Tim Pogue receives a warm farewell as Ballwin mayor

(Here are two articles for which I took several good photographs at the April 28, 2025 Ballwin Board of Aldermen meeting, then enjoyed two lengthy interviews the following day before turning in both pieces with photos by May 1.)

Despite being just 50 years old, Tim Pogue served five years as Ward 1 alderman prior to a remarkable 16-year stint as mayor for the city of Ballwin, where he’s lived his entire life.

On April 28, Pogue was honored in many ways after previously announcing his retirement. He and wife Amy can soon spend lots of time together with a first grandchild due by early summer to son Zach Pogue and his wife.

Pogue is normally a man of few words. But he made an exception at his final meeting with a thank you speech that ended in a teary-eyed, distinct change of voice. Here are some excerpts:

“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve the residents here for 21 years. I couldn’t have done that without the Board of Aldermen I’ve served with throughout those years. I owe a great deal of gratitude to our staff. They’re terrific and definitely made my job easier. We have one of the best staffs around. Last but not least, I want to thank my family. Sacrifices they’ve given as well has made it possible to serve this community like I have. Thank you.”

Several former aldermen and a handful of current ones plus other staff members joined in for heart-felt accolades to Pogue. That included ones at the April 14 Ballwin Board meeting.

Alderman Michael Finley (Ward 1) spoke for well over five minutes, offering so many details of Pogue’s successes and also their close personal friendship.

“To my friend, Tim Pogue: Today is the day we knew someday would come, but we sure wish it wouldn’t. For my tenure on the Board, I’ve enjoyed the blessing of working with a great mayor who has served all of us with a superlative amount of leadership, dedication, and time. Tim has conducted our meetings and himself with an unwavering level of good communication, temperance, and fairness. He has set an unforgettable example of how Ballwin should be led.”

Finley added that Pogue inspired him as that as an alderman, you only get out of it what you put into it.  

“Many times, I’ve thought of him as the hardest working man in Ballwin. Other than a rare excuse such as sickness, Tim made every Board meeting, every Planning & Zoning meeting, and every Board of Adjustment meeting. He regularly attended Homeowner’s Association meetings and even made our Work One Country Creek HOA a couple weeks ago, after the election. He makes Lafayette mayors meetings, ones with the City Administrator, the Attorney, department heads, and all other meetings and events.”

Alderman Frank Fleming (Ward 3) awarded Pogue with a plaque from the city plus a new watch that displays the city’s logo. Fleming was also proud to note that he has worked with Pogue at his on position since 2004, and offered several compliments of his own.

“As I mentioned at the last meeting, Tim never gave a long speech and I’m not going to make him listen to one tonight. But I can tell a lot of stories about our shared experiences here since 2004. But you’ve been tremendous to work with, and all I can really say as you leave is, you left the city financially strong, we have this new government center and several other new amenities throughout the city. I know you grew up here, and your heart is always here in every decision that you make. Thank you for your years of service and I appreciate working with you.”

After a lengthy break following Pogue honors, his spot behind the podium was taken by newly-elected Mayor Mark Stahlmann, who served 10 years as Ward 2 alderman.

Prior to that, Stallmann offered his own tribute to Pogue.

“On behalf of all the citizens of Ballwin, and the staff and Board, thank you Mayor Pogue for the outstanding work for this city. So much of what the city is today has been due to his leadership over the last 21 years. He’s done an outstanding job bringing ideas and people together as a city. Whether it was great ideas or hands-on work, helping navigate construction of this building or other facilities, or last weekend with two days left as mayor, being down at the ditch at The Pointe, helping to close down the water leak. He’s done a fabulous job as mayor, and we are grateful for his services.”

Former Ballwin alderman and current St. Louis County Council member Mark Harder was also there for a presentation which included the following:

“Tim Pogue has been a resident of Ballwin his entire life. He attended Ballwin Elementary, Selvidge Middle School, and Lafayette High School. He has served his community as a sprinkler fitter with local member 268 for the last 25 years. Tim headed the call for fellow Ballwin residents to successfully keep the Ballwin Athletic Association fields in their current location.

“In 2004, at the urging of fellow residents, Tim successfully sought the office of Ballwin alderman for Ward 1, and in 2009, at the urging of his fellow aldermen and other civic leaders, Tim successfully sought the office of mayor.  Under Tim’s leadership, Ballwin has consistently been rated as one of the safest and best cities to live in the United States.

“Tim utilized his professional expertise and leadership skills to spearhead the construction of a state-of-the-art government center that we’re all in now and enjoying, a police headquarters right down the street, as well as the construction of an expanded public works facility which were all accomplished without a tax increase or indebtedness—for all our residents. Also, the new playground that you just cut the ribbon on the other day. Tim spearheaded major improvements in the expansion of the parks systems.

“The County Council expresses its sincere gratitude to Tim Pogue for his many contributions to St. Louis County and wishes him many joyful years in retirement. I will also say he must be really special because he got all seven of us (County Council) to agree to this! So, let that be a note that you can get people to work together.  Ballwin’s motto has been ‘bringing people together,’ and you’ve done that.”

In other meeting highlights, Tequila Gray, who was voted in to take Stallmann’s Ward 2 spot, was sworn in by her mother, Patricia Duckworth as the first black female to serve on the Ballwin Board. Jim Lehmkuhl (Ward 4), Mark Weaver (Ward 3), and Mike Utt (Ward 1) were also sworn in as aldermen.

Lifelong public servant Stallmann is set to continue Ballwin’s top standing

Ballwin Mayor Tim Pogue recently retired after 16 illustrious years in that position. But Pogue has left the office in good hands.  Mark Stallmann is also no slouch when it comes to serving the public. In both longevity and quality of service, Stallmann is in a class of his own.

“I have always been interested in government at all levels; particularly at the local level,” he said. “At one point, I was the youngest elected official in St. Louis County, elected to the City Council of Maplewood at the age of 21 in a special election in December of 1979.”

Stallmann served there until 1993. He then ran for mayor of Maplewood and lost. Since he had given up his seat at that time, Stallmann thought he was totally done serving. Boy, was he wrong!

His next step was spending countless hours helping industry and civic organizations. Stallmann served as President of both St. Louis Realtors and Missouri Realtors. Having a severely autistic son Matthew, born in 1990 to Stallmann and wife Karen, he also turned his interests in a slightly different direction.

“In the late ‘90s, the Special School District talked about wanting to do partial inclusion, and they recommended the Rockwood School District. We looked for a home, and as you know, real estate is my day job. We found one we liked in Ballwin in Rockwood Schools. So, we moved here in July of ’99.” 

Turning to political advocacy groups, Stallmann was twice appointed by Governor Mel Carnahan to the Special School District Public Review Committee. He was also co-chair of the committee with Bob Clark of Clayco for the last property tax campaign from the Special School District.

“Then I got involved in Ballwin after being recruited by former City Administrator, the late (Oct. 22, 2024) Bob Kuntz to get involved in a campaign for a parks tax where we could add an option for about 1 cents sales tax to fund park improvements. At the time, Ballwin wanted to replace its older outdoor pool with a modern state-of-the-arts facility at North Pointe. I served as treasurer of that campaign, and it was subsequently approved by voters. It’s been a jewel ever since!”

Stallmann was also chair of his HOA trustees for awhile in the early to mid-2000’s. Then in 2014, Shamed Dogan and Mark Harder, who were his two aldermen at the time, were elected to the Missouri State House and to the St. Louis County Council, respectively.        

“I remember telling my wife, ‘You know, if there’s a time to get involved in the Ballwin government, this is probably the time to do it.’ So, I talked to Bob Kuntz, who put me in touch with Tim Pogue, and I said, ‘I’d like to be considered for the appointment.’ Tim appointed me, and I was subsequently reelected in ’15, ’17, ’19, ’21, and ’23. When Mayor Pogue decided not to run for reelection right before the filing date, I filed on the final day possible, and ran unopposed."

Stallmann often indicated he was interested in becoming Ballwin’s mayor. But being a good friend of Pogue and recognizing his stellar service over the years, Stallmann refused to run against him. The rest is history.

Now, Stallmann was quick to offer his goals for Ballwin. He wants to continue the city’s rank as one of the safest cities in the state and the nation and to maintain its position as one of the most affordable cities with one of the lowest per capita taxed communities in the state.

“We have great city services which I want to continue. Also, our low tax status. Ballwin residents don’t pay property taxes. I know people may read that and say, ‘Well, what do you mean? There’s a whole list of things I pay property taxes to.’ But there’s no actual municipal or real property tax.”

Stallmann also emphasized that he wants to expand upon the already terrific public relations and marketing of his city—both internally and externally. He wants to ensure Ballwin’s residents are aware of all the programs and services, including the Parks and Recreation Department and Streets Department.   

Finally, Stallmann seeks more promotion of economic development; especially when it comes to addressing vacant storefronts along Manchester and Clayton Roads. Due to so much modern-day competition from online shopping, Stallmann is set to work with property owners and retail firms to attract more businesses into Ballwin; both restaurants and shops.

That goal is to bring in sales tax so Ballwin can continue to provide great services to residents and businesses without additional tax increases.

Stallmann also announced that he was kicking off a PR effort starting Saturday, May 10 by hosting the first Coffee with the Mayor. The details for that event and subsequent ones will be run from 10-noon at The Wolf Café. 

“I’m going to be inviting city residents to come by to hear what’s going on in Ballwin and offer their thoughts and suggestions, complaints, concerns; whatever the case may be. I’ve invited the aldermen to join me if they’d like. We’ll be doing this periodically throughout the year.

“Lastly, I want to continue Ballwin’s great record of transparency. We are part of the Missouri Government portal for local communities, which you can get access from our website as well as the Missouri Department of Revenue. Basically, every dime we spend in Ballwin is out there for residents to review. We’re one of only four municipalities in the St. Louis area that participates in the program. Also, all the details of our agendas and what’s behind them are on our website. Nothing is business as usual or secretive other than some specific legal and personnel issues that have to be in closed session. Any other information anyone needs can be found by calling someone or on our website or social media.”

Eric Vickers: 'Saint Louis Law'

 (Hard to believe, but it's been exactly 35 years since my in-person interview story with Eric Vickers ran in Limelight Magazine!  Vickers was then the personal attorney for East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer. The timing of the interview was also highly memorable! I don't normally post articles from taking pictures of each page, but this one is a major exception to better set the mood for readers!)

Simon gives golden performance

 (I covered high school sports for 16 full years for the West County Journals until the paper's sports sections continually grew smaller as print journalism gradually faded. That's when I went from part-time to full-time work at Western Union. That said, here is an article I did and a subsequent thank you card I received from Priory's Esan Simon, one of the best athletes and one of the brightest and kindest people I spoke with during those years. The story was published on June 3, 1990.)

Simply put, Esan Simon experienced a 'poetry in motion' sort of weekend in the Missouri state capital.

While heading to Jefferson City by van, the Priory senior was busily creating what turned out to be a five-page, typewritten, rhyming poem highlighting his six-year attendance at that west county school.

Simon wrote the poem in response to being named co-winner (along with Rebels track teammate Dan Plas) of the Bakewell Prize for being the outstanding overall Priory student.

The poem was Simon's contribution to the May 28th graduation ceremony, but Simon also waxed poetic after his arrival in Jefferson City. Simon capped off his high school athletic career at Lincoln University's Dwight T. Reed Stadium to the tune of double-gold--first place finishes in both the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300 intermediate hurdles at the Missouri Class 3A State Track and Field Championships.

"It's pretty nice--real nice," said Simon, who also enjoyed outstanding high school football and wrestling careers. "I was happy about that; especially it being the last thing I'll ever do for Priory at an athletic event."

Simon indeed saved his best for last, setting personal records in both events--a 38.78 in the 300 and a Class 3A state record of 14.18 seconds in the 110 race. 

"I had absolutely no idea I had run that time, and it wasn't something I had set out to break," Simon said. "But it was the first clean race I ran all year.  Every other race, I had clipped some hurdles and banged up my knees."

That 110 victory was actually a repeat performance for Simon, who last year topped a pair of senior favorites, Berkeley's Alonzo Parish and Clayton's Lance McPherson. 

Simon nearly doubled last year as well, but while running neck-and-neck with Parish in the 300, he banged his right knee against the first hurdle. Simon lay on the track, writhing in pain, awaiting service in the sports medicine tent. 

Despite being the favorite to double at this year's state meet, Simon was hardly overconfident at the outset.

"I didn't even think of last year's state," Simon said. "You try and get it out of your mind. Just because you're hte state champion one year doesn't mean you'll do it the next."

Simon knew all too well that he would have a tough fight on his hands; especially after he and Clayton's Mance Thompson finished in a virtual dead heat in the 110 hurdles at sectionals. Simon also had Charleston senior Brad Moore to contend with in both races.

Was he worried about them?

"You can't really focus on your competitors because it's an internal thing," Simon said. "You just try and perform to your peak. The night before, I was really concentrating on it. I was also trying to pray for this and a lot of people were praying for me."

Simon was merely running even with Thompson in the 300 until the Clayton junior was thrown a bit offstride, being forced to switch lead legs in the process. That dropped Thompson to a fourth place finish.

Simon added that he will drape this year's gold medals over a few tall basketball trophies resting on his dresser. According to Priory hurdles' coach Rick Suarez, Simon has worked hard for everything he's received.

"Obviously, he did a super job!" Suarez said. "He went out and did what he had to do. He's tickled and I am, too. The fact that he continues to work extremely hard after all his success, is what really stands out. A lot of kids with all his talent, wouldn't work as hard as he does.

"He's one of the best kids I've ever had the pleasure to work with--and not because he's a great athlete. He's so modest and amazed at what others do instead of talking about himself."

Danes get slice of American life—baseball, shopping…

 

(Here’s an article I wrote that ran in the June 29, 1988 West County Press-Journal. Not only am I including the article and a great photo taken by one of our wonderful photographers, but also a tough-to-read thank you letter mailed to me from Denmark that included a photo of me interviewing a Danish swimmer! It was one of several thank you letters I received while covering soooo many in-person events from March 1983 through February 1999. I had more than 2.500 paid, published articles just in that 16-year time span. I ended that about four months after I decided to change from part- to full-time work at Western Union due to the decrease in newspaper size. But writing for those publications was such a positive because my stories were hardly ever edited much, they always ran two to five days after they were submitted, and there were always lots of events to cover!)

Anheuser-Busch’s introduction of Carlsberg beer to its United States product line hardly represents the only recent Danish import.

That Denmark to St. Louis flavor was also experienced recently when 20 members of the ‘Swimteam Holback Danmark’ participated in the Burger King/Parkway Invitational Summer ‘Sizzler’ June 24-26 at Queeny Park.

After arriving in New York City, the entourage made its way to Memphis, Tennessee before reaching its home base of Fort Smith, Arkansas on June 17. Four days were ultimately spent in St. Louis, and it was pretty much an eye-opening experience for everyone; especially in swimming.

The Danes had a few outstanding individual performances like Christian Ness’ first-place finishes in the 50-, 100-, and 200-meter freestyle for boys 13-14; Jacob Gylling’s second place in the 100 breast stroke; Jasper Fried’s third in the 200 back of the same age group; and a fourth-place showing for Heidi Lemb in the girls’ senior 200 freestyle. Other than that, the Danes finished far off the pace in most events.

“We were looking forward to the trip to the U.S.,” said Danish coach Tommy Christiansen, whose town of Holback is roughly 45 miles west of Copenhagen. “For us in Denmark, the U.S. is the mecca of swimming, and we were told that St. Louis is one of the top places in the area. But we didn’t expect it to be so hot (102 degrees on June 25.)

“We caught a little of the shock right when we got here, and I believe the heat slowed us down. It’s been so bad that nobody’s been in the mood for swimming. In Denmark, when the temperature gets close to 30 Celsius (or 86 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s considered a heat wave. The average high summer temperature is only about 22 (72 Fahrenheit.”

Due to Denmark’s climate, the country is almost entirely devoid of outdoor pools. And the nation only has five 50-meter pools like the one at Queeny Park.

     Yes, that is me on the right interviewing a young Danish swimmer!

Besides the weather, members of the Danish team noticed another obvious area where a world of difference exists between the two cultures. Whether as temporary guests to west county homes or in restaurants, the food here just isn’t the same as in Scandinavia.

“Here in America, they eat junk food a lot,” swimmer Mette Lemb said. “Our coach told us we weren’t going to eat it because he wanted us to swim fast since we’re in hard training. We kept asking for salads, but I love the sweets! We thought we would have to worry about the calories, but with the heat, we probably sweated it off.”

While in St. Louis, the Danish contingent went to a few picnics, saw John Tudor two-hit the Phillies, 2-0 on June 23, and visited what Gersholm referred to as 'Gate of the West’ (the Arch).

Since the U.S. dollar is so weak, shopping was another favorite activity; especially among the females. The team must have heard of the local ‘Meet Me at the Mall’ radio commercials because they spent most of Saturday morning buying up Chesterfield Mall—from t-shirts and Walkman radios to watches and cameras.

                       

Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series: Coming to a park near you

 (Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived, it's time for you big-time bikers to start training for the autumn events!  This is a story I did for an Oct. 2023 issue of West Newsmagazine.)

A racing event named for a beloved dog that combines the rugged challenge of mountain biking with the sustained endurance of road cycling is coming to a park near you.

This year's Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series begins and ends at Queeny Park, with the first race of the series taking place on Oct. 8 and the Double Bubba Grand Finale taking place on Dec. 3. Sandwiched between the starting and ending point will be two races in Upper Creve Coeur Park, two races in Faust Park and one in Ballwin's Vlasis Park.

The race in Ballwin is the only event in the series that is not in a county park.

                                     Bubba Memorial Cyclocross 2022 (Source: Big Shark) 

“The Bubba Cyclocross Series has been around for awhile, and we were looking to add another event to The Ballwin Race Series,” Matt Struemph, the city's longtime fitness manager, explained. “When I reached out to Big Sharks Bicycle Company … they were actually looking for a venue. So, I said, ‘Hey! If it fits in our main park, let’s take a look.' And it kind of evolved from there.”

Struemph noted that the race, which takes place on Sunday, Nov. 5, is the first time that a cyclocross race has been included in the Ballwin Race Series. While cyclocross is a competitive sport, complete with specialty bikes, the race is for everyone. In fact, prior to the series opener, from 8:30-10 a.m. on Oct. 8, a free cyclocross clinic is offered for newbies. And, at all races, but especially in Ballwin, ewcomers and spectators are welcome.

“We like to keep our Ballwin events on a recreational level. So, it’s not like a participant would have to go out and buy a special bike,” Struemph said.

However, he did caution that mountain bikes are preferred.

“What won’t work is your standard road bike,” he said.

As with all the races in the Bubba Memorial Cyclocross Series, racers can register in advance at BikeReg.com or at 10 a.m. on the day of the race. Races take place in intervals by category throughout the day with start times from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.; for details visit the events page at bigshark.com.

The race is open to youth and adults, from beginners to advanced.

The course is designed as a “short course” of about 1.5 to 2 miles per loop on a 12-to 15-foot-wide path (marked with tape) that will wind through Vlasis Park on all types of terrain.

From January through October, the Ballwin Race Series offers a variety of running, biking and swimming events including the annual Ballwin Triathlon in January, the Ballwin Days Run in August, the Kids Triathlon in September and the Moonlight Howl 5K Run/Walk at 9 p.m. on Oct. 27.

“We try to create a lot of active events for the community and for people to come into our community to participate,” Struemph said.

A portion of city-managed Race Series events goes toward Ballwin's recreation scholarship program, which can be used by qualifying families for swimming lessons, summer camp fees and other programs.

Blues’ Angel: Shanahan Has Hockey Suitors Singing the Blues

 

(While watching the Jan. 20, 2025 Blues’ 5-4 shootout win at Vegas, this article I had published in the Feb. 18, 1987 West Citizen Journal came up on my cell phone photo memories!)

Maureen Shanahan has no trouble making male friends. She has those smiling Irish eyes, freckles that would make Doris Day envious, a soft-spoken, yet enthusiastic personality…AND hockey tickets!

The St. Joseph’s Academy junior is the daughter of St. Louis Blues owner Michael Shanahan, Evidently, Maureen has shown no signs of disappointment for the added attention she receives.

“It’s been a lot of fun and a whole new experience for me,” she said. “You make a lot of friends; especially males. They’re constantly coming up to me and asking, ‘Can I go to the hockey game?’

“When I go to parties, the guys are telling me to trade him or keep another player. Just because I’m the daughter of the Blues’ owner doesn’t mean I have the power to do any of those things.”

After attending several hockey games during her pre-teen years, Shanahan and her family stayed away from The Arena for a few years due to off-the-ice violence.

Shanahan doesn’t have to worry about that anymore. She is privy to a seat in the owner’s box, although she readily acknowledges she would feel just as comfortable out in the stands. But there is another benefit that outweighs any potential detriment to her viewing pleasure.

“We had all the single hockey players over on Thenksgivng Day,” she said. “My friend (Gretchen Haemueller) was over, and it was like, ‘OK. I’ll serve and do this and that.’

“Now, we’ve gotten everyone interested in them. They’re so rough on the ice, but so different in person. They must have enjoyed their visit with us because one player commented to his wife, ‘If I weren’t married to you, I’d get to go to the Shanahans!’”

While the Town & Country resident has become better known to West St. Louis County’s male population, her popularity as a guard on the basketball court has improved as well.

“She’s not one of the tallest guards you’ll see (5-foot-5), but she makes up for it with anticipation and quickness,” St. Joe coach Michaela Witcher said. “She has very quick hands and does a good job of deflecting passes and making guards alter their passes and shots. She also picks up a lot of steals.”

Defense is indeed the strong suit for Shanahan, and she wasted little time exhibiting it Saturday in the third-place game of the Maryville Tournament.

Shanahan heled the Angels build a 21-13 lead late in the first quarter by breaking up a layup attempt by McCluer North’s 5-11 senior center Alanna Gehner, who led all scorers with 28 points. Shanahan miraculously ran right through the ball, dislodging it from Gehner without committing a foul.

Although Shanahan does a good job helping Shelly Grawer—whose father is the St. Louis University basketball coach—run the offense, she readily concedes she’s lacking in offensive proficiency.

“I’d love to improve my shooting, and people are always telling me, ‘Will you shoot?’ Right now, I get intimidated too easily. But I’m trying to be more like Shelly.” 

Historic locations around St. Louis hold holiday celebration

 (This story appeared a couple weeks ago in West Newsmagazine in celebration of a Dec. 7 holiday event to be held at several St. Louis area venues.)

                              Photo courtesy of the 1860 Gittemeier House in Florissant

The sights and sounds of the holiday season will be on full display from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 as more than 20 historic sites throughout the Greater St. Louis area participate in A Spirited Holiday Past, held annually on the first Saturday of December. 

Buildings built as far back as 1782 will come alive for this volunteer-led program run by Historic Saint Louis, a partnership of many local sites working together to promote the history of the area.

In Millenium Park, Creve Coeur’s Tappmeyer Homestead started decorating for the event in mid-November. Come December, the Italianate townhouse from 1880 will be bedecked with natural garlands, red bows and other holiday decorations both inside and out. 

Tappmeyer Program Director Laura Dierberg Ayers said there will be activities to match the festive atmosphere, like candle-making, which was a crowd-favorite in the past. 

Last year’s Christmas Tree in the Tappmeyer Homestead. (Photo courtesy of Laura Dierberg Ayers)

“Years ago, we had an ensemble from one of the high schools play a violin, bass and other instruments for some live music,” Ayers said. “We don’t have a huge amount of space, but we hope to do that this year. We’ll also probably have cookies and punch, and there may be the smell of cinnamon in the air.”

The Field House in St. Louis is another historically-significant venue participating in A Spirited Holiday Past. Attorney Roswell Field, who worked on the historic Dred Scott v. Sandford case, rented the house located at 634 South Broadway. He was the father of poet and newspaper columnist Eugene Field. According to Executive Director Stephanie Bliss, the house was saved in the 1930s thanks to Eugene and became a National Historic Landmark. It is Federal-style architecture, built in 1845.

“We love holidays and don’t necessarily go by periods at the Field House Museum,” Bliss said. “We like to bring out our toy collection for the holidays, so you’ll see them on display. We’re also going to have an exhibit called ‘The Wonderful World of Collecting.’ It’s Hallmark Disney ornaments. Also, for the day of the event, we’re going to have (historian and storyteller) Kellee Bohannon.” 

A mantle at the field house bedecked with holiday paraphernalia. (Photo courtesy of Field House Museum)

The Sappington House in Crestwood is also Federal-style architecture. Built in 1808 when Thomas Jefferson was President, it is the oldest surviving brick building in St. Louis County. No one knows for sure when it was first decorated for Christmas.

“We do know that Christmas trees were not part of the early celebrations in this area … so, that doesn’t happen at the Sappington House,” Resident Manager Sally Cakouros said. “We do green boughs, ferns and evergreens, green plants and holly.

                       The Sappington House in winter. (Photo courtesy of Roger Ottwell/Sappington House)

This year, Sappington House’s part in the event will feature a violinist, who repaired an antique Sappington family violin. 

“We might also have a guitar player with him, and are hopeful to have a pianist playing Christmas carols that people can sing along to,” Cakouros said. “We’ll also have a gingerbread house display.”

A collection of gingerbread houses and barns on display from a previous year. (Photo courtesy of Sappington House)

Some venues have an admissions fee. For a list of hours, costs and other information, visit historicsaintlouis.org/winter-event. 

A mantle at the field house bedecked with holiday paraphernalia. (Phot