Historical November–December 2010 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Bob Blackburn lived in our neighborhood for several decades.
He played an important role in its stabilization.
When the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council was formed in 1966, he represented Washington University.
As longtime Executive Director Cal Stuart noted, “He was a major player in the development of the new Skinker-DeBaliviere.
He was a strong supporter of the emphasis on housing.” Blackburn was a strong but quiet voice; his cordiality was everpresent. Dan McGuire noted that, “Bob was a thoughtful and gracious gentleman who helped me get the lay of the land as a young alderman.” Blackburn acquired a rehabbed condo on Rosedale in the 70s, when buying it was a statement of faith in the comeback of the neighborhood. Aside from being a constant friend and supporter of the neighborhood, he had a distinguished career in government and academia.
He was trained in political science at the University of Virginia and Harvard and taught at the University of Rochester from 1952-55.
This followed distinguished service in World War II.
He was also a Congressional Fellow from 1955-56. Blackburn came to St. Louis in 1957 and was an advisor and then chief of staff to Mayor Raymond Tucker until Tucker left office in 1965. Blackburn played an intimate role in dealing with Civic Progress over urban renewal and freeway building.
He had tremendous respect for Tucker.
On leaving the mayor’s office, Blackburn became the Assistant to Chancellors Eliot and Danforth at Washington University.
He was appointed that university’s Director of Community and Government Relations in 1972, working with three levels of government.
He retired in 1992 but worked with the movement for home rule in the city of St. Louis. Ill health caused him to move to the Gatesworth from his pied-a-terre on Rosedale.
He died on September 20 at the age of 88.
He was a courtly gentleman and always optimistic.
He aided the SDCC as a neighbor and as a key player at Washington University.
His contributions are before us.
Original photograph caption
SDCC 25 thanniversary: Richard Hart, Esther Herron, Jack Wright, Bob Blackburn, Cal Stuart. Reproduced from Celebrating Skinker-De Baliviere 2009; photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2010.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2010_11.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
