Historical Summer 2005 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The wall [next to Forest Park Parkway], demolished relatively recently, did not date back to the days of the 1904 World’s Fair.
I believe it was erected in 1909 or 1910.
According to the late William G. Turner, the wall was designed by his father who also became the contractor who built it. Possibly an early instance of precast reinforced concrete, the design was inspired, I was told, by structures observed during the designer’s wedding trip in the Carribbean!
If MetroLink’s agreement with the Catlin Tract authority and/or the owners of Lindell residents in the subject block from DesPeres to DeBaliviere provided for replacing the wall with a replica, one would think that the two parties and the contractors as well would have a series of photographs pertinent to the disputed issue.
With a substantially different interest and purpose, I would be interested in hearing from anyone the Times may learn of who has photographs of the wall in any stage or state of its existence that might be suitable for an exhibition somewhere sometime. Sincerely, Ernest W Stix Jr 447 Westgate AveSt Louis, MO 631304711
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2005.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2005_06.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
