Unseen STL History talks in April 2023
Unseen STL History talks in April 2023
Learn about the history of Benton Park as well as Francis "Frank" Preston Blair, Jr., who has a statue in Forest Park
Unseen STL History talks feature speakers passionate about St. Louis history and what makes our city great. But rather than focus on things we’ve heard many times, our speakers will focus on tales from the past that you’ve never heard before. Come out for a fun evening as we talk about fascinating tales from our city’s history that shouldn't be forgotten.
The details
Join us on April 20th for our next Unseen STL History talk at Spine Indie Bookstore and Cafe, 1976 Arsenal St. The fun starts at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6, and seating is limited). The event is free and open to the public.
For our April talk, Leisa Collins and Jennifer Grotpeter will be sharing stories inspired by the local art and architecture of St. Louis.
Leisa Collins will focus on Benton Park, giving examples of historic structures which she has painted and that also have an interesting history. She will also use Benton Park as an example of an area of STL that has successfully protected its built history but she will highlight the need to rescue existing historic gens in peril in other parts of the city before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Grotpeter will delve into the history of Francis "Frank" Preston Blair, Jr., a prominent figure in St. Louis. Known for his fierce dedication to keeping Missouri in the Union during the Civil War, Blair partnered with Nathaniel Lyon, employing various tactics to ensure secessionists were defeated. Despite acclaim as a soldier from Sherman and Grant, Blair's divisive political career included a vice-presidential run marked by inflammatory rhetoric and racism. After briefly serving as a US senator, Blair's health declined, and he passed away in 1875. His statue stands in Forest Park, and another in the US Capitol rotunda, reflecting both the glory and shame of his complex legacy.
About the speakers
Leisa Collins, a passionate architectural artist, has dedicated her career to celebrating and preserving historic architecture. Disheartened by the fact that hundreds of historic buildings are lost to decay or demolition every day in America, she made it her mission to drive from coast to coast to create original paintings of historic homes. In 2021, she published a coffee table book, Hand-Painted Homes: An Artist's Pen and Watercolor Journey Across America. Settling in St. Louis with her husband, she now focuses on iconic local places and addresses the abandoned building issue through her "Love Me Don't Leave Me" series. Committed to historic preservation, Collins established the Leisa Collins Historic Preservation Award in 2013 to honor individuals dedicated to saving and restoring old buildings nationwide. Collins’ work has appeared in many publications, including The New York Times and Huffington Post. You can learn more about Leisa on her website, www.leisacollins.com.
Jennifer Grotpeter, a St. Louis native, is passionate about the stories that objects can reveal. With degrees in English and art history, she has taught for Ladue and St. Louis Public Schools and studied at Washington University and Fontbonne. As a writer for Times Newspapers, she met artist Marilynne Bradley and collaborated on the book Watercolor in St. Louis: a Living History of the Gateway City. Jennifer also served on the Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission. Her love for storytelling and history has made her an amateur historian, keen on sharing tales of local ghost stories, the founding of Webster Groves, and St. Louis' turbulent past. Her Instagram (@grotpeter) features eccentric estate sale finds, and she eagerly shares insights into St. Louis history with others.
Future talks
In May, we’re excited to welcome Tim Tucker and Matt Philpott, as well as Spine’s own Mark Pannebecker, who will talk about the early days of the City Museum.
This summer, look for talks about Route 66, the Lafayette Square and Soulard neighborhoods, East St. Louis history, and more!
Share with your friends!
If you know anyone who might enjoy attending our talks, please share this with them. Our Unseen STL History talks happen on the third Thursday of each month, and subscribing to Unseen St. Louis is a great way to follow our activities and get the recaps afterward.
And if you know anyone who might make a perfect speaker, please tell them what we’re doing.