Historical May 1992 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In June, the History Museum will inaugurate a monthly series featuring neighborhoods in the city, the county, and the east side.
As Robert Archibald, Museum president, explained recently, ‘How one chooses to remember our community has something to do with the community’s alternatives for the future.” This program, Where We Live, is designed to focus on lesser-known aspects of the greater St. Louis community, namely the history of its neighborhoods. Archibald’s hope is that people “will learn about their community and explore portions in ways they hadn’t before.” The History Museum is beginning its program in SkinkerDeBaliviere, the neighborhood it borders. Because it is the kickoff neighborhood for the entire series, there will be a parade on the afternoon of June 7. the Washington University parking lot at Skinker and Forest Park Parkway, up Skinker to Waterman, east on Waterman to DeBaliviere, and then south on DeBaliviere, to the History Museum.
There will be hot air balloons and vintage trolley cars at the Jefferson Memorial for participants and visitors to enjoy. PARADE ENTRIES ENCOURAGED The History Museum is seeking parade entries. Entrants should represent schools, churches, or business groups.
There has to be a neighborhood theme. Political or partisan entries will not be permitted. Those interested in participating should contact Suzanne Jones Stolar at 454-3150. Prizes will be awarded in several categories: most creative, most beautiful, most representative of the neighborhood. MEDIA COVERAGE KMOX is committed to doing radio spots plugging the kick-off parade.
For every neighborhood featured, KMOX will also broadcast four public service spots about the history of the featured neighborhood and its unique aspects. Similarly, KMOV-TV (Channel 4) will air a public service spot about each featured neighborhood.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also will do a feature story in its Everyday section. WALKING TOURS “Where We Live” will prepare, courtesy of the Post-Dispatch, brochures that point out interesting walking tours of the neighborhood. Several Skinker-DeBaliviere residents currently are consulting with Museum staff to lay out the premiere walking tours. Those reading or hearing about the neighborhood may choose to visit and explore the area in greater depth and learn about its architecture and special sights.
These tours then may also serve as informal marketing opportunities.
The SkinkerDeBaliviere walking tour will be available by June 1.
The brochure will show the old street car routes and the course of the River DesPeres and how it impacted the neighborhood.
The Museum also is exploring the idea of a photo contest Children and adult residents (or past residents) of Skinker-DeBaliviere would be encouraged to send in vintage or contemporary exterior and interior shots of the neighborhood.
These photos would be displayed at the History Museum during the month that the neighborhood is featured.
For information, call 454- 3150.
Original photograph caption
Look closely. Building at Skinker and Pershing now houses Talayna’s. Occupants then were a florist, pharmacy, and perhaps a grocery. Courtesy Missouri Historical Society.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1992.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1992_05.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 4; PDF page(s) 1, 4.
