Historical December 1995 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood lost an admired and loved neighbor last month when Art Mounts (61xx Waterman) passed away on November 18. Art and his companion of 30 years, Terry Buckley, moved to St. Louis in 1985 and made an impression right away.
During Christmas-time, their house has been the greatest wonder with the best decorations in the area– including a fully decorated tree, packages, and multitudinous bears–festooning their home.
The rehab of their home created a bright spot in the middle of a busy block of apartment buildings on the south side of Waterman.
The San Franciscoinspired multi-colored exterior accents their well-appointed and bountiful front yard, the highlight of which is Art’s rose bushes which line the front walk and bloom all season in a multitude of hues.
The apple tree was bent over this summer by its generous yield.
I enjoyed seeing Art out front tending to his roses or pulling up errant weeds as I walked home from school.
He always had a kind and friendly word, always a smile and a cheery wave.
When Art and Terry opened their backyard for neighborhood events (like the wine tour in 1988), those attending entered through a vine-covered arbor-like gangway which opened into an oasis of trees, flowers, and comfortable seating.
It was like a wonderful garden cafe dropped into the midst of the city. And their delicious food was always a treat!
The mood was invariably festive when Art and Terry hosted a gathering and all were made to feel at home.
The evening of the traveling wine tasting, sponsored by Rosedale neighbors, was an occasion of great delight in Art and Terry’s backyard.
As the party wound down, my husband and I were engaged in a conversation with Art about music–jazz in particular. Art, with a sparkle in his eyes, took us into their basement where he kept a collection of classic records, mostly 78 rpms.
It was Art’s treasure and were flattered that he shared it with us.
After that evening, we felt a particular tie to Art because of our musical bond.
The light danced in his eyes whenever he talked about his passion and we will greatly miss that and are not likely to find anyone else so caring and willing to share.
We know that Art’s passing takes away from us the warmth, friendship, and concern of a favorite neighbor.
All who knew him are saddened by the prospect of never seeing him again, puttering with his roses, warmly greeting us. Good-bye, neighbor.
We miss you. (Terry has requested that any memorials be sent to St. Louis Effort for AIDS, 1425 Hampton Ave., St. Louis MO 63139.)
Original photograph caption
Artemus E.Mounts. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1995.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1995_12.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
