Historical February 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Memories of the nation’s first Olympic games, held in St. Louis in 1904 will be revived in a new exhibition of photographs, medals and memorabilia at the History Museum in the Jefferson Memorial Building in Forest Park. “Forgotten Glory: St. Louis and the Third Olympiad” opens on Saturday, February 13, to coincide with the opening of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
This collection of more than 30 photographs and artifacts from the predominantly American participants offers a view of the clothing and athletic styles of the athletes and spectators. Several buildings in the backgrounds and a set of viewing stands, which exist today at Washington University, are also pictured.
The 1904 Olympics were originally scheduled to be held in Chicago, but David R. Francis, chairman of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, wooed the games to St. Louis to be part of the 1904 World’s Fair.
The First Olympiad was held in Athens in 1896; the Olympic games were held for the second time in Paris in 1900.
The Third Olympiad ran from early July to October 1904. Highlights of the games were the track and field events August 29 – September 3.
The History Museum in Forest Park is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
There is no admission charge.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
