This Month in St. Louis History

About the St. Louis city-county "divorce"

A big anniversary in the on-going "divorce" of the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County occurred May 9, 1878. That's when the cornerstone for the new county courthouse was laid in Clayton.

This division of the city and county continues to have ramifications even today.

A May, 1890, anniversary involved a petition signed by every wholesale fruit dealer in St. Louis. They opposed a new tariff proposed by then President William McKinley.

Anniversaries of people and events during past Mays include a rich mixture of both the significant and the less-than-crucial.

(Each month, the Missouri History Museum collects stories of historic interest from Missouri's varied past. Young Saint Louis.com then compiles these items for your enjoyment. YSL.com also lists Internet links to broaden your understanding. For more, view www.mohistory.org.)

Cornerstone for courthouse in Clayton

St. Louis County was created as one of five administrative districts of the Upper Louisiana Territory. It was formed just nine years after the Louisiana Purchase and nine years before Missouri got statehood.

The City of St. Louis was 39 years old at the time of the Louisiana Purchase, having been founded in 1764. It was included in St. Louis County.

But, the City of St. Louis was separated from St. Louis County in 1876. City officials strongly objected to what they considered excessive costs associated with development of "non-urban" parts of the county.

One big step that helped make that city-county division permanent was the laying of the cornerstone for the county courthouse on May 9, 1878. That happened in what became the city of Clayton.

A total of 104 acres of forest land was donated by Ralph Clayton and M.F. Hanley.

At the time of setting the cornerstone, the St. Louis Globe Democrat newspaper described the cornerstone as being in an unsightly hole in the center of a forest.

For a compilation of St. Louis County history, you can visit: http://www.mymissourigenealogy.com/mo_county/sl.htm.

Chinese prince visits 1904 World's Fair

One of the more exotic visitors to the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis was Prince Pu Lun. He arrived on May 4, 1904, as a representative of the Chinese emperor.

The Chinese pavilion at the Fair was a copy of the summer palace of Prince Pu Lun.

The construction of the pavilion involved sections pre-built in China. The sections were assembled once the pieces got to the fair site. Workers came from China to put the pavilion together.

When the fair closed, the Chinese left the pavilion and its contents to Fair President David R. Francis.

Some of the decorations are housed at Washington University.

For a look at the pavilion, visit http://exhibits.slpl.org/lpe/data/LPE240024069.asp?
thread=240029535.

"Screamin' Eagle" designer is born

The man who led a revival of wooden roller coasters-including one in St. Louis-was born on May 21, 1907. John C. Allen died in 1979 but not before he had designed and built a host of the distinctive amusement rides.

Among the surviving roller coasters is the "Screamin' Eagle" at Six Flags in St. Louis. The ride was built here in 1976.

Allen didn't take his accomplishments too seriously. He said, "You don't need a degree in engineering to design roller coasters; you need a degree in psychology."

Of course, he was talking about knowing what it takes to scare people without being so scary that they wouldn't ride the roller coaster.

In all, he designed over 25 rides and, according to a brief history, 15 of them remain.

After attending Temple University, he joined the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. in 1934 as a coaster operator. He became president 20 years later.

In addition to designing the rides, he made significant contributions to roller coaster technology.

For a look at six photographs of the Screamin' Eagle in Eureka, Mo., visit www.rcdb.com/ig44.htm.

Key leader of C.O.R.E died

The Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.) was established in St. Louis. One of the key founding members was Bernice Fisher, a civil rights advocate and union organizer.

She was born in Punxsutawney, PA, Dec. 8, 1916, and died May 2, 1966.

She was one of the first to adopt the idea of non-violent, but "direct action," protests. She became known as the "godmother of the restaurant 'sit-in' technique."

She numbered many St. Louisans among her civil rights associates. The direct actions in St. Louis helped to prepare C.O.R.E. for its national role in the civil rights movement.

In 1942, when she was a student, she joined to take action against discrimination in downtown Chicago restaurants. Later, she became a labor organizer in St. Louis.

C.O.R.E was founded in St. Louis in 1947. One of its first goals was the integration of lunch counters and restaurants. For 10 years, they participated in weekly sit-ins at various downtown eating establishments.

The Missouri History Museum has a large collection of materials in its Seeking St. Louis African American History exhibits. In the 10th stop on the guided tour, there is a copy of a newsletter from C.O.R.E.

Also, you can access a history of C.O.R.E at: www.core-online.org/History/history.htm.

Local fruit dealers upset by tax proposal President

William McKinley ran into strong opposition from St. Louis to his proposal for higher tariffs on oranges and lemons. A petition signed by every local fruit merchant was forwarded to Washington on May 17, 1890.

The New York Times newspaper took note of the complaint in its issue of May 18.

The story ran under a headline that said "Against M'Kinley's Bill; St. Louis fruit dealers protest against its passage."

President McKinley was seeking to boost tariffs on imported goods in order to protect fledgling American businesses. In the case of oranges and lemons, the bill was to protect Florida and California growers.

But, the St. Louis merchants said the tariff would boost the cost of the fruits by as much as 100 per cent. The petition said, "In our opinion such proposed increase of said tariff is not necessary either for protection or trade of the United States."

• Tuesday Riverfront Trail Rides along the St. Louis Riverfront Trail. These rides are on Tuesday evenings, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The rides are free.
• Lewis&Clark Departure Days Bicycle Ride on Saturday, May 12. The ride includes routes of from 14 to 50 miles in flat and rolling terrain. The rides start from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and include a stop at the Lewis&Clark Historic Site in Illinois.
• Berry Bicycle Ride and Strawberry Festival on Sunday, May 20. The rides follow routes from 11 to 54 miles and start at St. Jacob, IL. On the return, cyclists can attend the St. Jacob Strawberry Festival.
• The Great Pizza Bicycle Ride on Monday, May 28, starts at Millstadt, IL. This Memorial Day ride follows routes of the 24 to 43 miles. Upon the return, you can feast on all-you-can-eat pizza at Breadseaux Pizza.

Summer Reading list

• Lara Bakula, Fenton, 5th grade, Kellison Elementary School.
• Katie Bayer, St. Louis, 8th grade, Oakville Middle School.
• Andre' D. Booker, Chesterfield, 8th grade, Parkway Central Middle School.
• Meghan Danielle Chac, Fenton, Kellison Elementary School.
• Torey Dunlap, St. Louis, 6th grade, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy.
• Kami Fox, High Ridge, 6th grade, Lone Dell Elementary School.
• Alexander Kehm, Fenton, 8th grade, Rockwood South Middle School.
• Mary Ann McCain, Ballwin, 7th grade, Parkway Southwest Middle School.
• Claire E. Rembecki, Sullivan, 8th grade, St. Anthony's School.

• Brittany Herold, Chesterfield, 9th grade, Marquette High School.
• Varum Mehrotra, Wildwood, 10th grade, Lafayette High School.
• Diane Murray, Jerseyville, IL, 10th grade, Jersey Community High School.
• Colin Watkins, East St. Louis, IL, 9th grade, East St. Louis High School.

1. Lara Bakula, Fenton, 5th grade, Kellison Elementary School. Lara is a straight A student and in the school's special chorus. She is in the Rockwood Talented and Gifted Program and has had her art pieces displayed in the district art fair. She, her twin sister, Sara, and three others won the "most creative award" at the Creative Challenge Cup at Washington University. She swims and dances competitively and plays the piano.
   
   
2. Karie Bayer, St. Louis, 8th grade, Oakville Middle School. Katie is on the school's honor roll and participates in the Junior Honor Society and the Duke University TIP program. At her home parish, she is a cantor for the Children's Choir. She is first flute in the Symphonic Band and is in the school's Concert Band. She received an "award of distinction" from the Kiwanis Club for 50 hours of community service.
   
   
3. Andre' D. Booker, Chesterfield, 8th grade, Parkway Central Middle School. Andre' has maintains honor status throughout his school career and is in Parkway's gifted program. He is a delegate for the Student Council. He plays Jr. Colts football, basketball and track and field. He was selected by the staff at Junior Achievement to speak at the Global Business Hall of Fame. He's also served as Safety Town instructor by the Chesterfield Police.
   
   
4. Meghan Danielle Chac, Fenton, 5th grade, Kellison Elementary School. Meghan attends the Rockwood's Center for Creative Learning and is a straight A student. Her group took 1st place at the Washington University Academy Challenge Cup. Meghan plays select soccer for Missouri Premier and plays softball. She is also in the Special Chorus.
   
   
5. Torey Dunlap, St. Louis, 6th grade, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy. Torey has a 3.5 GPA and is in the Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary Students. She's also in the school's Concert Choir and in Girl Scouts. She plays the violin and the keyboard. She hopes to have a career in the culinary arts and wants to own her own restaurant.
   
   
6. Kami Fox, High Ridge, 6th grade, Lone Dell Elementary School. She's been on the honor roll every year since 1st grade. She's a member of the Character Choir and Student Council and is a representative of Red Ribbon Leadership. She is active in her church, volunteering in the nursery and in church/community events. She has several art pieces displays in the United Bank of Missouri and the St. Louis Galleria. Kami wants to be a pediatrician.
   
   
7. Alexander Kehm, Fenton, 8th grade, Rockwood South Middle School. Alex is in the school's Talented and Gifted program and a member of the Student Council. He represented Rockwood South as a viola player in the all-district Honors Orchestra. His team won the 2007 West County Soccer League. He also founded Fenton Passback, an organization committed to providing soccer equipment to underprivileged kids.
   
   
8. Mary Ann McCain, Ballwin, 7th grader, Parkway Southwest Middle School. She was selected as one of 20 young divers in the U.S. to train for the 2012 Olympics and competes internationally in both springboard and tower diving. She's also a 7-year national winner at Piano Guild. She also plays viola in the All-Suburban Orchestra and the YMCA Youth Orchestra. She's served as student body president and has monthly service projects.
   
   
9. Claire E. Rembecki, Sullivan, MO, 8th grade, St. Anthony's School. Claire is a straight A student and vice-president of the Student Council. Last year, she won a Citizen of the Month award and was selected as a teacher of dance for the School of Performing Arts. She had a lead role in summer drama and science camps in 2007. As a volunteer, she was a teacher's assistant at an adult education computer class as well as a volleyball coaching assistant. Claire was a lector and server at her church.

After Lewis & Clark tour trip

Belleville kid now looking at Indian side

The ice cream cone

Kids seek approval for an official state dessert

A group of home-schooled kids are just a couple steps away from having the Missouri Legislature designate the ice cream cone as the official state dessert.

Twelve-year-old Elise Kostial of Ellisville said their campaign started last fall. "We were looking for a project that would have impact on our community," she said.

Where they stand now, the two houses of the Legislature have passed versions of the proposed legislation. All that's needed is final legislative approval and the governor's signature.

To get any law enacted on the first try would be quite an accomplishment. That's especially true when the sponsors are kids of elementary and middle school age.

They may be young. But, their campaign has been very professionally done.

They researched the economic and historical merits of their proposal. They lined up veteran legislators to sponsor the bill. They built an internet website to publicize their idea. (To see site, visit http://themissouriicecreamcone.org.)

They made several trips to Jefferson City to testify before legislative committees. One of their members even debated the merits on-air with a KMOX radio talk show host.

Also, they sponsored an Ice Cream Day at the State Capitol. Over 1,300 people showed up to eat ice cream and hear their pitch. There was even a drawing for legislators with the winner getting a $40 certificate to Arris' Pizza Palace.

The Missouri Senate passed its version of the ice cream cone bill on Feb. 28, by a margin of 24-10. The House passed its bill April 2, by a margin of 105-25.

The kids feel they have both economics and history on their side.

Thirteen-year-old Jacob Frost of Eureka said Missouri ranks 10th in ice cream production and 5th in production of dairy products. "Ice cream has an economic impact," he said.

Eleven-year-old Elise Floyd, also of Eureka, did the research about the history of ice cream in Missouri. Of course, the most telling argument involved the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

Most historical sources agree that the ice cream cone was introduced at the Fair.

One of the first things the kids did was to look for endorsements from organizations and companies with a stake in backing the ice cream cone.

Elise Kostial said she sent out endorsement letters. Among those who gave support were both the Missouri Restaurant Assn. and the Missouri Department of Tourism.

Also 11 Missouri dairies sent letters, including Pairie Farms. Also, eight ice cream manufacturers, including Prairie Farms, Breyer's and Cold Stone.

The kids' website noted a 1999 study which claimed St. Louisans ranked 4th in the nation in terms of ice cream consumption per capita.

The kids said they hoped designation of the ice cream cone as the state dessert would encourage building of a monument in Forest Park commemorating the 1904 introduction. Forest Park was the location of many fair buildings and activities.

One unusual speaking opportunity during the campaign came when Elisa Kostial was invited to appear on KMOX talk show host Charlie Brennan's morning show. The appearance became a debate whether the ice cream cone or gooey butter cake-Brennan's favorite--should be the state dessert.

Elisa said, "I was pretty nervous before the show but once it started it was a lot easier."

Of course, the other kids thought Elisa got the best of the debate. They noted that six of the nine people who called in favored the ice cream cone.

Nicholas and Jacob Frost were among the witnesses who testified in the House committee hearing on their proposal. One legislator asked whether the kids thought the 7% of Missourians who didn't eat ice cream would be offended by the bill.

"When you have 93% on your side, you're doing pretty good, don't you think?" Nicholas said. The legislator conceded the point.

Eleven-year-old Kayleigh Hecht of Wildwood said she introduced the legislators during the hearings in Jefferson City.

She said speaking in front of the legislators was the toughest thing she did during the campaign. "But, it got easier with each experience," she said.

Other members of the "ice cream cone" home-school project were:

Alexandria D'Ordine, Kjia Zuroweste, Garrett Floyd, Bethany Frost, Grace Savage, Louisa Geyer, Elizabeth and Katie Kramer, Thatcher Broyles, Anna, Nathan and Gabriel Farrell and Chloe and Josie Lozano.

Groups of kids went to Jefferson City as many as four times during the campaign.

Jacob Frost said he was embarrassed when he misidentified a legislator when trying to speak about their bill.

But, his brother, Nicholas, said the toughest part of the Jefferson City experience came at Ice Cream Day. "We had to walk around and talk to people but we didn't get any ice cream until the very end," he said.

But, he acknowledged that the ice cream manufacturers brought enough to feed all the crowd with enough left over for him at the end.

All the kids said the experience of trying to get a proposal through the state legislature got them more interested in government.

Nicholas Frost said, "I've thought about running for the Senate or the House. But, I wouldn't want to be president."

Elisa Kostial said she would consider going into politics after college. She said, "I learned so much with this project."

Jacob Frost said, "I learned a lot about public speaking."

At World Festival