Episodes

  • The History of Kerry Patch neighborhood in St. Louis

    The History of Kerry Patch neighborhood in St. Louis
    Jul 7 2025
    Kerry Patch was the name of an Irish neighborhood that sprang up in the 1840s in St. Louis. A listener whose grandparents had grown up there requested this episode, so Sue called on Patrick Murphy, author of "The Irish in St. Louis...from Shanty to Lace Curtain" to talk about it. Murphy's grandparents were also residents, and he's got some great stories to tell! Kerry Patch was around until after World War I and had its own "king"! Patrickmurphyauthor.com for more info.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • The History of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Powell Hall

    The History of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Powell Hall
    Jun 29 2025
    St. Louis has the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the country, and it is world-renowned. Its physical home is Powell Hall, which has been undergoing a major renovation, addition, and facelift for the last 2 years. SLSO President and CEO, Marie-Helene Bernard and Director of Facilities Cynthia Schon join Sue to talk not only about the history of the orchestra and the building, but give us an idea of what to expect in the newly renovated Powell Hall and the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Go to slso.org for more information and tickets! Opening weekend is Sept. 26-28, 2025.
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Small Town Missouri

    Small Town Missouri
    Jun 15 2025
    Did you know that the Hubble Telescope was named after a man from a small town in Missouri? Or that sliced bread was invented in a small Missouri town? Yep! This week, Caitlin Yager joins Sue Thomas to talk about her new book, "Small Town Missouri...Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Show-Me State". It is fascinating, and a lot of these 50 towns have an incredible history and are just a day trip away from St. Louis. Yager even talks about the origin of Missouri becoming the Show-Me state. It is eye-opening!
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • The History of the South Broadway Athletic Club

    The History of the South Broadway Athletic Club
    Jun 8 2025
    The South Broadway Athletic Club was formed in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis in 1899 and is still around today! Find out how that happened, and how the club changed with the times, but remains the same in some ways...including bi-monthly MMWA wrestling events. Miriam Moynihan and Ryan Buckley, current club members and authors of a new book entitled, "South Broadway Athletic Club, St. Louis Home for Boxing, Wrestling, and Cheap Beer since 1899" join Sue to talk about it. More info at www.sbacstl.org
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • The History of St. Louis tornadoes and Lafayette's Farewell Tour

    The History of St. Louis tornadoes and Lafayette's Farewell Tour
    May 31 2025
    On May 16, 2025, an EF-3 tornado touched down in the St. Louis area, causing 5 deaths and over a billion dollars in damage. How often have tornadoes hit the St Louis area? Amanda Clark, Public Historian for the Missouri Historical Society talks about it. She also covers the really interesting story of General Lafayette's Farewell Tour which included St. Louis. It covered 6000 miles and St. Louis was the western-most stop. Lafayette was one of the first celebrities and the city pulled out all the stops. It's fascinating. This year is the 200th anniversary of his visit. A group recreated the event...you'll want to hear about it!
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • History of St Louis Mining

    History of St Louis Mining
    May 23 2025
    This week local historian Jackie Dana joins Sue to tell her the story of the mining that was done in St. Louis in the 1800's...everything from coal to clay to silica. Some of the mines were in neighborhoods like Tower Grove South, Bevo, and The Hill. One of the first mines were started by the Russell family on their land near Tower Grove South. How was Tower Grove Park spared? Also, what happened to all of these places? Listen and find out! If you'd more information, here's the link to Jackie's substack, Unseen St. Louis: https://unseenstlouis.substack.com/
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • MISCELLANEOUS ST LOUIS HISTORY

    MISCELLANEOUS ST LOUIS HISTORY
    May 17 2025
    St. Louis author and historian Joe Sonderman is back this week, and he and Sue talk about everything from the history of some downtown buildings to the Great St. Louis Bank Robbery to the origin of some of the street names in St. Louis. Hall of Famer Fred Bodimer also makes an appearance. Joe's latest book is "This Day in St. Louis History".
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • From St. Louis to Cooperstown

    From St. Louis to Cooperstown
    May 4 2025
    This week, local sports historian and author Ed Wheatley is in to talk about his latest book, "From St. Louis to Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City." You won't believe some of the connections that Hall-of-Famers have to St. Louis...including the Browns and the Negro League players. Ed has some great stories.
    Show more Show less
    37 mins