Neighborhood History

Found Memories

By Rachelle L’Ecuyer

April–May 2007

Historical April–May 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

I recently found some old boxes of school work stored for at least 25 years at my mother’s house. Among the papers is the following interview with a now famous St. Louisian.

As a freshman in high school, I signed on for an urban studies course. One of the classes required us to bring one of our elected officials to school with us.

My elected official was the young and dashing 28th Ward Alderman.

He was wearing a brown, three-piece suit when picked me up in a red and white Dodge Dart, his name: Vince Schoemehl.

I had a list of 23 questions, I must not have asked all of them because they were not recorded in my final paper. One unasked question stands out, “Does the Board of Aldermen have anything to do with the stores being open on Sunday?” This was back in the day of Sunday blue laws, which Illinois did not have. One of the biggest competitors to St. Louis Downtown was the big brand new shopping mall just 15 minutes to the east of the Arch: St. Clair Square! How things changes and then again, how some things never change!

Here is the interview, the original was written in cursive writing from my 14 year old hand on three ring notebook paper, by the way, I got an “A”: Rachelle L’Ecuyer November 1, 1979 Urban Studies Interview Person Interviewed: Vince Schoemehl, Alderman, 28th Ward Interview:

Question: What do you do as an Alderman?

Answer: Most of an alderman’s time is spent helping the people in the ward. 80% of an alderman’s time is spent on service requests from people such as problems with BiState.

Question: How is your time at City Hall spent?

Answer: Time at City Hall is spent by working on the board committees. Having Board meetings at City Hall every Friday; Work on resolutions, city problems.

Question: What committees are you on?

Answer: Ways and Means committees, handles money.

Question: Can you explain the CDA block grant?

Answer: The CDA block Grants are federal funds to assist City housing.

Question: How does the Board of Aldermen decide on how the money from the CDA block grants should be used?

Answer: They try to leverage the use of the money. Not just use the money in run down areas but by law some of the CDA grants must be used in low income areas.

Question: Why is there a water rate increase?

Answer: There is a water rates increase because money capital improvements have to be made.

Some of the water systems have been in use since 1834. Many lines must be replaced so there is an increase in rates; also, the cost of chemicals for the water.

Question: How long have you been an alderman?

Answer: 4 years, just reelected.

Question: Do you plan on running for mayor?

Answer: yes.

Question: Do you think Conway is doing a good job as mayor?

Answer: Thinks Conway is doing the best job ‘he’ can.

Question: What are some of your criticisms of Conway?

Answer: 1) Can’t really lead, not made to be a leader; 2) Always fighting with Board of Aldermen; 3) Poor planning of riverfront; 4) Poor planning of CDA grants.

Question: Do you think there are too many aldermen in the City for the amount of people in the city?

Answer: No, because even though St. Louis population is half of what it used to be there is still a need for all of the aldermen because there are many things for aldermen to do.

Question: What do you think about what is being done about Homer G Phillips hospital?

Answer: Thinks Homer G. should remain opened. Homer G. is in better condition than City Hospital #1.

But thinks that one of the city hospitals need to remain open; there is not enough money for two city hospitals. End of interview.

We know what has happened to Vince Schoemehl since 1979, he went on to be mayor and now resides at the helm of Grand Center.

As for me, I have worked in community development for the last 20 years, and now I have to wonder, did Mr. Schoemehl influence me in anyway? Rachelle L’Ecuyer 28th Ward (still!)