Historical June 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Eighty-five people attended the Kiosk’s Fifth birthday party on May 7, held outdoors in front of the Kiosk. Refreshments included a large sheet cake decorated with flowers saying “Happy Birthday Kiosk” and a fruit punch was served. Jim McLeod, Washington University faculty member and president of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, introduced the speaker, Dr. Glen Holt, executive director of the St. Louis Public Library.
In his remarks, Dr. Holt compared the Kingsbury Kiosk to the fabled bright-red phoenix. Like the phoenix, he stated, “the Kiosk had risen from the ashes of the branch library there before it.” Holt saw the elements of the community celebration of the Kiosk as highly significant. Repainting is the way we renew our most important buildings and rooms and by repainting the Kiosk, the community has demonstrated its desire to renew the neighborhood’s relationship with the library. Artist Bill Christman formed an informal friends’ group to finance the improvements and did much of the work himself.
The planting of trees was also significant, Holt said. “When urban dwellers put down trees, it is their way of putting down ‘roots, of demonstrating their sense of stability, in their surroundings.” The trees, newly planted ‘around the Kiosk, illustrate that thesis.
After Mary Ann Shickman introduced Kiosk volunteers, the Kiosk Tabernacle Choir (a group of Rose Flynn’s storytime children) sang “Happy Birthday” to the Kiosk and the entire assembly joined into the spirit of the day.
A free raffle of jump ropes, dolls, change purses, and candy added to the festivities as did the wonderful weather. SUMMER ACTIVITIES In June, the SUMMER READING PROGRAM will begin. Come to the Kiosk for specifics.
In July, the pet picture contest will be held. Dress up your cat, dog, rat or aardvark and take a photo or draw a picture. Make it funny. Prizes will be awarded to the owner as well as the animal. Watch for details in an announcement on the Kiosk door.
In August, the summer party will be held at the Democratic Headquarters. Have a good summer.
Original photograph caption
Festivities at the Kingsbury Kiosk’s 5th Birthday Party. Photo by Jean Gosebrink. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1988, page 5.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_06.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
