Unseen STL History Talks: September 2024
Lost Giants: 35 Years of Vanished St. Louis Architecture
For September’s Unseen STL History Talks, we’re taking a poignant journey through the architectural gems St. Louis has lost over the past 35 years. These grand buildings once shaped our city’s character, and now only live on in memories and photographs.
Join us on September 19th at Spine Bookstore and Cafe, 1982 Arsenal St. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing you to grab a drink, browse the bookshelves, and mingle with fellow history enthusiasts before the talk begins at 7 p.m. We kindly ask for a $5 cover to help support Spine.
The Talk
Gary Tetley, an accomplished architect and photographer with a passion for preservation, will guide us through his personal journey of documenting our city’s vanishing architecture. His story begins with the controversial Gateway Mall project, a demolition that forever altered the city’s landscape. As someone who has dedicated years to capturing the essence of these endangered structures, Gary will share exclusive photographs taken just before the wrecking ball swung—images that now serve as a crucial visual record of what we’ve lost.
Over the years, Gary has become a vigilant chronicler of St. Louis’ architectural history, often racing against time to photograph buildings before they disappear. Some of the other downtown buildings he’ll be discussing include:
Ambassador Building
Century Building
Blackwell-Weilend Building
Police Court Building
Our Speaker
Gary Tetley is an architect, photographer, and preservationist with a keen eye for the built environment. His book, Images from the Architecture of Theodore Carl Link, was published by the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. His photographs, spanning several decades, offer a unique perspective on St. Louis' architectural treasures. Check out his work on Facebook and Instagram.
Join us on Sept. 19th for Gary’s talk, which promises to be a compelling blend of historical insight, personal narrative, and visual storytelling. Don’t miss the chance to learn about—and perhaps mourn—the architectural heritage that once graced our city.
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