You're in for a real treat at the next Unseen STL History. This month, we’re delving into the fascinating world of St. Louis's most humble yet essential element: the clay brick. Join us to gain a newfound appreciation for this everyday marvel that has shaped our city's history and character.
The Talk
It’s no secret that St. Louis is a brick city. Join us on October 19th at Spine Bookstore and Cafe at 1976-82 Arsenal St. for an intriguing Unseen STL History talk.
This month, we'll dive deep into the history of brickmaking, exploring how it took root in St. Louis in the early 19th century. This talk will cover the history of brickmaking, the individuals behind the industry, its impact on the region, and the different techniques of brick construction that make up our city's architecture. You will learn why bricks came to dominate St. Louis's built environment after 1849, how to "read" a brick structure, and even how many bricks there are in the city (hint: it's a lot!).
Don't miss this chance to uncover the fascinating story of St. Louis, brick by brick. Doors open at 6 PM, and the talk begins at 7 PM. It will be an eye-opening evening of history, heritage, and architecture. We promise you’ll never look at a brick in St. Louis the same way again!
Our Speaker
Mitch Goist leads Soulard and Benton Park neighborhood walking tours through the Missouri History Museum's SeeSTL program. He is an avid student and practitioner of traditional building techniques and craftsmanship and is currently rehabbing buildings in the city.
Unseen STL History Adventures
Beyond our monthly history talks, we invite you to become part of our exciting new Meetup group, Unseen STL History Adventures, where you'll explore significant historical sites across the St. Louis Metro area while forging new connections with fellow history enthusiasts.
Unseen STL History Adventures will take you on immersive journeys to local museums, exhibitions, and the very locations where history unfolded. Join us as we uncover the captivating stories that have shaped our city and region.
Adventures already planned for October and November include:
a Halloween-themed cocktail party at the Missouri Historical Society
an exploration of the Mural Mile/Graffiti Wall (with a side trip to check out the USS Inaugural shipwreck if the river doesn’t rise)
a special history and architecture-focused guided tour of City Museum with Maria Cassilly
a showing of the brand new play 1877 by Colin McLaughlin that tells the story of the 1877 General Strike in St. Louis.
Join the meetup today (it’s free to join!) and be automatically notified every time there’s a new adventure.
Don’t keep all this fun to yourself! Unseen St. Louis relies on people just like you to help spread the word. Please share this post with at least one friend or family member in the St. Louis area, and let them know about everything we have planned!