History of the Lou - 97.1 FM Talk

This week, John Hancock from Hancock and Kelly on KMOX joins Sue to talk about the history of Scott Joplin and his wonderful music. Joplin wasn't born in St. Louis, but he lived here for several years, during which time he wrote, "The Entertainer." Joplin was a musical genius, and you can still visit the Scott Joplin House at 2658 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis....find out how John Hancock played a rol...

In honor of President's Day, Sue talks to local author Jan Jacobi about the history of President Abraham Lincoln. Jacobi is a former middle school teacher and the author of a series of books on Lincoln for young adults. His latest book in the series is "Lincoln and Douglas."

This week, we continue the music theme and talk to Amanda Doyle, co-author with Steve Pick of the book, "St. Louis Sound, An Illustrated Timeline". She takes us through the musical history of the St. Louis area...including both artists and venues...from the St. Louis Blues to Oliver Sain. The book is available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/st-louis-sound-an-illustrated-timeline/

Widely considered to be the Father of Rock 'n Roll, St. Louis' own Chuck Berry has a very interesting history. His son Charles Edward Berry, Jr. joins Sue to tell his father's story. WOW! Find out about his family, how he got his big break, where the title of his first hit came from and more. You won't want to miss this one!

This week, Guinn Hinman, Historic and Cultural Sites Manager for St. Louis County Parks and Recreation joins Sue with the history of Queeny and Laumeier Parks...even a little bit about the fact that there are TWO Tilles Parks...one in the County and one in the City. Then local author and historian Joe Sonderman stops by to talk about the once-glorious (now torn down) Coral Court Motel and its intr...

One of the most long-running and memorable sporting events in St. Louis history was Wrestling at the Chase. In the 1950's when television was new and there were only 3 channels, Harold Koplar added a 4th station called KPLR in St. Louis and he needed programming. Koplar ended up meeting Sam Muchnick, promoter of NWA wrestling on a TWA flight, and an idea was born. Sports historian and author of "W...

This week, Sue has Maria Cassily and Rick Erwin in from City Museum to talk about the pieces of history that make up the museum itself and how they are acquired. Then, author Valerie Kienzle is back, this time to talk about the history of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, and what you can see if you visit.

In the late 1800's, St. Louis was home to an internationally known restaurant called Tony Faust's Oyster House and Restaurant. Elizabeth Kurrus, author of "Oysters to Angus" drops by to tell the story of the iconic Faust family in St. Louis. It is intertwined with the Busch family, too. A restaurant known for oysters in the Midwest? Yep. It's quite a story.

This week, Sue begins by talking to Kathy Schrenk, author of "Kirkwood, A Walk Through History" about...you guessed it...the history of the St. Louis suburb. How it came to be and the role trains played in its founding. Next, Amanda Clark, Public Historian at the Missouri Historical Society stops by to talk about how the geology of St. Louis played a major role in its founding and industry. Lastly...

In honor of Veteran's Day, Army Veteran and Mayor of Grafton, Illinois joins Sue to talk about the new National Memorial of Military Ascent being built in Grafton. It will be a life-sized WWII reproduction of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Hear the story of Pointe Du Hoc and how it inspired the memorial that will honor all veterans.

This is the 80th anniversary of the 1944 World Series...the only one to ever include TWO St. Louis teams (and they both played at the same stadium), so we're talking baseball. Local sports historian, author, and filmmaker Ed Wheatley joins Sue to talk about the St. Louis Browns and their convoluted story! What an amazing baseball history we have in this city! Follow along, won't you?

This week we dive into the history of Sue's favorite place in St. Louis...Forest Park! The park was dedicated in 1876, and is not only 500 acres LARGER than Central Park in NYC, but is the home to several national and internationally known venues. All of this and it is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Carolyn Mueller, author of "Forest Park, A Walk Through History" also fills you in o...

Local author Valerie Battle Kienzle is back, this time to talk about the history of St. Charles. You may have heard about Historic St. Charles...did you know it was founded just a few years after St. Louis? It even served as the capital of Missouri while Jefferson City was being prepared! Oh, and you'll want to hear about the tanks that used to be test-driven down the streets. Valerie is the autho...

In this episode of History of the Lou, Sue Thomas delves into the captivating story of the Fox Theater in St. Louis. Learn about its early days of grandeur following its 1929 opening, the intricate architecture, and the installation of its famous organs. Sue also highlights the career of Stan Kann, the beloved organist known for his comedic vacuum cleaner routines and frequent appearances on The T...

This week, Sue Thomas talks with Jesse Francis, the manager of Faust Park in St. Louis County, about the history of the park. Wow...if you think you know this park based on going to the Butterfly House, guess again! The land was onced owned by the second governor of Missouri, Frederick Bates, and is over 200 acres now. Hear a bit about the history of the Carousel and a cool new feature that will o...

This week, Valerie Battle Kienzle, author of "Ready To Wear...A History of the Footwear and Garment Industries in St. Louis" joins Sue Thomas to talk about St. Louis' amazing history in these areas. Did you know that St. Louis companies provided millions of shoes and boots to servicemen in both World War I and II? Or that a St. Louis company called Co-ed Frocks was the supplier of official Girl Sc...

This week, Molly Butterworth, author of "Trains & Trolleys-Railroads and Streetcars in St. Louis" joins Sue to talk about just that! Did you know that local streetcars were once owned by individuals, and they were scattered randomly throughout the area? What kind of impact did these types of transportation have on the suburbs? Find out in this episode.