History of the Lou - NewsRadio 1120 KMOX

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the amazing Forest Park. Co-authors of the new book, "Forest Park - St. Louis' Gathering Place Since 1876" Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins join Sue for a discussion about the beginnings of the park (it was originally supposed to be 3000 acres) and the changes it has undergone in the last century and a half. There's even a story involving a camel!

Every Memorial Day weekend, The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Des Peres Road hosts its annual Greek Fest. Long-time member Tony Theranos stops by to talk with Sue about not only the festival itself, but also his own family's story, beginning with his father coming over from Greece in 1917 and eventually settling in St. Louis. Find out the purpose of Greek Fest, and why it is held on Memorial Day Weekend. If you're headed to the event, you can find more at stlgreekfest.com.

St. Louisan and independent journalist Jack Grone joins Sue to talk about the last 40 years of print (and other media) in St. Louis. Jack's journalism background is interesting in and of itself, and he and Sue went to high school together in Kirkwood, MO. Remember the St. Louis Sun? What happened to it? How were the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat intertwined for awhile? Tune in and find out!

The Mother Road turns 100 this year, and the Missouri History Museum is putting on an impressive celebration. Join Public Historian Andrew Wanko as he talks to Sue about the history of Rt. 66, and what you can see locally and in Missouri if you decide to drive it yourself. Wanko co-directed an Emmy-winning documentary entitled, "Show Me 66: Main Street through Missouri" for Route 66's 90th anniversary, and it will be shown during this year's celebration. For more information and a schedule of events, go to mohistory.org/museum.

This week, City SC broadcaster and first-time author Joey Zanaboni joins Sue to talk about his book, "St. Louis Sports for Kids...Forever Lore in the 314". It's really a book for adults, too, covering 20 different sports and their histories in St. Louis. Relive some of the greatest sporting events tied to St. Louis, and some of the amazing athletes who were involved. To whom did Joey sell his first book? It's a great story...listen and find out!

When Scott Joplin lived in Sedalia before moving to St. Louis, he met Will and then John Stark, with whom he worked out a deal to publish his music. John Hancock, of Hancock and Kelly on KMOX is also a Scott Joplin expert (and pianist) who recently met Kyle Stark, a descendant of John Stark and they came in to tell the history of the collaboration. Amazing! Both Stark Publishing and Scott Joplin ended up in St. Louis, and Stark published 72 pieces by Mr. Joplin. What a story.

For the history of Normandy in St. Louis County, a listener led Sue to Terry Gannon... a long-time Normandy resident and historian. Gannon explains not only the history (think 1800's and the Louisiana Purchase) of the city, but explains where names like Lucas and Hunt came from, and the origins of its FIVE golf courses. She also talks about the beautiful homes in Normandy and when UMSL came along.

Did you know that Dogtown isn't an official St. Louis City neighborhood? It is actually a combination of 4 separate ones, and dates back to the 1700s! Learn about the neighborhood's interesting history and how it got its name. In honor of upcoming St. Patrick's Day, Sue and Dogtown Historical Society President and life-long resident John Corbett also talk about the area's famous parade that is coming up soon!

The Federal Reserve in St. Louis is one of only 12 across the U.S...find out about its history, the building that it still occupies downtown, and much more. Did you know there used to be a 10-thousand-dollar bill? Or that our local fed shreds millions of dollars in used bills? Join Sue and three people from the Federal Reserve for this informative episode! Side note: they even have a MUSEUM at the St. Louis Federal Reserve!

One of the suburbs of St. Louis that shares a border with the City of St. Louis, Maplewood has an interesting history. Doug Houser, long-time Maplewood resident and author of "The First 100 Years of Maplewood" and "Maplewood History" joins Sue to talk about it everything from its beginning as farmland in the 1800's to the story of the "Upstairser" bowling alley in Saratoga Lanes to Maplewood today.

Carolyn Mueller Kelly has worked at the St. Louis Zoo for many years, and has just written a book called, "Amazing Missouri Animals". She and Sue talk about BOTH in this episode. Did you know that the birds with one of the best senses of smell in the world live in Missouri? Also, learn some of the history of the St. Louis Zoo, and about Destination Discovery (new Children's Zoo), and the new WildCare Park, the safari-style park in North County that is expected to open in 2027.

Dan O'Neill, longtime writer at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, wrote a book by that name and he joined me this week to talk about it. I didn't even know there WAS a Horseshoe-Pitching Hall of Fame, let alone that it was nearby. And did you know that the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was the first to report the sinking of the Titanic? I didn't and it is an amazing story...Sue

Erkers is one of the oldest businesses in St. Louis, opening in 1879! It is now run by this week's guests, Tony and Jack Erker...the FIFTH generation of the family. From being the official photographers at the 1904 World's Fair, to making the goggles for Charles Lindbergh for his historic solo flight in the Spirit of St. Louis from New York to Paris, Erker's has an amazing history. Wait until you find out what broadcasting legend(s) have worn their glasses, and how they imbed a little bit of St. Louis history each year into their eyewear that is now sold worldwide!

If you've ever exited eastbound 44 onto Jamieson, perhaps on your way to Ted Drewes, you have been in the Lindenwood Park neighborhood and seen the park itself! A newer neighborhood than ones like Holly Hills, Lindenwood has an interesting history of its own. Local resident and author Jay Unnerstall has written a book about it that includes 4 different walking tours, and he joins Sue to talk about it.

The first steamboat arrived in St. Louis in 1817 and had a big impact on the area. Vicki and Jim Erwin, authors of "Steamboat Disasters of the Lower Missouri River" join Sue to talk about the boats themselves, the rivers, the people, and the disasters. It is quite a story!

If you've not heard of the Mill Creek neighborhood in St. Louis, it may be because it no longer exists. Hear the story of the neighborhood that once was home to 20,000 residents and 800 businesses and was the center of black life in St. Louis from the early 1900s to 1959. Gwen Moore, Curator at the Missouri Historical Society, joins Sue to tell the story of the neighborhood she once lived in, the people who lived there, and the current exhibit about Mill Creek at the Missouri History Museum.

Vicki and Jim Erwin have written a book with this title, and join Sue to talk about it. If you've got family or friends coming in for the holidays, you may get some ideas about where to go and what to do. They talk about everything from Lewis and Clark to the Missouri Civil War Museum, to the Campbell House and the National Museum of Transportation. There is something for everyone in our area!

Did you know that the history of Trans World Airlines involves Howard Hughes? I didn't! Join me and Alan Hoffman, co-author with Daniel Rust of "Come Fly With Me - the Rise and Fall of Trans World Airlines" for the eye-opening history of this once-great airline. The twists and turns are unbelievable. St. Louis Lambert International Airport was once a hub for TWA, and many pilots and flight attendants were St. Louis-based. What a history! Hoffman and Rust's book is now in its second printing because of its popularity in this area. Thanks to Alan Hoffman for coming in and telling the story! - Sue

Suzanne Corbett, food writer, culinary historian, and food ways interpreter (you'll have to listen to find out what that is!) covers a range of topics having to do with Thanksgiving...discover its connection to the military and one particular persistent woman. She also talks about the effect the military had on civilian meals. Oh, and she mentions former First Lady Bess Truman's Dressing Recipe which is now in the National Archives! Here's the link: https://www.archives.gov/files/citizen-archivist/images/11-28-2019-thanks.pdf

Opened in 1937 to serve the African American community in St. Louis, Homer G. Phillips Hospital was beautiful and it had a nursing program attached to it that attracted students from all over the country. Candace O'Connor, author of "Climbing the Ladder, Chasing the Dream, The History of Homer G. Phillips Hospital" joins Sue along with some nurses who graduated from the nursing school and worked at the hospital before its closing in 1979. Their stories reveal not only about the importance of "Homer G" as it was called in the community, but the incredible impact it had on the lives of the people who worked there. Thank you to nurses Georgia Anderson, Richard White, and Celestine Moore for coming in to share their stories of Homer G.

Local historian, author, and Rte. 66 expert Joe Sonderman is back...this time to talk about the must-see stops along The Mother Road. He covers the places in St. Louis, and recommends some of his favorites not only within day-trip distance, but along the whole road.

This week, we learn about the origins of Art Deco style, and the many surprising and some not surprising) examples of it in St. Louis. Local historian, neighborhood expert, and author of many books about St. Louis, NiNi Harris joins Sue to talk about it. Learn where you can see examples of Art Deco that are still around today, and take a walking tour that Harris recommends!

One of the best ways to look at history is through the correspondence of the time. Christopher Alan Gordon, Director of Library and Collections for the Missouri Historical Society has gone through many of these to write the book, "Letters Home from WWII, St. Louis." It's an interesting look at the war and St. Louis at the time. Learn about the amazing 6888 Postal Battalion, the only all-Black Women's Army Corps (WAC) unit to serve overseas during World War II and what it accomplished!

The Cathedral Basilica, also known as the New Cathedral in the Central West End has one of the largest collections of mosaics in the world. It is amazing. Local architect, historian, and author John Guenther stops by to talk with Sue about its history. Guenther has just written a book entitled, "The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis - An Illustrated Timeline". The mosaics, as you can imagine took DECADES to complete, and cover 83,000 square feet! Listen to find out how many pieces of glass it took, and how many shades of color are involved...it is mind-boggling! John will be doing a book-signing at the Cathedral Basilica on 11/2/25 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. if you'd like to meet him and see the Cathedral.

The history of aviation in St. Louis goes back almost to the beginning of aviation in America. The namesake of our current airport took flying lessons from one of the Wright Brothers! Follow along as aviation historian Alan Hoffman takes Sue through it all...from Charles Lindbergh and his world-changing flight in The Spirit of St. Louis to TWA and Ozark Airlines to McDonnell Douglas and its role in it all.

This year is the 50th anniversary of St. Louis architectural firm Trivers, which has had a hand in resurrecting several historic buildings in St. Louis. Trivers Principals Joe Brinkmann and Amy Gilbertson drop by to talk about some of the projects with Sue. They cover everything from the old Cupples warehouse that became a fancy hotel, to the Old Post Office that has a courtroom in it!

The Chase has a lengthy (over 100 years) and intriguing history in St. Louis. It is woven into the fabric of the city. Learn about its quick construction and the endless stream of stars who performed and stayed there throughout the years...from Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis, and why the staff can't say who has been there recently! The Chase has many stories to tell. Join Sue and Matthew White and Amy Ruffner from The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis for a fascinating piece of St. Louis history that is still not only active today, but thriving over 100 years later!

St. Louis was at one point in history second only to Detroit in automobile production, and it is an amazing story. Thomas Eyssell, co-author with Molly Butterworth of "They Will Run: The Golden Age of the Automobile in St. Louis" (Reedy Press) stopped by to talk about it. We had many different car manufacturers like Dorris Motor Corporation and Moon Motor Car...oh, and you won't want to miss the story involving Babe Ruth!

The St. Nicholas Greek Festival is this weekend in St. Louis, (as it is every Labor Day weekend) and in honor of that, we have the history of the Greeks in this city. Local historian and member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Dr. Mike Tsichlis takes us back to the 1800's when the first Greeks came to this area. Learn how it went, and what businesses they started, and where Greektown used to be. Opa!

The St. Louis Area Food Bank is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so Sue sat down with Meredith Knopp, President and CEO to talk about its history. Learn why it began, and HOW it began with just an idea and a rented warehouse space. Through the generosity of St. Louis area people and companies, it really is amazing what it has become today. For more information, go to www.stlfoodbank.org or call 314-292-6262.

This week, Dan O'Neill, longtime writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch joins Sue to talk about the history of the Blues. O'Neill wrote a book entitled, "When The Blues Go Marching In" that is full of great photos and the timeline of the franchise through its amazing Stanley Cup win in 2019. Find out what hockey teams St. Louis had before the Blues and how the Arena played a role in getting the franchise.

The foresight of the city founders to include parks in St. Louis was impressive...we have some of the best in the country! Author and St. Louis expert Nini Harris joins Sue to talk about some of them, but also St. Louis County parks, and why they were late to the party. We also have some incredible state parks nearby. Nini's latest book is entitled, "St. Louis Parks" and she is a fount of information!

There are FIVE buildings designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in Missouri, and one of them is in Kirkwood AND it is open to the public! This week Sharon Croissant, long-time docent at is what is sometimes referred to locally as "The Kraus House" joins Sue to talk about the house itself, and its designer and owners. You won't believe how far people have travelled from around the world to see this house! What a great story!

Well, it's summer, and we travel to Hermann, MO for a look at the town's interesting history.This week, Dea Hoover, author of "Hermann, Missouri, A Walk Through History" joins Sue and talks about the society in Philadelphia that sent out a scout to find a location that looked like Germany for a group of immigrants looking for land in the 1830's. Who knew? Dea also wrote a book entitled "STL Scavenger" if you'd like something fun to do with the kids this summer. She tells us all about it!

First this week, Angela Rhone, President of the St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America comes by to talk about the history of that organization...focusing on its award-winning St. Louis Chapter. It has launched some impressive kids over the years. Next, Mark Sundlov, Managing Director of Soldier's Memorial talks about the latest exhibit there, "Tuskegee Airmen: America's Freedom Flyers" and some of the St. Louis men who were part of it!

Kerry Patch was the name of an Irish neighborhood that sprang up in the 1840s in St. Louis. A listener whose grandparents had grown up there requested this episode, so Sue called on Patrick Murphy, author of "The Irish in St. Louis...from Shanty to Lace Curtain" to talk about it. Murphy's grandparents were also residents, and he's got some great stories to tell! Kerry Patch was around until after World War I and had its own "king"! Patrickmurphyauthor.com for more info.

St. Louis has the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the country, and it is world-renowned. Its physical home is Powell Hall, which has been undergoing a major renovation, addition, and facelift for the last 2 years. SLSO President and CEO, Marie-Helene Bernard and Director of Facilities Cynthia Schon join Sue to talk not only about the history of the orchestra and the building, but give us an idea of what to expect in the newly renovated Powell Hall and the new Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Go to slso.org for more information and tickets! Opening weekend is Sept. 26-28, 2025.

Did you know that the Hubble Telescope was named after a man from a small town in Missouri? Or that sliced bread was invented in a small Missouri town? Yep! This week, Caitlin Yager joins Sue Thomas to talk about her new book, "Small Town Missouri...Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Show-Me State". It is fascinating, and a lot of these 50 towns have an incredible history and are just a day trip away from St. Louis. Yager even talks about the origin of Missouri becoming the Show-Me state. It is eye-opening!

The South Broadway Athletic Club was formed in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis in 1899 and is still around today! Find out how that happened, and how the club changed with the times, but remains the same in some ways...including bi-monthly MMWA wrestling events. Miriam Moynihan and Ryan Buckley, current club members and authors of a new book entitled, "South Broadway Athletic Club, St. Louis Home for Boxing, Wrestling, and Cheap Beer since 1899" join Sue to talk about it. More info at www.sbacstl.org

On May 16, 2025, an EF-3 tornado touched down in the St. Louis area, causing 5 deaths and over a billion dollars in damage. How often have tornadoes hit the St Louis area? Amanda Clark, Public Historian for the Missouri Historical Society talks about it. She also covers the really interesting story of General Lafayette's Farewell Tour which included St. Louis. It covered 6000 miles and St. Louis was the western-most stop. Lafayette was one of the first celebrities and the city pulled out all the stops. It's fascinating. This year is the 200th anniversary of his visit. A group recreated the event...you'll want to hear about it!

This week local historian Jackie Dana joins Sue to tell her the story of the mining that was done in St. Louis in the 1800's...everything from coal to clay to silica. Some of the mines were in neighborhoods like Tower Grove South, Bevo, and The Hill. One of the first mines were started by the Russell family on their land near Tower Grove South. How was Tower Grove Park spared?Also, what happened to all of these places? Listen and find out! If you'd more information, here's the link to Jackie's substack, Unseen St. Louis: https://unseenstlouis.substack.com/

St. Louis author and historian Joe Sonderman is back this week, and he and Sue talk about everything from the history of some downtown buildings to the Great St. Louis Bank Robbery to the origin of some of the street names in St. Louis. Hall of Famer Fred Bodimer also makes an appearance. Joe's latest book is "This Day in St. Louis History".

This week, local sports historian and author Ed Wheatley is in to talk about his latest book, "From St. Louis to Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City." You won't believe some of the connections that Hall-of-Famers have to St. Louis...including the Browns and the Negro League players. Ed has some great stories.

Did you know that the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis is part of the Gateway Arch National Park? It is! Built in the 1800s, it has been the site of several important cases, including Dred Scott. The Old Courthouse has undergone a major renovation, and will reopen to the public to great fanfare on May 3. Join Sue, Jeremy Sweat, Superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park, and Ryan McClure, Executive Director Gateway Arch Park Foundation as they discuss the history of the building and how it will be post-renovation.

This week, we hear the amazing story of Elizabeth Keckley. She was born in Virginia as an enslaved person and endured an incredible amount of hardship, but was able to buy her freedom in St. Louis, and went on to become a friend of and seamstress for none other than Mary Todd Lincoln when her husband was President of the United States. Cicely Hunter, Public Historian from the African American History Initiative takes us through the life of Keckley and her undying spirit.

Have you ever heard of the Skouras brothers? They were 3 brothers from Greece who settled in St. Louis, worked as busboys, saved money, and became movie and theater magnates in New York and California. It's an incredible rags-to-riches story, and Dr. Mike Tsichlis joins Sue to tell their story.

This week, local historian and author NiNi Harris is back with the history of one of St. Louis' most beautiful and still-thriving neighborhoods. Discover how St. Louis Hills came to be, and the 2 parks within it. Also, we learn about some of its famous residents in the 1950's. NiNi Harris has written 14 books on St. Louis, and hosts walking tours of different neighborhoods.

Did you know that St. Louis has the second-oldest paid fire department in the United States? Yep. Find out what city is home to the first in the U.S. on this week's episode. St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson joins Sue to talk about the history of the department. Originally, it was a volunteer department in the 1800s. It's a really interesting story. Join us!

A St. Louis institution, Imo's Pizza was founded by Ed and Margie Imo in 1964. Margie tells Sue the history of the beloved pizza chain....from its humble beginning at a building at Thurman and Shaw to 98 locations today. It's a story of family, friendship, gratitude, and a love of St. Louis and its people. Why provel? Listen and enjoy!

This week, John Hancock from Hancock and Kelly on KMOX joins Sue to talk about the history of Scott Joplin and his wonderful music. Joplin wasn't born in St. Louis, but he lived here for several years, during which time he wrote, "The Entertainer." Joplin was a musical genius, and you can still visit the Scott Joplin House at 2658 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis....find out how John Hancock played a role in saving that house! Hear the story and music of Scott Joplin...this week on History of the Lou with Sue.