical Significance of Jefferson Barracks

[31:48] Famous Figures at Jefferson Barracks

[32:31] The Legacy of Walter Krueger

[33:54] Exploring St. Louis Parks

[35:55] The Ribbon of Parkway Vision

[37:52] Connecting North and South St. Louis

[41:52] The Evolution of St. Louis Parks

[43:48] The Real Housewives of Jefferson County

[47:35] The Importance of Parks in St. Louis

[55:12] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Takeaways:

• Parks are not just for a picnic; they house rich histories and events, like the Olympic team tryouts.
• Nene Harris shared that her great-great-grandfather planted trees in St. Louis parks back in 1864. How cool is that?
• Did you know the Real Housewives of Jefferson County saved a park? It's a wild story that shows how community action can make a difference!
• St. Louis boasts over 100 parks despite being only 61 square miles, showcasing its dedication to green spaces.
• The history of St. Louis is layered and complex, intertwining with significant events like the Civil War and immigration waves.
• Parks in St. Louis have evolved to serve communities, providing activities for youth and acting as vital community hubs.

• St. Louis Parks, Second Edition – Reedy Press
• NiNi Harris: Author/Historian

This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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