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Jayson Gomes | profile | all galleries >> cincinnati >> World Cities >> East St. Louis, Illinois

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East St. Louis, Illinois

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Guest		18-Jun-2013 17:54
Three months after I was born, my father secured employment as a federal meat inspector and we lived in East Saint Louis for the next 11 years. Mom and dad rented a shotgun house by 13th & Lynch and dad worked part time at Wuller's drugstore at 14th or 15th and Lynch. They then bought a newly built house in a development called Wedgewood at Kingshighway (59th Street) and Summer Avenue. I attended Morrison Elementary for grades 1-6 (1956-1962). After the second flooding of Wedgewood, dad got a promotion and transfer to South Carolina. I remember being a small boy in East Saint Louis was a great time and place to be a small boy. Playing baseball for both the Scouts and the Corey League, in the summer - staying outside until dark and never having to worry about the issues whichseem to plague us today. When dad got transferred to St. Louis, I followed them and when I went to East Saint Louis to see my boyhood best friend, I was utterly shocked to see how far the city had fallen into the pits of depravity. It's very sad to see both houses my parents had no longer stand, the blight and decay of years of neglect. Had the local politicians actually given a damn about what was happening to the city, perhaps things might have been different.

Jim Moore		18-Jun-2013 03:33
Maybe older than most here. Grew up here in the very late 40's thru the 50's. Collinsville Ave was sure alive and well. Great old city...not the cleanest but lots of industry. Most worked that wanted to. Remember the Majestic and Avenue theaters and the midnite shows on Halloween at the Majestic. The Roxy at 16th and State, Esquire at 25th and State, the St. Clair at about 10th and St.Clair. The Colony at 40th and Waverly. Union Clothing and Al's Men and Boys store on Collinsville Ave. How about Threadneedle shoes? Professional wrestling at St Paul's Social Center at about 9th and Pennsylvania Ave. St. Louis Browns had a "Knothole" Club for all school kids that wanted a card. Games were free but bleacher seats only. They also played at the old Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. Don't remember the Cards doing anything like that. Browns moved to Baltimore in '54. Jones Park on Sunday afternoon...talk about activity! Baseball galore and people all over the place. Picked up soda bottles for a penny apiece. Went to grade school near Sunken Gardens, Rock and East Side. Some might remember Pick Dehner (coach) and Wirt Downing, another varsity coach. Saturday nite ...watched wrestling from Marigold Gardens with Jack Brickhouse and Vince Lloyd. Of course sponsored by Stag Beer. Good times and a good place to grow up. It's a shame it's gone...

Linda (jines) Whiteside		16-Jun-2013 11:27
Hi....Linda (Jines) Whiteside here! Someone told me a post on this blog asked about me! Loved growing up in East St. Louis! Wonderful memories ....swimming at Jones Park pool, sock hops, The Greek...Hill Brothers, Hannigans, Parsons Field, Collinsville Avenue, Hudsons and on and on! I drive through and it is very, very sad!

Guest		15-Jun-2013 15:39
I think the downfall of Washington Park started in the 1960's with Art Mowe and his strip joints/prostitution. Look at Washington Park today, same thing. Fairmont city doesn't have that. Read that Art Mowe was convicted and sent to prison were he died. Justice served finally. One less parasite for the taxpayers to feed. What kind of a decent human being would involve his daughter in that kind of business aka: C-Mowes?

Don Druse		13-Jun-2013 01:52
Mike Tottleben...I remember all the things you mentioned. See like I remember the killer burger from prices called...Night Mares. . Loved them dripping with chili and cheese. Don Druse Gulf Coast

Constance		11-Jun-2013 23:44
This message is for Edward (Nooney) Anderson......Great to see your posting. I grew up in Brooklyn. How are you?

Guest		06-Jun-2013 02:45
i lived most of my childhood in east st louis went to rock jr high school lived near 9th and exchange near kassily funeral home my best friend lived across the street my brother charley stufflebean moved to belleville i moved to florida i miss the days i walked everywhere i miss my best friend mary burris another very good friend died in nam vincent vosylius god i long for those days again sue stufflebean sitterson

Guest		06-Jun-2013 02:12
I have asked this question once before; but am asking again for all those who don't go back and read the old posts. Does anyone know the whereabouts of Sandy, Carol and Melba Miller from the 800 block of North 53rd.

Fastbuck Rockin Chuck		26-May-2013 02:26
Fastbuck Rockin Chuck's DISCO S.W.A.T Team, was started by a guy name Chuckie. He was first a DJ at Rock Jr. High School. The class president name Cheryl Shannon, told him to play the records he had, since he was the only one to bring some to school for the dance. She had asked every one to bring some music. But Charles Lee Hoskins aka Chuckie by family and friends was the only one that came through. This was back in 1972, it was our first dance. The boys gym was bigger than the girls gym. But the boys gym had the good floor for playing B Ball. The top of the line shoe was Converse All Star (Chuck Taylor). We had to take off our shoes for the dance. That is known as a sock hop, by the kidds back then. Charles Lee Hoskins, used the gym's record player that had two big speakers that came off of it. And he placed them apart. One on the right and the other on the left. Chuck played the 45's he had and the dance was a hit. Thanks to Cheryl S. Chuck knew then he was going to be a Disc Jockey. He got the name Fastbuck Rockin Chuck, from his mother. FASTBUCK = QUICK DOLLAR, ROCKIN = WHAT CHUCK DID WHILE DEE JAYING, HE ROCKED, CHUCK = CHARLES HIS NAME, DISCO = THE ERE WE WERE IN. S.W.A.T. = SPECIAL, WOOFER AND TWEETER, TEAM = TOGETHER THEY REPRODUCES THE MUSIC ON THE 45RPM RECORD. Chuck, was also a member of the Hi Phi High social club were Rod King was the DJ Tooshy. Chuck rock house parties like Larry Gills, Clubs like Colemans Plaza, Blue Swan, Regial Room, East Side High School, Mary E Brown Center, Leasly Bates Neighborhood House, Skate King in East St. Louis, East St. Louis Teachers Union Hall., East St. Louis Armory, St. Joseph High School, Jones Park, SIU Edwardsvill, a host of places in Saint Louis, Missouri. Chuck use to work at a Clark Gas Station, @ 37 and Saint Clair Ave. When I bought a old box truck. Boo Dawg, Suger, Albert Duckie, Vamp Dawg, Lisa, Lynn, Kay, The Godfather,and a few other painted it black and yellow with house paint there on the stations lot were Chuck was working as the attendant. Chuck, meaning me changed a lot of lives. I am now working on being a Music Video Disc Jockey, I got the Video's, System, but no building and no help I am still here. Saturday May 25th 2013 (why I wrote this in third person i don't know!!!!!! But I do know it was fun Good Old East Saint Louis, I Love that place :)

Carolyn June		25-May-2013 18:54
Does anyone know how I can find Jerry J. Jackson or his family? I went by the nickname JJ. He lived on Bond Avenue, but the home has been torn down. He was discharged from the Marine Corp in 1971 and returned to East Saint Louis. I think he moved to Saint Louis, MO.

Guest		25-May-2013 18:42
Does anyone know the whereabouts of Jerry J. Jackson or his family? He lived at 2132 E Bond Avenue. The house on Bond Avenue is no longer there. He moved to 2102 Martin L. King Avenue for a couple of years. He was discharged from the US Marine Corp in 1971. I believe he now lives in Saint Louis, MO.

Patty Prince		25-May-2013 07:32
This is for Timothy Keniley I lived across the street from Henry Dinan I remember when was hit by the 18 wheeler while at Sacred Heart that was bad

patty		25-May-2013 07:00
If Beck Walker is out there let me know and mike peoples, david lord, pam beland, anyone from SACRED HEART SCHOOL. I am Patty Robinson, Prince pattyprince751@yahoo.com

Patty Prince		25-May-2013 05:54
My name is Patricia Robinson now Prince I was born at Saint Marys in Est Louis on Dec 7th 1951 I lived on 1212 N 11th street across the street from Henry Dinan. Carl Moore, Marty Tessmer and next door was Ronnie Butch Morris. I remember that he had a sister named Phyllis she was thin looked like a model. AT THAT TIME i HAD A CRUSH ON Henry, I wrote in a red diary name dear red/ that was then. I went to Sacred Heart sister Phillip was the 1st grade teacher and a lover of the Cardinals baseball team. We were allowed on the world series to watch it on tv. It was awesome. Father Pimaskern. We Played soft ball Sister Phillip was the coach she was a tomboy .. I have a sister Kathy Robinson now Reeves . I had 5 kids all of them are grown I have 3 boys 2 girls, AND I have 5 grankids. 3boys 2 girls ages 4/ 5 /6 /7/10 I am 61 now. I loved growing up in E ST LOUIS ILL. played outside grandpa lived across the alley so we could go over there and play he was my hero. I had a friend named Nancy Hudzik, she kived on Exchange ave. We went to Wullers drug store/ and Jonhys grocery store his Brother Jeff was in the Deli. I miss my childhood there. Halloween it was so safe. Memories are flooding in makes me so sad. Does anyone remember Jonses park? And Parsons field? where I saw the original 3STOOGES. iS BECKY WALKER OUT THERE OR MIKE PEOPLES, Bobby Muellur, the kids I went to school with @ sacred heart? my email is pattyprince751@yahoo.com

Kathy Bartlett Feurer		23-May-2013 19:24
I grew up in Washington Park. William and Barbara Bartlett family on 51st street. Went to Charles Manners School in the 60's, then Landsdowne, then East St. Louis Sr. Hight for 2 years - graduated Collinsville in 72. My parents house is all fallen in now, so sad, was kind of poor and didn't know it. Had a lot of good friends. I had 3 brothers, Dennis, David and Roy and a sister Linda. It was good reading some of this stuff. Kathy

Guest		21-May-2013 23:02
Lived in Roosevelt Homes in the 1960's. Went to Hawthorne and Lansdowne. We were poor but never knew it! The burgers from Cleve's Grill, dancing to the bands at the skating rink, Jones Park swimming pool, Art's Confectionary, dancing to the bands at Panorama,the bakery next to Hawthorne. These are just a few of my memories. Will never forget Washington Park.

Guest		21-May-2013 20:59
Sam's BBQ - Noticed a couple mention's of Sam's BBQ which was run by my grandpa Sam Visintine. He just passed away peacefully at 94 and I got to enjoy many stories from former customers at his wake. My memories of the stand are few becuase I was pretty little, but he cooked me ribs for many many years after!

Guest		11-May-2013 06:11
does anyone remember buddy Haines? his real name was Paul Richard Haines. he was born and raised in East St Louis. he was born in 1940 his mom's name was Mary Cherry and he had a brother named Jimmy. his mom and dad was Mary and Buddy. my dad passed away in April of 2002 would love to hear some stories from anybody that needs them thank you very much

Tomi jo		11-May-2013 05:57
I also came across this site by accident. my dad and his family where born and raised in East St Louis. my dad's name was Paul Richard Haines. he went by Buddy Haines. he was born in July of 1945. I know he went to East Saint Louis high and Lansdowne. he died in April of 2002. he always told me great stories of you St Louis as I was growing up as a child. his mother's name was Mary Cherry. I would love to hear of any stories anybody has that new of him or was a friend of his. he had a brother named Jimmy. thank you so much for any information.

Guest		09-May-2013 10:49
I lived in E.St.Louis in the 70's and attended Washington Elementary School where my uncle was principal. I remember Kauffman's Grocery Store, John Deshields, Orr Weathers, Lincoln High School. I lived on State during Kindergarten - 1st/moved/came back and lived on Division in the third - fifth grades. So, I remember Hughes Quinn and some little side stores like Ms. Rosies and Ms. Gains (sp???) and my grandmother lived on South 12th Street.

bill (stinky) baker		13-Apr-2013 08:32
looking for members of the skating clubs hudson thunderbird comache jack weighland sharon friegberg sharon email me anyone emailme from the clubs david hudson

Edward Anderson (Nooney)		09-Apr-2013 17:19
Ditto Robert. I'm saddened by the current status of our great city. I recall as a child how nice it was to live there. I recall the days of strolling around Lincoln Park listening to music. I recall how safe it was growing up as a child and there was no need to even lock your screen door on warm and muggy nights. I hope and pray it can be turned around.

REDuncan		28-Mar-2013 04:57
My Name is R E Duncan Jr., and I lived In the Southend, 1114 S. 14th St, between Russell and Gay Ave in Esat St Louis in the 50's and 60's. I started at Washington grade school in 1952, K thru 3rd grade. Then Transferred to newly built Lucas grade school on 16th and Russell. I was in the First fourth grade class at Lucas in 1956. ( I love you Ms Hogan, and until this day think of you often) I then went on the Hughes Quinn and finished at Linclon in 1965. My father was in business selling coal to warm the homes back in those days. (Most youger than fity have no idea what I talking about) A bushel of coal cost .50 cent, $13.50 for a half-ton, and $26.00 for a ton of coal. I have shoveled a many many ton of coal in my day. We ran our coal route twice a day starting at home on 14th & Russell all the way to twenty street(Cotton Belt Yard) and looped all the way back on Gay, Central and Lawrence, Wilford and all of Alphabet Row streets selling coal, that was my life growing up back then in East St Louis. I loved those days, when most of us were passing through Hughes Quinn and Lincoln, and it is a blessing to be able to remember those days and how life was back then, and it always make me smile, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the current days and times that we are living in now. I never knew of, or could even have imagined as a child, anything about the horrors that the children of East St Louis today have to deal with on a daily basis. When I grew up there, I never felt the need to carry a gun, nor saw a Joint of weed, Coke, Crack or any type of drugs until I was a grown man and had left East St Louis. It also took leaving East St Louis to realize how much I really loved growing up in the South End of our city. I can remember the flavor of those days very clearly, the music that told real stories that so often mirrored our lives, all the many friends I had, and just the very feel of the community, I can still remember it. Walking and playing in the streets at all hours of the night unafraid; those dances at the Masonic Hall and in the Gym at LHS. Harlem or Deluxe Show were my favorite places to be on Sunday afternoon, I loved hanging out in Lincoln Park around the pool and listening to the music that was piped throughout the park. 15th Street from Broadway back to Russell had a flavor all its own Back in those days, if you went downtown East St Louis, or anywhere on State street, you were really going someplace. You could find anything that you might have thouht that ypu needed on State St back then. As a child in the fifties and sixties, I would hear stories on the TV news about racism, and discrimination, but I never experienced it directly until I left East St Louis. Everyone in my community, except for a few businesses like Ohio Market, Coffmans and a few other stores, were all was Black. There were many Black businesses back in the day, and there were no other type of people that lived in my neighborhood. I remember having a real sense of community back then. I knew everyone in my hood and we all got along well. No one had bars on there windows, or doors, because we were safe at home in our neighborhoods I wish somehow I could share with the children that live there today the feeling of security that came with living in East St Louis back then. The teachers, the police, and even the politicians, they all lived among us in our communities. Is there anyone out there that can tell me what happened to the progress? What happened to the growth and what happened to our beloved city? Have I grown to critical over the years? Is there anyone that shares any part of my sorrow and concern; to see LHS and our beloved city as it is today? So goes East St Louis----so goes America.

Guest		27-Mar-2013 23:39
Thanks dimples for that info. I checked it out today. I was in the same class as Jerry Costello, would love to hear from him or our friend at the time, Donald White. GK

guest		25-Mar-2013 17:22
The Spivey building is still standing but has been gutted and will probably be left to deteriorate beyond repair. Shop City is long gone and I'm not really familiar with the car repair shop, though the name is vaguely familiar. I imagine there are photos out there of all three.

Zasco		24-Mar-2013 12:27
I remember a Carlyle (or Carlile) Motors in East St. Louis back in the early Seventies. My family and I were on our way to Ohio when Dad's car broke down, I believe the radiator hose somehow came off...and we'd went to this facility where the friendly attendants took care of the issue. I also remember a Shop City. But both businesses are long gone today. Does anyone have pictures of those facilities and the general area that they'd like to share? Oh, and one other thing...is the 13-story Spivey Building still standing? Thanks. I'm from Topeka, Kansas, some 6 hours from this city and would like to chat with people who knew about these places.

G.K.		23-Mar-2013 23:39
Yep ! Thats him. btw, Jerry Costello was in some of my 7 & 8th grade classes, I'd like to get ahold of his friend and mine at the time, Donald White. Thanks for that important info, you're Great !!!

dimples		23-Mar-2013 15:45
To George Kelly, I found this when I did a Google search for Elmo Bush. There is an entire page about him and his political career and aspirations. I have yet to speak to my friend. "Elmo Bush has been many things. In 1966 he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of East St. Louis, the first black candidate, against Alvin G. Fields, who was seeking his fifth four-year term. In 1971 he was elected to the city council with Mayor James Williams, the first black mayor. Under the commission form of government, he was commissioner of fire, health and education. In 1975 he lost in the primary to William Mason for mayor, and became administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools, then Leroy Ducksworth. When Jerry Costello ran for County Board chairman, Bush opposed him in the primary. Bush supported Carl Officer for mayor 11 years ago, but when in the last election Clyde Jordan ran against Officer, Bush was his campaign manager. Obviously, Bush has been where the action is in East St. Louis." Sorry, I forgot to get the author's name to cite.

Guest		21-Mar-2013 22:46
are there any old Alton and Southern railway people out there?

Guest		19-Mar-2013 01:56
does anyone remember sam's bar-b-que, we used to get ribs every sunday

Guest		19-Mar-2013 01:49
my father worked for swift & company until he retired. We lived on 81st and lived there until i was 5. Our name was DeMond, I was born at Christian Welfare during the flood of 1957, My sister susie was born in 1952, leon was born in 1950 and linda was born in 1947. I remember Mamies and we used to walk there through the back yard of Judy and Kenny, i can't remember their last name. They had a bird that would only walk because one time it flew and landed on a hot stove and would fly again. It was Hillsbrothers shoes "Man o'live 2 for 5 head for the Hills"

Shirley Hand/Collins		18-Mar-2013 17:20
My grandfather is Ben Liddell he worked at Swift & Co for over 40 years. I grew in Polock town on Missouri Ave til our house was burned downed in Dec of 1981 by Richard Flowers. I wasnt born til 1968 in Christian Welefare hospital. I miss the way east st louis used to be, we could play all day long but by the time the street lights came on we had to right in front of the house. Now days 2 years old go home when they get ready and none of these kids have respect for humans or where they live!

Guest		18-Mar-2013 01:42
elmo bush was never mayor of east st. louis....try gordon bush

Guest		16-Mar-2013 10:48
Elmo Bush taught History. His home room was the first one up the stairs to the right, He later became involved in the govenrment. Mayor or something like that. Hope you can get in touch with your friend. He (she) would be about the same age as me. GK

dimples		14-Mar-2013 16:28
To George Kelly: I don't recognize Elmo Bush or some of the other names you mentioned but I have a friend who still lives in the area. Maybe he knows some of the names; he is a year and a half older than I am. He knows a lot more about Rock than I do because he is from ESL. I have not spoken to him in several years but I will try and contact him. What did Elmo Bush teach? Do you remember a black Algebra teacher at Rock? I was in his class and I really like his class and his teaching methods.

Guest		07-Mar-2013 01:55
Hi everyone! I was wondering if any of you would happen to know a drummer by the name of Larry Jackson? He played for (perhaps) two years with the John Young Trio. I believe that to have been in the 1960's. Believe he was from St Louis...but moved to Chicago. Anyone know of him or ever meet him. (He was a sight to look at.) ;-)

Guest		02-Mar-2013 02:10
TO DIMPLES : I left Rock after the eighth grade was completed to go to Assumption High in 63/64. Did you know or ever talk with Elmo Bush ? He was my home room teacher. I was a few years ahead of you. I cannot find any info on while he taught at ROCK. Its like someone just erased his time there. I'm trying to get in touch with several of my school-mates ther in his class during that time. A few names I remember are : George McCullen, Donald White, Danny Stout, Dennis Jagger, Virginia & Pat Harrington, Sheila Hand, Diane Knight, Thanks, George Kelly : mellowdeelane@yahoo.com

dimples		28-Feb-2013 14:45
Wow, Mike Tottleben, you have some great memories and you have really expressed them in a wonderful way. I was not born at Christian Welfare but I worked there as a teenager along side with my mother. My family was there from 1964-1966; my mother's second husband was in the military. I graduated from Rock Jr. High in 1965, and then attended East Side. Someone taught me how to do the two step there; I used to go roller skating all the time because I am from Dayton, Ohio. People from Dayton, roller state until they get arthritis (smile). I went to my first boy/girl party there and danced my first slow dance with a boy - to "My Girl." Wow...

Ginger		28-Feb-2013 08:09
Did anyone know Bonnie Norris who was killed in a house fire back in the late 70's, early 80's?

RG		26-Feb-2013 19:03
Had some great sandwiches at the Paddoc Lounge when I worked on the the Avenue - would love a picture to download ? Also the old W T Grant

G.Kelly		21-Feb-2013 20:46
Anyone out there that attended "ROCK JR. HIGH" during the mid-sixty's that had "ELMO BUSH" for a homeroom teacher, let me know who you are. I probably know you. Thanks - G. Kelly

kenny C		18-Feb-2013 16:03
Kenny C 18Feb201309;26 I have so many fund memories of growing up in E. St. Louis as a child growing up as a child, my dad worked 3 jobs,to provide for the family, who could forget National Stock Yard, Mr Frosty Ice Cream Truck riding through out the area, sandlot baseball, and football, girls playing Double dutch, boys playing marbles,we used to find big truck tires, and roll each other around in them, the neighborhoods were safe, lived and respected one another, and lets not 4get if you were bad yor neighbor cud whip you (smile) Kenny C 18-Feb- 2013 09:39 I have so many fund memories living in E St Louis, playing sandlot football, baseball, parents did't have to worry where you were,you respected your neighbors, and if you got out of line, you were subject to get a spanking from them (smile) and who could forget chasing Mr Freeze softie ice cream truck when it came in your area (wow) playing marbles in the alleys, or finding big truck tires getting inside of them and being rolled around, girls playing jump rope,and when it came time to cut the grass, we used the mower with no motor or gas (laugh) we grew up eating commodities at times, wow who could forget eating(Spam)or even the long loaf of cheese (laugh) I ate a lot of fried cheese sandwiches ( laugh) I lived in the 1800 block of cleveland, there was Soffers Market, Excell Cleaners, Robert Eastern Tavern, Echols Confectionary, Gurleys Confectionary, I could go on & on I miss those days.....

Mike Tottleben		17-Feb-2013 05:37
WOW...talk about a trip down memory lane! Some of the posts here really bring back memories. My name is Mike Tottleben. I was born in 1951 at Christian Welfare Hospital. I grew up on 39th street in the Rosemont area (between Bunkum rd and Caseyville rd). My brothers Bill, Tom, and Danny, and I all attended Hawthorne, Landsdowne, and East Side (I'm from the class of '69). Have lots of great memories about Jones park, Roosevelt Homes, 40th & Waverly, Neiderer's Dairy, Beyersdorfer's bakery, the Pink Castle, Wuller's Drug store, Holy Angels, etc. I played Khoury League baseball for Elko Selected foods. My best friends, Kenny Lanman, and Dennis Butler & I loved to hop trains home from East Side. I loved my paper route on 37th st., and 35th st. in the evening (never missed a day in 6 years). Love the memories of Jones' Park pool, especially at night, and the popcorn was sooooo good afterwards! My dad (Marion Tottleben) worked for Swift & Co. 45 years, and only missed 1 day the whole time! We used to ride our bikes to school and just lay them down on the lawn out front of the school. My dog (Butch) would follow me to school and wait all day for me to come out. He never had any trouble finding me among the throng of kids all piling out at the same time. For a really special time, we would get to ride the bus to St. Louis and go to the Majestic Theater. As I recall, it only cost .15 to ride the bus, .35 for the movie, and maybe .25 for a Coke at the movies, and then another .15 to ride the bus home. All that for less than a buck. And mom & dad never worried about us. I remember sitting in class at Hawthorne and Landsdowne, and occasionally a former student (all grown up) would come and visit the teacher. Usually a soldier. Sometimes would address the class w/some advice. The advice was always..."stay in school, and get an education". Every year at Hawthorne, we had a school picnic, and a carnival would set up in the playground. I used to fear the Ferris Wheel, but always managed to work up the courage to ride it. You could go downstairs in the school and get some awesome chilly burgers for about a dime. Back then, at Hawthorne, we could leave the school premises for lunch. We used to walk down to the "Y" cafe for a burger, or to Brown's confectionary for a baloney sandwich and some chips. They sold some really cool stuff there around Halloween, like waxed lips, tongue, etc. MORE MEMORIES: Murder burgers at Price's Drive Inn Pig snoots (can't remember the name of the place, but real close to Price's). Dizzy Dean's restaurant had some fabulous hush puppies. My mom would "die" for them. Cruising through Hannigan's and A&W on State St. Two Drive-Inn theaters (one on St. Clair ave., and one out on 157 hwy & Bunkum?) Hills Bros. suits (they had an ongoing sale...something like 2 for $50) The "secret garden" behind the fountain at Jones' Park. The motorcycle cop "Bobinette"...what a zealot. He'd write 50 tickets a day. My grandma kept a bunch of trolley tokens in her drawer (the trolley was before my time). Swift & Co. had an annual Christmas party at Anaid Temple that just blew us kids away. *Grand Marias park Would love to hear from anyone that remembers any of the same stuff. I'm at miketot2000@yahoo.com

Karin112		11-Feb-2013 14:35
my father grew up in East St Louis [ Lansdowne ] his name is Jack Russell. He had 2 brothers and one sister, he loves to talk about how wonderful it was when he grew up there.. does anybody remember my dad?

Karin		11-Feb-2013 14:26
my father grew up in Landsdowne East St Louis , his name was Jack Russell he had 2 brothers and one sister.. did anybody know him?

Guest		08-Feb-2013 21:12
You are welcome,McCoy.

G.Kelly		05-Feb-2013 19:16
Looking for band members from any of my old groups from the 60/70's. "BRANDYWINE-THE HERDE-THE MELODY BROTHERS" Thanks, GK

mccoy		03-Feb-2013 04:23
Well thanks very much, Dimples. Its been great so far, and a Happy New Year to you as well. While this doesn't apply to the youngster that you are (I hope you like that),I just received a notice from the ESTL High 1958 class reunion committee. It seems they're having the 55th year reunion in September this year. I'm just not big on reunions every 5 years. I think they should maybe be 10, 20, 25 (an exception),30, and every ten years thereafter until the game is called because of insufficient players. I was real gung ho on our 40th. I convinced the committee that since it was sort of an important milestone that we do it up proper by having a friend of mine play. A few of them were thrilled that I could get Marcel Strong and the Apostles. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IWlxrVmmDk ), but after the reunion the committee said they caught hell because of a few who said they couldn't carry on any conversations/bragging/lies, because of how loud the band was. Pity, pity. Okay, for any of you old geezers and geesesses that happened to have graduated from East Side in 1958, the date for the 55th year reunion, which will be held at the Crown Hotel adjacent to the Casino Queen, is Sept. 14th. If you're seriously interested, send me a private message and I'll give you the phone number of the committee person in charge to call for more info. Keep in mind, I do believe that you must register on this site to be able to send private messages. Being a guest, I don't think is sufficient.

dimples		02-Feb-2013 16:07
Happy New Year, McCoy!

Guest		02-Feb-2013 03:10
This is for David or Danny May or Sandy Miller. Sandy did not mention Melba, Nudy or her mom Mary. Are they still in the area? I never knew her dad and only saw him once or twice. Where is Melba and Bennys daughter? She must be getting up there in age also. She was a beautiful little girl. Just wondering where everyone is. Is Carol and Bill still in the area? Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Suttons? If you do e-mail me at Thomas73atsatx.rr

Guest		01-Feb-2013 07:11
I do remember The Hair Doctor & the 6 week blowout!

guest		26-Jan-2013 05:08
I was born (at home) in Oct, 1931. I lived in ESL until I graduated from East Side in Jan 1951. Then I moved to So Calif which I had been visiting over the years. I lived there (with relatives) about 1 1/2 years and then moved to the Bay Area of No Calif. I transferred from GMAC in Pasadena to GMAC in San Francisco. I had always loved Calif and vowed to live there. We lived in various areas, mostly in the Lansdowne area. I went to Hawthorne, Lansdowne Jr High before East Side. I have many happy memories of growing up with two brothers and a younger sister. I always felt safe and would go alone to my grandmothers off State St. We loved Jones Park and would spend many happy times there. Movies were wonderful and we lived near the old 40th and Waverly movie theater until it burned. A new one was built which had a unique "baby crying room" for mothers to take their toddlers. The old theater was uncomfortable, there were benches in the first few rows, mainly for kids. Then there were a few seats that were wooden and uncomfortable. There were rows of seats with more comfortable seats. I remember ushers who would walk up and down the aisle to make sure people were quiet. One of our neighbors had his arm around his wife and the usher told him he couldn't do that. My brothers and I liked the Friday night movies which were either western or horror. There were two theaters on State St and while visiting some friends who owned a bakery I was allowed to go to one alone. I was about 6 or 7 and saw "King Kong" by myself. I was astonished. I didn't see it again for many years and it remains one of my favorites. We also went to Sunday matinees and on Dec 7 we attended a show and came home to hear about Pearl Harbor. Our schools were very patriotic selling saving stamps etc. I had 3 uncles in the service, 2 were in Normandy. I have so many happy memories of ESL and feel that I had a good education and have good morals from my upbringing. I attend high school reunions and had our 60th last year (2012). I was on my way to our 50th by train on 9/11. Our train stopped in Iowa for awhile till it was safe to continue. We had our reunions in various venues. I will be going back in May to visit a sister and many cousins who live in other parts of Ill. (Edwardsville, Belleville, etc.) I have not returned to ESL since 1952 and feel fearful from things I have heard. A schoolmate told me that the Majestic Theater (a wonderful place) had trees growing inside. I loved shopping downtown and the dimestores were so much fun. I hope something will be done to revive my hometown. I have never been ashamed of saying I was born there.

Guest		15-Jan-2013 16:46
My name is Tom Letchner. I lived in the 800 block of 52nd. I have been reading all of the posts from my neighbors on 53rd St. I don't rememeber any of you but my brother Adam does. I am 70 years old and the oldest of 7. He is the youngest and graduated from East Side in 74. He was always on 53'rd because of all the neigborhood kids. He said that 1 night he remembers 30 plus kids playing kick the can and that there were cans flying everywhere. Sounded like a fun time. I think there were 3 kids my age when I was growing up. If there ever is a gathering please inclide him - Adam Letchner of Conneticut. He will be there sometime next year for his class reunion and our parents 90th birthday. If there is anyone out there that graduated in 61 that remembers me please say let me know what is going on in your life. I was a geek then and a geek now. Really; I work for HP and tear apart old computers and repair them for antiques. Maybe that's why I didn't get outside much; I was always tearing things up and fixing about a fourth of them. All that practice landed me a good job but a lot of alone time growing up. Well it is what it is.

Guest		15-Jan-2013 09:50
GUEST John Kirkpatric Jr. are you around? It would be good to hear from you. We were classmates in study hall at East Side Sr. High. Let me hear from you. Dose anyone have contact info? Let me know.

Judy Ann Edwards-Burrus		12-Jan-2013 16:58
Does anyone know what happened to Ms. Virginia Jenkins? She was my home room and art teacher at Clark Jr. High (1959-'61); and i remember her fondly, since she was so kind to me after my mom died and encouraged me in art to help heal from my loss. Thank you.

mccoy		11-Jan-2013 04:47
Hey George, you're more than welcome. I'm really glad you're making use of it. I'm sure Greg will get around to building a page for your band some time. I would assume he's quite busy now with the several projects he's involved with, but my guess is that site is really a pet project of his. I'll check in on it every once in a while to see if he ever gets a page made for Brandywine. Actually, an early 80's band in which my son was the original drummer in is listed (Horizon), and his mother is supposed to send Greg some additional photos. This was over a year ago, and she still hasn't done it. Too much FB time. My guess is that your band page will be added before she ever gets the Horizon photos sent in. lol Have a great year.

G.Kelly		10-Jan-2013 22:45
Thanks for the link, I spent all day on it. Even sent in some of my info and pictures, hopefully they'll be added soon (under BRANDYWINE). I played Augustines, and the RED CARPET

Guest		08-Jan-2013 03:55
This is for Danny and David May. You stated you were the Millers cousin. Sandy didn't mention Melba. Is she still in the area? Is Carol (Nudy) still married to Bill Berringer? Is Mary still in the area? What about their dad. I never knew his first name, Would love to go back and be a kid again

mccoy		07-Jan-2013 23:50
Oh yeah George, I almost forgot about this. It looks like you've got some work to do >>> http://www.stlmusicyesterdays.com/

mccoy		07-Jan-2013 21:40
George, I do remember a band called Brandywine, but I'm not really sure if I ever saw you guys. It seems that I associate the name with the more lucrative lounge circuit rather than the dive clubs we were going to. Places like The Roundtable, Augustine's, maybe The Red Carpet Lounge, and if I did see you guys it could have been at Mila's. However, for some reason or other I'm associating the name with the Mansion House clubs like The Garage, and The Red Onion. If you played there, there's a chance I may have seen you. I started to drift a little more west as more and more of my dive hangouts started to close down. Actually in the early seventies a good friend of mine at the time, Nick Nixon, started his career playing out on Lindbergh. He did a bunch of clubs out there and even eventually opened his own. During this time to add head count to his performances, my wife and I followed him even though he was country. I didn't like country and the only experience I had with it, other than an occasional stop at The Rainbow Room in Washington Park with my brother-in-law was The Cedar Inn. By the time I got to The Cedar Inn I was usually too messed up to know what they were playing, and really couldn't care less. All that being stated, I really liked Nick's show. Our going to see Nick came to a screeching halt one night when a couple of friends took me over to Rusty Springs in St. Louis to see Mama's Pride. Game over.

G.Kelly		07-Jan-2013 13:49
The band was "BRANDYWINE" Did the ST. LOUIS HOP TV show in 70-71, We sang "RAINBOW WOMAN" and "TRAGEDY" ! George Kelly

G.Kelly		07-Jan-2013 13:42
WOW ! I played at most of these clubs. The Empire club on 40, down from the race track in 66/67 with Dave Wallach and the Herd. Ace's Cow Shed in Belleville, with Polly Flowers, Billy Clark ( we had a trumpet player too) But most of all I remember Mila's steak house outside of Cahokia, Played there off and on for a few years, with The God Squad, The Herd - Jim Thompson- Darrel Johnson. What Great Times, Met some great gals there too. Use to drive them home in my 59' vet. Does anyone remember THE COALBIN in Belleville ? It was on the news alot back in 70- 71. The first topless club in that area, I was in the band that played there during those six or so months, before they closed it down.- George Kelly

mccoy		07-Jan-2013 04:41
I hate when you can't edit a mistake in your grammar, or a typo. "Some of the guys we went went to see on a regular basis back then was" Should have obviously been: Some of the guys we went to see on a regular basis back then were There. Now I can sleep tonight.

mccoy		07-Jan-2013 04:31
Hi George, In 1966 I was cruising State Street in a 1966 Marina Blue Chevy II SS 327/350hp. Those were some great times. Just off of State Street a little past Thunderbird Roller Rink, there was a place called Club Wesmar, and another spot around the corner and down the street from it was called Dutch & Norm's. The Blue Note I'm referring to was at Pocket Road (4300) and Missouri Ave. Is this the one you played at? We were fortunate. Never,ever had a lick of trouble there. Only the kids outside that ran a car protection racket. Cost us a whole buck to make sure our car was safe. lol Like they really had any control over anyone but themselves. Some of the guys we went went to see on a regular basis back then was Little Duke, Dicky Kunkel, Jim (Chippy) Goodwin, Frank Komormy, Quentin Good. We went to Cal & Jerry's Lake Club, Art Mowe's, Empire Club, Sir Lounge and the previously mentioned Club Wesmar, and Dutch & Norms. For after hours we went to Cedar Inn as well as The Blue Note. How about that for a mix? There are so many more that come to mind including Milas' Steak House, Frankie's, Whirlaway, The Chatterbox, Mile Away, and Ace Hart's Cow Shed. We hit them all and hard....

G.Kelly		07-Jan-2013 00:17
I played the Blue Note off of State st. in 66. Some guy blew the front door off with a shotgun while I was on stage ! george kelly

mccoy		05-Jan-2013 04:36
I need some help here. I saw online some info regarding The Blue Note. It was stated in that info that it closed in 1962. I know for certain that I was there in as late as 1967, and maybe even 1968. Does anyone know the year it actually closed, and under what circumstances? Did it burn down, or what? I should remember as I really liked it there late, but hey it was the sixties. :)

lou collins		25-Dec-2012 21:13
merry xmas East St.Louis

Guest		22-Dec-2012 09:28
to Sandy Cathers,yes i do remember you and your family,cant find you on fb,but you can find me. some sort of reunion would be wonderful for all that we can find.also remember Novak girl,so sweet and sad because she was adopted and never new her parents.also new all of the Harts,did you have a sister named Patty?

David May		16-Dec-2012 01:01
To: Sandy Cathers my name is David May cousins with Sandy Miller, i use to live on N53rd at the end by tracks ,right side. also lived at 63rd and state st.. went to morrison,martin luther king, and east side. anyone out there remember me from e.s.l or st. clair farms contact me at bullseye5821@yahoo.com

brendarich		07-Dec-2012 03:40
THIS IS A REPOST FROM ... 22-Mar-2009 23:25 =================================== I'm so happy to have found this board. Just today, I was frantically looking on Facebook trying to connect back to my High School Friends .. those who I can remember smile .. I was born in 1947 at St. Mary's Infirmity Hospital in St. Louis, MO. But, of course we lived in East Saint Louis. I think all the babies from East Saint Louis were born there. So, I'll say, "I was born and raised in East Saint Louis". I lived there with my Father, StepMother and six siblings at various addresses; one being 1100 Baker Avenue and a "D" Street in the South End. When I was six years old, the entire block on one side of D Steet burned to the ground. So, they took me from my first grade class, from John Robinson school where I attended; and I along with others .. stood there and watched our houses burn down to the ground. Of course, the Red Cross got involved and soon we were moving into a brand new development which was still under construction. Our new home was called, the John DeShields Homes; located on the other side of 12th and Bond Avenue (on the back side of Lincoln Senior High School). We were one of the first families to move into the John DeShields Homes. Growing up in East Saint Louis was natural and normal for me. I was raised in a Pentecostal Environment and not allowed to engage in "worldly" things with "worldly" people; so I grew up stand offish, very shy and very naive. As a little girl, my Step-Mother worked for a dentist named, Dr. Davis on 15th and Broadway street .. he was Miles Davis Father. Once we visited the Davis' Milstead Farm. As a child, I remember being surrounded with very lively, warm, loving, strict, no nonsense people. Yes, there was chaos too, by some people's standards; but "order" was a surety and I always felt safe. We were not in a threatening environment. We even slept outside when it was too hot inside. We never locked our doors; and even slept with the doors open. I had a fun childhood. We jumped double dutch, played hop scotch and we had a play ground right in front of our house. I loved the swing sets and the sliding boards .. oh and yes, we played Momma peg. Those were fun days .. I remember the drug store on the corner of 15th and Bond Avenue .. right across from John Robinson elementary School and across from St. Paul Baptist Church. In my mind's eye, I can still see the man who ran the store; but, I can't remember His name. We used to get an ice cream cone for a nickel .. and a piece of candy for a penny .. and a cookie for a penny .. I remember the Rock Way (another store) a few steps away .. where we also bought ice cream, candy and cookies .. My childhood memories are wonderful! Ike and Tina Turner used to rehearse in one of the houses across the walkway .. it was fun, peeking in .. i also peeked into the Kathryn Dunham dance school rehearsals in the Center across from our house .. we had a basketball court right there in front of our house, right across from Lincoln High School where I later attended. I can remember hearing the tardy bell ringing and running from my door to be inside my classroom in a few seconds. I started school at John Robinson Elementary, then to Hughes Quinn Junior and of course, then to Lincoln Senior High. We walked everywhere; our everywhere was to school and to church; sometimes downtown and sometimes to 15th and Broadway to eat Johnny Wong's Chinese food! Our church was in the South End on "I" street (a great distance) but, we walked from 12th and Bond Avenue to 1900 "I" street. We went to Church on Wednesday Night, Friday Night, and 3 times on Sunday; and sometimes in between those times for choir rehearsals and usher board meetings etc. It was not a problem or an option; it was our way of life. We were duty bound, and when it was time to go to Church, we went to Church!! As I look back today, I know living my life in East Saint Louis put character into me; and strength and stamina and a triple dose of an "i can get through anything" kind of spirit. I think East Saint Louis can only be loved and appreciated by those who "lived" and "loved" there. I believe East Saint Louisians; past, present and future are a special breed, a one of a kind destined people. Intertwined in the very soul of us are our hopes, dreams, and memories; be they good, bad, or ugly; all because of being there! All because of living our lives there! I believe East Saint Louis has given birth to and DNA'd into our very being the essence of who we are today. I thank God for my roots in East Saint Louis; and am very happy to say, "YES" .. East Saint Louis is my Hometown.

Brad Statler		06-Dec-2012 07:49
Nice to see some familiar names on here. Tom Wigginton, Don Druse, Tim K, etc.... E.St. Louis WAS a great town to go up in. So sad to what it has become.

mccoy		03-Dec-2012 21:45
Dimples, it's on the way, and you're most welcome.

dimples		03-Dec-2012 19:05
Thanks a million, McCoy!

mccoy		02-Dec-2012 17:34
Hi Dimples, Regarding the postcard, you might want to check your inbox for a message from me. And by the way, I'm tickled to death with the card. Thanks so much for the tip. Hopefully when you viewed the profile photo, you clicked through to the larger photo that has my comment.

dimples		02-Dec-2012 15:52
McCoy: I am still here and laughing about the postcard; I hope you enjoy it. You made out cheaper than I did because I have two books and some postcards about East St. Louis.

Richard		29-Nov-2012 16:40
Dennis? Dennis McGowan? Just wondering if your the Dennis I went to school and hung out with? I'm not sure as you did not mention King Jr High.

Tony. Houston.		29-Nov-2012 12:50
East St Louis, as we remember it may be gone. But each one of us have the memories in our hearts of the precious times we had growing up there. I had a blast growing up there. I will always cherish the childhood I had. Though I was dirt poor, I was a very happy boy. Times were tough but we overcame them.

Guest		28-Nov-2012 18:08
Lets hear from Sandy Miller Summers. Several people have metioned they know you. Cathers,Houstons, Weavers, DeForrestt. Is Melba and Buddy together and how old is their beautiful little girl. Is your mom and dad in the area. I remember your mom Mary but not so much your dad. I remember Chad vaguely. He and Melba were much older. Do you remember Susan Sutton and the Novak girl? What about Linda and Harold Holland.

mccoy		27-Nov-2012 15:10
Well Dimples, if you're still around, I hope you're happy now. You cost me ten bucks. lol Check out my profile photo. Yeah, I followed your lead and bought the card off of a seller on ebay.

Guest		20-Nov-2012 06:34
Susie-lived at 50th and Bond: Thanks for remembering the Ridgway Greenhouses. They were my grandparents. They were murdered in their home in 1972. I used to play in those greenhouses. I can still smell the vines and taste those tomatoes. Kathy Ridgway email: pisceseyes1@yahoo.com

G.Kelly		17-Nov-2012 21:10
Elmo Bush' Home Room. I remember the time me and Danny Stout got a swat from Elmo Bush. Ha ! ROCK JR. High Warriors - 1962-63-64

Guest		15-Nov-2012 03:57
This message is for Mike Millins. The name of the Pizzaburger resraurant was Kingsway. It was on 111. The burgers were great.

dennis		14-Nov-2012 05:44
I recently visited home, or what I thought would be home in 2012, the house was not there, I guess it was burned down, 7515 church lane... The harding elementary school also burned down on 74th street... The clark junior high was gutted out on 3310 state street... The khoury league baseball fields near church lane and 78th street where I played, looks to be tenament housing, and down the road the st. philips church just sits there, the graveyard remains as the propheic landmark on this town, it just died and went away... the only thing I found was frank holten state park and the lake that I fished on grand marias, where I cried and wondered how this could happen... but then we are all to blame for leaving and letting this happen... dr holten was my doctor at loisel village where I was birthed at christian welfare hospital in 1956, which I believe also burned down... so when I took my wife there and showed her this she must of thought I was an orphan... No hannigans, express buses to busch stadium, a/w root beers, custards last stand, french village drive in, just a broken heart,,,

Yvette Peals		12-Nov-2012 21:25
Yvette Caldwell (in school) Peals I moved to EStL in the early 60's from Chicago, Illinois. It was the happiest day of my life to leave the windy city. It was dangerous. I lived on the Southend known as Alphabet City on H street with out aunt and then on F street with our grandmother. My dad worked for Dow Chemical and later for the E. St. Louis Fire Department and my mom worked at Christian Welfare Hospital and then later worked for Comprehensive Mental health until her retirement. I went to Clark Jr. High, Lansdowne Jr. High and then Graduated from the MIGHTY EAST ST. LOUIS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL KNOWN AS THE FLYERS!!!! We moved to the 600 block of 22nd street. The families I remember by name is the Ewings, Wilson, Davis, Eugene McGee and his family, Rev. Lyles, Wilsons, Jones, the Browns, and the white girl named Donna. She was cool with everybody on the block. I remember being able to walk the streets at night and sleep on your porch with the t.v. on and no one bothered you. I remember my parents going to the night club called the Silver Palm over on Central. What about the cosmo hall, 20 grand, Safari Lounge, etc. E. St. is still my home and will always be. I turned out be a good person. Its how your family teach you about morals and being responsible and respectful. I'm a teacher nice home and wonderful children. Granddaughter attends Howard University. I love E. St. Louis. yes, it's not what it use to be but, who is and what is!!!

Rick Mifflin		12-Nov-2012 12:52
Boy does this take me back.I was born at St. Marys in 1955,grew up first in rosemont on N 49th st,then moved to Hallows ave in Wash park when I-64 came thru. Attended Wilson and Lansdowne, but went to Collinsville for H.S. I remember taking my first guitar lessons from George Bruner who played with the Cobras,his brother Gary and I hung out together,Their neighbor Joe Beaty and I became great friends thru our musical interest. I recall many nights at Hudsons Roller Rink listening to the Rhodes,The Epics, Black Zone,Purple Haze, The Baccarudas, and many others.Also the Washington Park Teen Town.Hung out with Bob Davis and Mike Payton who joined me in forming my first garage band,and Larry Paulsenberger and John Sorgea(RIP) as well asa host of others.We used to travel the streets day or night unmolested, even the Roosevelt homes where my cousins lived.Hung out at Cleve's, and the Drive in across 111 that served pizzaburgers,the name escapes me now.Had a wonderful childhood there and can't believe how bad the city has become.

dimples		09-Nov-2012 14:43
McCoy, Wow, Great story...It is like watching a good movie. Thanks, McCoy...

mccoy		09-Nov-2012 02:14
I thought you might get a kick out of that, Dimples. With all due respect to Bill's research, it really wasn't over a territorial issue. My mom heard a girl screaming outside the tavern, and allowed her to run in the tavern while she locked the door on the two dudes that were harassing her. The next day a hand grenade was tossed in the tavern. Obviously there was a connection. The grenade bounced off a bar stool leg and rolled under the bowling machine demolishing the machine. It was a Plaza Amusement machine. No, Buster was not happy about his machine being destroyed, nor was he happy that McCoy's Tavern was the target, and yes there was the retaliation that Bill describes. The only business arrangement McCoy's Tavern ever had with Buster Wortman was it was a location for their cigarette machine, and amusement devices including the juke box that I went to sleep listening to every night. Buster never had any business interest in the tavern whatsoever other than that. Never one to back down my mom kept the tavern until Hauss Chevrolet bought the remaining part of the block, and my mom lost her lease.

32070		08-Nov-2012 23:49
Was anybody out there in Elmo Bush's homeroom at Rock during the early/mid 60's ?

mccoy		08-Nov-2012 21:39
Dimples, Thanks for clearing up the boundaries of The Sunken Gardens for me. I wasn't sure if on the west it was Veronica Avenue, or 14th street. You might get a kick out of this. It's pretty funny now, but not so much back then. Click on the link below and read the paragraph just above the photo of Buster's house. Then read back on my post that came after yours asking if I had any pictures of Rock. Then try to connect the dots. lol http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/ibex/archive/nunes/esl%20history/wortman-obit.htm

dimples		08-Nov-2012 20:31
Contrary to what some people think, there are plenty of pictures of ESL on the Internet. Monica, there is a beautiful postcard picture of Sunken Gardens on eBay. I believe it is an authentic postcard because it looks very much like the picture in the book I have. Your patient would love that picture. Also, there are lots of wonderful pictures of ESL on Flickr. Here is a link I found with some recent photos of ESL McCoy, the more I look, the more I find. Thanks for the information. http://www.google.com/search?q=east+st+louis&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=IBOcUIOdIPSs0AGL2IHQAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQsAQ&biw=1220&bih=664

dimples		08-Nov-2012 19:18
McCoy and Monica, Monica, you should go onto amazon.com and order this book, Images of America "East St Louis" by Bill Nunes and Andrew Theising. On page 118, there is a picture of Sunken Garden. It states, "The beautiful sunken garden was in the triangle formed by Veronica,Summit, and Pennsylvania Avenues. Originally,this land was part of the Phillip Wolf Farm."

dimples		08-Nov-2012 19:03
McCoy, Thanks for clearing that up for me. Wow,this is becoming rather interesting;you know so much more because I was only there for two years. I do have a friend who lives there and he used to feed me information about the city. I have not talked to him in several years though. You would love this book though.

mccoy		08-Nov-2012 17:25
Dimples Actually, when the last class (June 58) graduated from East. St. Louis High School, that very same building was converted to an SIU extension. I went to both. The confusion on the 1957 year comes from the fact that there were two extensions. One in Alton that opened in that year, but the one in East. St. Louis didn't open initially in the old East St. Louis High School building until later, however a temporary location was set up in the Morrison School. Here's a link to the time line on SIUE>http://www.siue.edu/lovejoylibrary/archives/timeline.shtml

Barb Turnage		05-Nov-2012 01:52
These pictures look nothing like back in the 70"s and 80's.I can"t beleive I was raised there.

mccoy		04-Nov-2012 19:09
Sorry Dimples, no pictures. As many of us in our teen years, I didn't want anything to do with cameras. There's not even a photo of me in the class of 58 East St. Louis Senior High School year book. As for as very big things in life, given the direction my life was heading in my teen years, just surviving as long as I have is one of the biggest. Most, if not all of my street associates didn't fare as well. While I'm quite confident you've had many others, congratulations on what most mothers consider their greatest achievement- raising their children. Yes, I did manage to get thru Rock, and graduate from East Side. Since I lived above a tavern at 13th & State I was in District 189 which included Longfellow, Rock, and East Side. As far as Rock initially being East Side High, I'm really not sure, but I would bet on it. It all seems to fit.

dimples		04-Nov-2012 16:13
Hello, McCoy - It probably is a typo. I graduated in 1965, and I remember SIU. I don't know if SIU had moved yet but my homeroom class was in the red building on the bottom floor. Mrs. Robinson, the home economics teacher was my homeroom teacher. Although, I never took home-economics at Rock. All of my classes were in the black rock building. I wish I could remember my Algebra teacher's name? He used to call me by a nick name, he was nice. It does seem like Mike went onto do some very big things in life but you probably did too? Do you have any pictures of Rock Jr. High; would you like to share them? So, you graduated from Rock Jr. High and East Side High;Rock was the old East St. Louis High School? Is that correct?

mccoy		03-Nov-2012 21:51
Hi Dimples, I remember Mike from high school. We were in the same graduating class. Unlike me, he was a very bright and popular guy in school. All the girls loved dancing with him. I think he went to Clark Jr. High. Regarding the statement "This older stone building became Rock Junior High School in the late 1950s," I went to Rock Jr. High starting in 1952. It was the blackened stone building, and it seems as though it had been a Jr. High for a long, long while before 1952. I think the "1950s" date is a typo, or a mistake of some kind. The rest of Mike's post seems very accurate as I did attend evening classes at the SIU extension that was set up in the old high school building in the early 60s.

dimples		03-Nov-2012 13:31
Notes on East St. Louis Schools – Rock Junior High School, Hughes-Quinn Jr. High, East St. Louis Senior High, contributed by Michael Bergmire in response to a question posted to the St. Clair Maillist June 2006 (edited with permission): Both Rock Junior High School and East St. Louis High School have been razed. . . Be a little careful regarding picture post cards of the buildings. In the early 1900s East St. Louis Senior High School was a building constructed of large pieces of stone. One source of information stated that the stone is the same type of stone that was used to construct Eads Bridge. This stone asborbed pollutants and by the 1950s, when I was a student in the area, the stone was almost black in color. This building was located on Summit Avenue between 9th and 10th Street. I did locate a quote from one individual who indicated that he attended high school in this building in 1913. This older stone building became Rock Junior High School in the late 1950s. Later on a new building was constructed of red brick to the south of the original building. There was only a few feet separating the two buildings. At this time the two schools occupied a one block by two block lot, bounded by 9th and 10th Streets on one side and Summit Avenue and Ohio Avenue on the other. This newer red brick high school was used until 1958, and subsequently occupied by Southern Illinois University as a Residence Center until the university was build at Edwardsville in the late 1960s. After Southern Illinois University stopped using the newer brick building, Rock Jr. High School and Hughes-Quinn Jr. High School started using the newer building. East St. Louis Senior High School was now located at 49th and State Street where it is currently located. The Summit, 9th and 10th street area of East St. Louis has recently [spring 2006] been in the news due to the death of dancer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham. The Katherine Dunham Museum is located about a block away, possibly in the old YWCA building. Before the mid 1910s I would estimate high school graduates attended the building constructed of stone. From the later 1910s until 1958 it would be the building constructed of red brick. There was a brass plaque in the building and a date on the cornerstone, but I am unable to recall the dates. Michael Bergmire, Ballwin, MO 63011. Class of June 1958. Go Flyers!

32070		02-Nov-2012 04:44
Looking for info on Rock Jr. High School. Around 1961 - 1966. I can find no info on Rock anywhere, I'm trying to look up some friends from school back then. I brought up a site on Elmo Bush But no info on Rock Jr. High, altho he taught there back in the 60's. I was just wondering if you had any way to send me info on how to go about locating anything on Rock ? its like it just disappeared. thanks, george kelly- mellowdeelane@yahoo.com

32070		02-Nov-2012 04:42
How about East.st.louis during the early to mid 60's. ATTN: Donald White-Bill Kubek-Danny Stout-Dennis Rollberg-Darrell Johnson-Jim Thompson-Loretta Cox-Alan Mann- Any one in "Elmo Bush's" homeroom at Rock- Anyone from Milla's steak house (I played there with some of these guys)- also On KSD's st. louis hop (russ carteer) with BrandyWine. the Coalbin In Belleville- The townhouse lounge in Belleville -Ace's cow shed club- the Empire Club on hi-way 40, down from the race track.- contact george kelly : mellowdeelane@yahoo.com

mccoy		01-Nov-2012 19:53
Regarding my previous post, when I figured the circumference, I forgot to add the cross street of Veronica. If in fact that's where the park started, that would make the circumference a little more than five blocks as it was situated on somewhat of a wedge shaped track of land. If in fact it started on 14th street then the circumference would have been a little more than three blocks. Again, most all of this is from a 72 year old trying to remember 60 years ago.

mccoy		01-Nov-2012 18:04
Hi Monica, I wish you the best with your Alzheimer patient. While we all think we know how difficult that situation is, only those that experience it first hand can really know. Regarding the Sunken Garden in East St. Louis, thank you for your post. I had forgotten all about it. I used to go to Longfellow Elementary School (1946-52), and the park was almost directly across from it, if not directly. I think the girls' playground was more across from it than the boys'. I'm probably wrong on the streets that bordered it, but on the north side, just going from memory of some 60 years ago, I think it was Pennsylvania, and on the south, it could have been Summit. The cross street on the west may have been 14th, but on the east there wasn't a thru street, but I think Columbia Place may been right at the eastern end of the park. While I state that from what I remember 14th street was the cross street on the west, It could have been Veronica Ave. If it was Veronica, that would make the park two blocks long, with a circumference of about four blocks. If that is the Sunken Garden Park that your patient remembers, it certainly was beautiful. It's an awful shame that I was too young to really appreciate it and just took it for granted. The link below is to some current photos of it, however you possibly might not want to show them to your patient. Too depressing. http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourismguy/4246099063/in/set-72157623147356938/

dimples		31-Oct-2012 21:11
Wow,very interesting site;I too happened upon this site by accident. My family lived in ESL from the summer of 1964 - 1966. My mother was married to her second husband and he was in the Air Force,stationed at Scott AFB. I know Vernell Davis, Milton Reed, Dennis Cooper,Monroe Rich,and James Norris. We lived across from you - James Norris. I also knew Beverly Denzmore and her family. I spoke to Beverly about nine years ago. I went to Rock Jr. High and East Side High. I played the Fairy God Mother in the high school play - CinderFlyer in 1965. When I lived there, I walked all over ESL. It was like any other city;it is sad to know how much it has changed. My hometown of Dayton, Ohio, has also drastically changed. Since my mother died, I rarely go home. But Dayton will always be my home and ESL will always be a part of my life. I have traveled throughout the country and I lived in Italy because I was married (at the time) to someone in the military. I live in Virginia now; I have two adult children and one grandchild.

g2gman		31-Oct-2012 13:28
Thanks for the site Jayson. My old bud clued me to it this A.M. Lots of great comnents and some that I could live without, but to each his own. I lived in ESTL from 58 til 62 when I joined the Air Force and have many happy memories of the city. There area couple of names I noticed on two posts. Linda Jines, I knew a Butch and Clyde Jines. And Reece Picklebaum, is the Reece short for MO Reece? And did you live near 40th and Waverly? If so e mail me or contact me on FB @ Harry Haney or Gate2Garage.

g2gman		31-Oct-2012 13:28
Thanks for the site Jayson. My old bud clued me to it this A.M. Lots of great comnents and some that I could live without, but to each his own. I lived in ESTL from 58 til 62 when I joined the Air Force and have many happy memories of the city. There area couple of names I noticed on two posts. Linda Jines, I knew a Butch and Clyde Jines. And Reece Picklebaum, is the Reece short for MO Reece? And did you live near 40th and Waverly? If so e mail me or contact me on FB @ Harry Haney or Gate2Garage.

angelin		31-Oct-2012 04:15
im lookin for information on an individual who was a marine posted at the concord navy base in concord california his last name was tolliver & he had a sister who also lived around the general area in 1976 if you have any information please contact me

Monica		31-Oct-2012 01:56
I work with a Alzheimer client who grew up in East St. Louis, in the 30's - 70's, She loved East St. Louis, She talks about a Sunken Garden that was in Lincoln Park. She talks vividly about the Flowers. She claims the gardens were 4 blocks long. I have been trying to research this I would like to know if this garden still exists or if anyone can send me a picture of it. I would love to print it and give it to her as a gift to hang in her room. She told me this was the happiest place she can remember as a child.

Harry Wayne Haney		31-Oct-2012 01:00
Just rec'ed this site from my bud Mike Maier, thanks! Lots of great coments about the OLD ESL I remember from the 60's. I lived on Waverly just off 36th street and moved to 21 street prior to joining the Air Force in November of 1962. I attened Lansdowne Jr High and East Side. Was a member of the Lansdowne Baptist church on Waverly. What a great time that was crusing State street on Saturday night and the Greek Hall dance, my oh my.

Sanford White		30-Oct-2012 17:46
Hello all, Anyone out there live in the area between 25th St., North Park Dr., Morris Ave and Waverly Ave, from the mid 1970's to the late 1980's? I took a drive through there about a month and a half ago and was saddened by what is left there now, but truly appreciate the time period that I spent there. Does anyone remember the bands that would play in the 'Old folks homes'(Brenton, Rukavina... bldgs.)? As well as the water fountain that had lights in it that would change colors? Anyone ever wipeout on 'Dead man's Curve' as we called it, where Morris Ave did a 90 degree turn and turned into North Park Dr. at the N. end of that row of 'Old folks homes'?

Tony. Houston.		30-Oct-2012 11:25
This is to those who use to go to Thunderbird Skating rink in the mid to late 60,s. There use to be a girl that I use to know back then by the name of Vicky Childers. I use to date her. She lived in Alorton, by the hospital. I haven't seen her in years. Probably since 1968 or 69. I don't know what happened to her and would just like to know. I would like to make contact with her after all these years too, if possible.

Tony Houston.		25-Oct-2012 00:01
To Sandra Miller, Hi Sandy. I remember you. I use to run around with your brother Gene, James Johnson, Robert Weaver, Tommy DeForrest, and Steve Harvison. I know Tommy, and Robert have died. I have often wondered what happened to Steve, James, and Genie, as we all knew him as. How is Gene ? I wonder if James and Steve are still alive ? We use to all have so much fun back then. I am close friends with Tommy's sister Debbie and talk to her all the time. Email me sometime. My email address is tonyhouston1@hotmail.com Would love to hear from you.

Guest		24-Oct-2012 16:01
Does anyone remeber Lefty's Barber Shop?

li.sistercharter		24-Oct-2012 00:00
hi to all im a little younger than u all im 37 but i love reading how it was back than my childhood was good to im sure some of u know some of the davis frm forest,im the baby of 19 brothers,sisters

Donna		22-Oct-2012 05:01
I used to live right next door to Longfellow Grade School on 14th street. I loved living there. Went to second, third, fourth, and fifth grades at Longfellow. Does anyone have any of the group school pictures that were taken at Longfellow 1957 thru 1961? Donna, mitcheld11@aol.com.

Guest		21-Oct-2012 11:04
I'm looking for Teresa Ann Smith. We dated in the mid 1980s. She had a daughter Erica. Cousins Doris & Brenda Thomas. Brothers Tommy and Terry Smith and sister Lisa Smith. They all lived in Washington Park. If anyone recognizes this family please post a reply. Thanks.

mccoy		18-Oct-2012 17:29
There are two guys from the mid-fifties that to me fall under the "I wonder what ever happened to" category. First was Fred Crow(e?)and someone I hung out with for a short period of time by the name of Bill Juenger. These guys, to me, were of the ultra cool type. If Fred had any gang affiliation, I'm thinking that he may have been with the Blackjacks as they seemed to have coolest members. The Dukes had the most badasses, but it seemed that either the Blackjacks and the Dukes merged, or the Dukes just tolerated the Blackjacks because of their coolness. On the other hand, Bill seemed to be above the local gangs, and even though he wasn't hispanic, he adopted the Pachuko style of dress and the tatoo. He was even wearing a gold earring back then before every cool wannabe started wearing one. Was he really in a California gang? Who knows, but he pulled it off, and none of the local gangs fooled with him. Bill's street name was Silk, and he was smooth as silk. He was dripping with coolness. He may have been the first person I know of that went black and never came back. He started going with a black girl by the name of Rosie. She was absolutely one of the prettiest girls that I can remember from that era. One night while cruising around with Jim Mathis in his Corvette engined equipped 56 Chevy, along with Jack Hardin and Bob Youngman, we spotted Bill. He was outside a malt shop with Rosie. She was leaning against the wall, and Bill was kissing her bracing himself with his right forearm on the wall, and left arm dangling to his side with a cigarette in his hand. He was wearing a white Stetson hat. That image still remains in my mind to this day. What a great nostalgia photo that would have made. The last time I saw Bill he had totally adopted the black street style of speak, and if you closed your eyes you would think you were talking to an ultra hip black dude. I really liked Bill, and always hoped that he and Rosie would do well. I would love to hear from anyone who knows anything about them.

To Sandy Cathers		18-Oct-2012 15:30
This is to Sandy Cathers. I am Paul Finley's sister Paula. I am forwarded this blog onto Paul. He said that he definitely remembered you. I guess he had a monster little boy crush on you at the time. Your writing was so poignant, it touched me deeply... Paul sends his warmest wishes, as do I. May God bless you always. (o:

mccoy		18-Oct-2012 04:08
To BJ who mentioned Jack Hardin in his/her post. I went to Rock with Jack. He was a good guy, but you really didn't want to get on his bad side. I really liked Jack. We ran around together for a short time in 1956. I kind of lost touch with him as I got seriously interested in a girl on outer State Street, and spent most of my time with her. Some ten years or so later I ran into him bouncing at the Empire Club on Collinsville Road. It was great to see him. Some weeks later I heard that he had been shot very seriously while working there. Again I lost track of him, but later I heard that Al Cadone, who owned The Orchard Inn on Lake Drive, had basically taken him under his wing while he recovered. I stopped by to see him, and that was the last time I saw him. He wasn't looking good. You also mentioned Bill Hunter. I knew some Hunter brothers by the name of Tommy, Larry, and Ronnie. Possibly Billy was also a brother. The Hunters I knew, along with Gary Ripley were in a rival gang to the one that I was in for a short time. As a matter of fact the night I decided to tell the other members I was quitting, I went to wait for them at Bob's Barbecue on St. Clair. We always stopped in there after going to The Neighborhood House for skating. I decided to get to Bob's early enough to already be there when they got there. Wow!! What a surprise! This was like a scene from Rumblefish or something. There was Bob backed up against the wall frozen with terror and guys in black leather jackets everywhere. The rival gang had arrived, and here I am walking in all by myself. They promptly took me outside. I think it was Tommy that basically saved my butt. He stepped in before his little brother Ronnie tuned me up for the rest of them. Tommy believed me when I told them I was there to quit the gang. Tommy and I had always gotten along before, and decided to cut me a break. I left Bob's, and circled the block going back up towards The Neighborhood House where I found and warned the guys what was waiting for them at Bob's. That wannabe gang disbanded that night. LOL

32070		18-Oct-2012 02:39
East.st.louis during the early to mid 60's- thru 1973. ATTN: Donald White-Bill Kubek-Danny Stout-Dennis Rollberg-Darrell Johnson-Jim Thompson-Loretta Cox-Alan Mann- Any one in "Elmo Bush's" homeroom at Rock- Anyone from Milla's steak house (I played there with some of these guys)- also On KSD's st. louis hop (russ carteer) with BrandyWine. the Coalbin In Belleville- The townhouse lounge in Belleville -Ace's cow shed club- the Palace on hi-way 40, down from the race track.- contact george kelly : mellowdeelane@yahoo.com

mccoy		17-Oct-2012 21:31
To Susan who posted: "My Aunt and Uncle, Ray and Katherine Poston owned and operated the Coachlight Tavern on Bond St. for many years. Does anyone have pics, memories, information about their tavern. They were wonderful, honest people with such beautiful smiles. Thanks for any help." I remember The Coachlight extremely well. I think Ray may have lost Katherine during the time frame that I was a regular there. I was going there from the mid 60s to early 70s. I thought the world of Ray, but really don't remember Katherine. She may have been ill during this time, and possibly never came in. In all actuality, Ray Poston's Coachlight was located on Missouri Ave/Route 15 just west of Cahokia Downs Racetrack. While I frequented the bar on occasion during the week, I was a fixture there on Saturdays. I along with the other Saturday regulars would play 3-5-8 bank pool for draft beers. That would go on until later that night when the real players would show up, and shoot for hundreds. Then at closing time, the doors were locked, the shades were drawn, and the pool table was converted to a crap table. Then when that broke up Ray and several of us would go to Cleve's in Washington Park for chili-mac, or down to Scoville's for a more traditional breakfast. Very good times. Now the sad part. Ray's health was deteriorating and the mob moved in. From what I could tell they started getting a piece, if not all, of any action including running a poker game in the back room. One night when I stopped in late during the week after being over in St. Louis, there were only Ray, a regular, and Toni the barmaid in the house. Ray was raving drunk waving a 38 pistol in the air. Most of his ravings to me were unintelligible. Maybe it was because I was equally as drunk. However, it was a little disconcerting trying to drink my beer at the bar (which I certainly didn't need) while he was at the table directly behind me waving a gun. Again, I must remind you I was totally wasted, but I got tired of the situation, and instead of leaving, went over and sat down directly across from Ray. I then grabbed the gun by the barrel and placed it between my eyes, and told Ray he wouldn't shoot anyone. Do you have any idea how quickly you can sober up when you have cold steel pressed against your forehead? In an instant. I thought to myself, "What the hell have you done?" Thankfully, Ray and I put the gun down on the table and he stated "Roy, you know I wouldn't shoot you." I found out then he was referring to the mob guys who were taking over the place. I'm thinking in 1973 it was that one evening when I stopped in, I saw guys carrying out pool tables from the basement, and the place was pretty much in disarray. Ray called me over to his table and asked me if there was anything there I wanted for our rathskeller at our new house. I asked him what was going on, and he stated that rather than let the mob thugs take over he was going to burn the fn place down. I didn't take him seriously. I should have.

Sandy Cathers		15-Oct-2012 19:32
This message is for Sandy Miller Summer. I remember you and your family very well. We lived on the same side of the street but the last house by the tracks. There was 8 of us kidss living in that 3 room house. We were not allowed to talk. We had no food or clothing and utilities were never turned on. It would get so cold sleeping on the floor under the kitchen table. We always looked at the other neigbors as wealthy. i remember your sister Melba marrying a Benny. Carol seemed to be so dignified. The neigbors I remember were Coopers, Finleys. Harts, Suttons, and briefly a family Hollands. Ms. Cooper would give us clothes her two daughters had out grown. They were beautiful and we could only wear them to church when dad was drunk and wouldn't know we were gone. Ms Cooper took most of the kids to school and packed us a lunch. (a sandwich, chips and cookies) I always wanted her for a mom. My mother did not stand up for us and my dad wouldn't work. I remember on Wed. when the school (Morrison) would have sloppy joes Ms Cooper woud give us a quarter so we could feel like the other kids. Mr Holland worked for Pillsbury and would bring us cases of biscuits. The Harts had 21 kids and got food stamps. The months that they had any extra's they would give them to us. Paul Finley a little boy would bring us soup and vegetable in a can, but only one or two at a time..I'm not sure of her name but there was a neighbor that would pay us to listen to her preach the gospel. We would wash her dishes and scrub her 3 floors and she would give is .10. Her first name was Agnes, I was scared of her but we needed money to in the box at church when we were allowd to go. Looking back I kmow the entire neighborhood was poor. People who had a little more were those that had a father who worked and a mother who got their children up and off to school. I don't know where they are now but I want them to know you all made a big difference in all 8 of our lives, If we didn't have the packed lunch or clothes to go to church our lives would have been a living Hell. We had something to look forward to, Special thanks to the little boy whose can goods mounted uo so we could mix them up and have them, They may have been cold but when you are starving a 1/2 cup of soup can hold you over until Mondays lunch came along. For all of you reading this there are angels out there in all shapes ans sizes. a last thought a pecial thanks to Susan Sutton for lettibg us call your dog oura too, Any one who remembers me please write. It would be nice to have a picnic at a park. As I remember there were about 30 kids on that old dead in street that made us all who we are today. GOD BLESS YOUALL

Robert Pitts		11-Oct-2012 01:33
Born and raised in East St. Louis 1971. Hawthorne elementary, Lansdowne Junior High then moved to St. Louis. I am very successful today and I say this only because of what I learned from the situation and what I observed as a kid living there. One of the greatest things I get to say when people ask me "where are you from?" is East St. Louis and the look of surprise is what I get every time. No shame ever of this city...my city. 2913 Caseyville forever :). I love all of us who has or still live in this city. ROBERT PITTS

Guest		09-Oct-2012 20:24
the city is in dire straights and the political leadership will not make it happen. Peopleutside of ESL care more about ESL than the elected leaders and some residents do. As on saturday night live said we are in a hellhole!

percy		09-Oct-2012 20:20
well i still live here and yes it is a shame what has happened over the years. Alvin Parks as Mayor has done deplorable job yet he may be relected for another term. The politicians only answere to themselves, they treeat residents as sheep being lead to slaughter, they hire people with a special edcution degree to oversee the TIF department, they hire a person with a degree in psychology as an economic development director. so at least they have a degree. We are in bad shape and crime is rampant. The only new development is a new vantage credit union building, 30 units of new affordable housing, a new service station owned by middle easterners who are under fedral investigation, nothing on the riverfront but a casino/hotel/RV Park, fountain and overlook. all of these were done by persons outside of ESL: and id not ask for any funing from the city.

Sandra Miller		09-Oct-2012 07:24
My name is Sandra Miller Summers.I am from East St L.ouis and lived at 755 n 53 rd st from 1965 to 1971.I was born in 1955.I do remember Tony and Joe Houston,Tommy Deforrest,so sorry to hear he is gone... Robert Weaver,James Johnson and Steve Harvison.I have a brother,Gene Miller,sisters Betty and Carol Miller.Would love to hear from anyone who has memories to share...does anyone remember Bob and Jerrys on state st?

Nikki Remshardt		07-Oct-2012 17:33
Hi, my name is Nikki Remshardt. Im the youngest of five children of Robert Pathrick Remshardt who was born and raised in East Illnois intil he married my mother. I know, very little about my deceased and beloved father. Some things, i do know is he quite school at the age of 13 and, had a troubled home life. But, most important thing a am looking for is information about the gang he was in. Which, he had a self hand made small blue cross on his left inter arm that was know, as the gang symbol. Good or bad de does't matter to me. He was a amazing father, husband, provider, and hard worker that, i did and still do look up to and, nothing no matter how bad will change that. Im 38 years old know and, would love to have anything i could on the past history of my father Pat Remshardt. Thank you, Nikki

Guest		06-Oct-2012 00:23
Does any one remember a shoe repair shop on the west end of state street.

Guest		26-Sep-2012 21:29
Wow! Just found this site while I was looking for anything about the old Nichol's Barbeque stand. I was born at Christian Welfare hospital in 1944. I lived on 25th st. then 29th street. I delivered the Journal newspaper when I lived off 29th [actually on Gertrude Pl.] right behind the National Guard Armory. Attended Slade school, then Clark. My best friend was Gary Dulaney. Other names I remember are David Midkiff, Dickie Dixon, Jimmie Clark and Darrell Johnson. Later, I was in a band. We played at the Greek Orthodox Hall and the Fireman's Hall in Washington Park. There was another place on Black Lane in a metal quonset hut, but I don't remember what it was called. Later on I played in the Dick Donley and the Caravans group. We played at the Chatterbox, Frankie's, the Mileaway and the Belle Villa lounge in Belleville. In 1964, myself, Jimmie Fey and Larry]zippy] Wilson formed a group The Unknowns and played all the local clubs and then entered the "teen scene" about the time the Beatles hit big. Panorama, The Teepee, VFW's and American Legions in Breese. New Athens, St. Libory, Carlisle,Granite City, Lebanon on the east side. After that we became Spur and that's a whole different story. Anyway, if you ever hung out at any of those clubs, we may have met. And if anybody knows what happened to Darrell Johnson or Jimmie Clark, Please let me know. Rick Willard maxmilo2000@yahoo.com

Guest		23-Sep-2012 04:42
Hello, I was born in East Saint Louis in January 1967. I am looking for a man name Curtis Canson(not sure if this is the correct spelling of the last name). My mother was from Mississippi and she killed the pronounciation of some names (lol). My older sister, Nola lee thinks his last name was Mckinsley or something to that affect. He was in the war and he worked as a builder of some sort. My mother says that he worked in Missouri but lived in Centerville. He also built his own home illnois. I am trying to get that information. My mother and her sisters and aunt were on the party seen during that 60s era. If anyone has any information please send me an email and I can give more information. Thanks!

Pete		16-Sep-2012 05:16
Does anyone remember Lester Smith? Built and lived in his home on Trendley Ave in the mid 1950's? Lester worked for Swift Packing House and later General Motors? I am his son and would like to hear from anyone who may have met his acquaintance

32070		13-Sep-2012 23:11
East.st.louis during the early to mid 60's. ATTN: Donald White-Bill Kubek-Danny Stout-Dennis Rollberg-Darrell Johnson-Jim Thompson-Loretta Cox-Alan Mann- Any one in "Elmo Bush's" homeroom at Rock- Anyone from Milla's steak house (I played there with some of these guys)- also On KSD's st. louis hop (russ carteer) with BrandyWine. the Coalbin In Belleville- The townhouse lounge in Belleville -Ace's cow shed club- the Palace on hi-way 40, down from the race track.- contact george kelly : mellowdeelane@yahoo.com

32070		13-Sep-2012 22:58
to : Millie (Tobin) Hodge - I remember a sweet little girl I met at the moose hall. love, george (mellowdeelane@yahoo.com)

32070		13-Sep-2012 20:48
to : Millie (Tobin) Hodge - I remember a sweet little girl I met at the moose hall. love, george (mellowdeelane@yahoo.com)

32070		13-Sep-2012 20:30
george kelly - : mellowdeelane@yahoo.com any thing on rock jr high school yearbooks ?

32070		13-Sep-2012 20:28
Looking for info on Rock Jr. High School. Around 1961 or 62. I can find no info on Rock anywhere, I'm trying to look up some friends from school back then. I brought up a site on Elmo Bush But no info on Rock Jr. High, altho he taught there back in the 60's. I was just wondering if you had any way to send me info on how to go about locating anything on Rock ? its like it just disappeared. thanks, george kelly

32070		13-Sep-2012 19:49
Looking for info on Rock Jr. High School. Around 1961 or 62. I can find no info on Rock anywhere, I'm trying to look up some friends from school back then. I brought up a site on Elmo Bush But no info on Rock Jr. High, altho he taught there back in the 60's. I was just wondering if you had any way to send me info on how to go about locating anything on Rock ? its like it just disappeared. thanks, george kelly

32070		13-Sep-2012 19:41
Looking for info on Rock Jr. High School. Around 1961 or 62. I can find no info on Rock anywhere, I'm trying to look up some friends from school back then. I brought up a site on Elmo Bush But no info on Rock Jr. High, altho he taught there back in the 60's. I was just wondering if you had any way to send me info on how to go about locating anything on Rock ? its like it just disappeared. thanks, george kelly

Sandra Valiant		06-Sep-2012 23:26
I'm looking for a Debra Howard she use to skate with me and Shirley and Kathy at Skate King on Natural Brigde off Jennings Station rd . She also use to date a guy name William I think he was a barber . They both were small frame and short in height and very sharp dresser . Debra's age may be early to middle 50 yr of age Shirley and I just want to know that Debra is still around and who knows maybe still skating somewhere also another name would ring a bell to no who we are "Plan C " we use to stare at his shiny skating physicic . Debra or anyone that no how we can touch bases with Debra response were all friends but lost contact with Debra Howard thank you

tnosam		01-Sep-2012 03:35
Grew up in the South End section of ESL in the 60's. I remember Shop City. I also remember going to SEARS downtown with my grandmother. She would always get a bag of peanuts on her way out. Does anyone remember the names of the stores that were in strip mall just across from Jupiter Dept Store downtown? I know one of them was a shoe repair shop. How about the name of drive-in burger restaurant that was on State Street?

Trina Jackson		31-Aug-2012 22:32
Trina Jackson trying to find out what happened to my dad, Larry Jackson, a drummer back in the 1950's. It's my understanding he grew up in East St Louis, IL with Miles Davis. They played together before relocating to Chicago. Larry Jackson also was a drummer on the Opus de Funk album with the John Young Trio, released in 1957. If you think you can provide helpful information, I'm at trina60616@att.net.

Harry		29-Aug-2012 22:41
I ran across this web page several months ago. It takes back in time. I was born in St. Louis in 1949. I spent most of my childhood in the ESL area. I attended Alta Sita for kindergarten. 1st to 6th grade I did at St. Mary's Catholic School. Was even an alter boy at the church next door. I've seen the best of downtown ESL and some of the worst. I remember going to the Majestic Theatre (beautiful red interior) and even the old Harlem movie house (six RC bottle caps would get you in on Saturdays). I actually lived out in what is now called Centreville. Used the Bi-State bus to get to back and forth to school back then. I spent a lot time up and down State St., Bond Ave and shopping the stores on Collinville Ave. Went to Cahokia HS and the later Army. I enjoyed my time there. It is a shame that people can't what great place it was back then.

Guest		24-Aug-2012 16:45
Does anyone the where abouts of Ida Gigger, or Mary Tubbs or any of the Denzmores

Bill Weaver		21-Aug-2012 06:41
I was born in Washington Park and my mom and step dad Jim Timmons owned Club Indigo. Good friends with Art Mowe. Contact me if you know me bill@newerawebworks.com

Edith		19-Aug-2012 18:09
I used to buy Hot Tamales, from Street Venders, in E. St. Louis, not far from Prices Restaurnt. Does anyone know if someone still sells those tamales, and where? Also, does anyone have the recipe for Prices "Nightmare" hamburgers?MMM all great food, back in the 50's and 60's.

ozzie		14-Aug-2012 19:48
I'm reading my dad's WWII letters and he mentions Vogts market. He grew up on Hazel Ave. and says it was a long walk to Vogt's. I am wondering how far because my mom walked to that store with my older sister when she was just 3 months old. I need an address so I can see just how far it was and more about where my dad grew up. He was born in 1915. My grandparents lived there all their lives and I think are buried at Signal Hill cemetery.

Linda McClure Bynum		07-Aug-2012 13:45
OMG! How awful to watch this wonderful city die! I was born in E.ST. Louis. My father received the key to the city. My heart hurts to see this beautiful place lifeless. This city holds such sweet memories for me; Taking the bus every Saturday with my Aunt...Actually shopping in the place that is so vacant now. Not having to cross the river to shop for the best...We had the best! I will continue to pray for my city! For it's restoration!

Susie		06-Aug-2012 01:02
I was born at St. Mary's in 1952. My family lived at 50th and Bond. Robinson's Feed Store and Danny Ballards Grocery were next door. Ridgeway Greenshouses were across the street. They had the best beefsteak tomatoes. My dad worked at Swift and Company as a truck driver. We moved to North 81st Street when I was still a baby. I attended Edgemont Elementary. My teachers were Ms. Carrol, Ms. Pureon, and Ms. Greatrix. We learned to read from Dick and Jane books. They were not hard bound books. We learned cursive writing using the Palmer Method. We did not have a physical education class or music class. Music was taught in the classroom. Mostly patriotic songs. We had pictures of President Lincoln and President Washington in the classroom. I went to Kindergarden in a Church on State Street because they did not have kindergarden at Edgemont. I remember when President Kennedy was campaigning I saw him in a parade on State Street and there was also a girl in a yellow polk a dot bikini in the parade. When President Kennedy was shot, my Mother and I were on our way to St. Louis for my orthodontist appt. I remember the radio announcer came on and said the word of the day was blue. When he said the word blue during that day you could call in and win a prize. While we were driving the announcer said "President Kennedy has been shot, we are so blue." Even though I was a young child, I knew that it was inappropriate. I thought it must be a joke. I could not believe someone shot him. There was a store named Maymees around the corner, where my mother would send me for groceries. The Varitys lived next door. Judy and Kenny and their parents Margie and Leonard lived across the back yard.

percy		05-Aug-2012 07:59
elaine brooks from gady st friendships are forever contact percy at percyj9463@aol.com

jamashbar		03-Aug-2012 07:30
I'm interested in knowing more about Larry Jackson....drummer from East St Louis. Workin on a family tree project. I haven't been able to find much information on him. Thanks

Tony Houston.		29-Jul-2012 13:06
Guest that grew up in St. Clair Farms, do you remember Pat and Brenda Barnes ? They had another younger sister that I went to Clark Jr High with but I don't remember her name.

Guest		29-Jul-2012 00:56
Cynthia: What is a "hefton parlor"? I've been trying to google the term to find out what you may have in mind, but I can't get any understanding about what a "hefton parlor" might be!

Interested Guest		25-Jul-2012 03:15
To the guest who was born in 1935 and lived on Virginia Place: I think I know who you are but will not try to identify you in this forum. I was born in 1934, and spent many hours on the arches at 29th and Virginia Place, talking about everything and nothing at all! I remember the Schorrs, the Jacksons, Johnny Smith, the McWilliams family, Johnny Joe Ruggles, the Hanleys and on the other side of the street were the Kirchoffs, the Mulconnerys, the Gagens, another family of Mulconnerys and Larry Tolar. The arches were a gathering place and I'd love to be able to go back there again! Post another message and give a little clue about your identity!

Guest		23-Jul-2012 19:35
Sure do remeber St. Clair farms.....went to Morrison school. Friends were Sheila Williams, love to find out about her...Lived right on Rock Springs Road

Cynthia		17-Jul-2012 06:57
Does anyone know about a hefton parlor that was in East St. Louis in the late 1930-40's. Thanks Cynthia

Guest		17-Jul-2012 04:14
Born at CWHospital in 1958, grew up in St.Clair Farms.. Anyone out there remember St.Clair Farms?

guest		14-Jul-2012 21:29
I was born at St. Marys Hosp. in 1935, lived on Virginia Place in Alta Sita for many years. It was a beautiful neighborhood and we had wonderful neighbors. I will always have fond memories of growing up there. Sorry to see that it looks pretty bad now. It was great seeing a lot of the comments. I went to Alta Sita Grade School, still remember all my teachers who were so dedicated to their profession.

Nikki		14-Jul-2012 01:01
Hello Bill Weaver or anyone else, my nsme is Nikki and my father was Pat Remshardt, he was also born in 1938 but passed away 1998, He was raised in the same area and I was hoping to find out more about his childhood. His family was poor and it was a tough time but it is important to me. Thanks and this is an amazing site

Cynthia		13-Jul-2012 08:10
Hello. Does anyone know anything about an Emmitt Gaines who was shot in East St. Louis around 1940. He was married to Clara Gaines. Thanks.

Guest		10-Jul-2012 14:33
I was not born in ESL but was raised there. I graduated from Lincoln (Mighty Tigers) High School, Hughes Quinn, Jr High (Hornets)and Washington Elementary School. I was educated to come out of school and compete with anyone for entrance into college and for employment. I love and appreciate my schools, my teachers and my city. It was a nice place to live. I use to go to the Majestic, Skating Rink, and Swimming at Lincoln Park. O yea, big fun times at the Block Parties. ESL was not a bad place to grow up in during that time. I visit once a year and it is sad to see the city in the condition that it is in now. However, it will always hold fond memories for me and I hope one day it will come back.

guest		08-Jul-2012 23:04
I use to work at the Tomboy market back in the middle seventies up on Bond ave with the butcher that called himself (good looking) until the mid 80s. I worked at B and H and Cofmans. Those were still some good days on the east side. Is the VFW open still on the southend? That was the place to go, man i had good times in that place. I'm from st louis side, but after i started to work over there, i found myself staying over way past work having fun. I met very nice people in east st louis. I met the people that the news don't put on.

Bill Weaver		28-Jun-2012 23:39
Born St. Marys 1938, went to Slade, Clark and Eastside, Dad was barber on Collnsville Ave. Left in 1957 for Navy. Lived on 28th street and 31st street, hung at Jimmys Malt shop, run with Dorman, Hays, Tysons, Drennen, Miller, and a slew more I cant recall right now. Stayed in Ca. and became a fireman.

barbara		26-Jun-2012 05:58
This message is for Tangie Harris: I used to live on McCasland, I am looking for those same people.

Tony. Houston.		24-Jun-2012 15:50
This is for Fred Truman Fred this is Tony Houston. I knew most of the boys you named. I knew Robert Weaver, Tommy DeForrest, who have both passed away. I knew James Johnson and I went to Morrison and lived on 52nd and State St right across the street from Tommy DeForrest. Gunther,Miller,Plank and Cooper do not ring a bell with me. But for some reason you do. I went to Slade from 1960-1962. Then I went to Jefferson, off 25th and Waverly, then Manners, off Kingshighway, then Morrison, and finished at Harding and then went to Clark for a couple of years before I quit school. I now live in West Monroe La, but all my brothers and family still live in ILL. Belleville and Collinsville.

reese		21-Jun-2012 15:13
This is to Jim Foster, did you live at 42 and Lincoln during the 50's Reese Plickebaum

Jim Foster		14-Jun-2012 23:03
Wow - I got this from 2 friends on the same day. Reading through the comments I see most of you are younger than me and younger than Lenny Frankel, Bill Goss, Jay Folberg, Bob Cross, Jim Zitta, Eugene Ross, Jolene Walburn, Al Mogenis, and others in the ESL class of '59. Interesting site and thank you to Jayson who apparently created this site.

Guest		14-Jun-2012 01:55
I graduated in 1960's from east side.I remember Shop City Grocery and the bowling alley and the Scuba Room. There was a Hamburger Stand called Henry's built next to the school and all the adults thought it would cause the kids to play hooky. Some did, but they would have anyway.Across State St was a big gas station named Gasoline Alley. I remember when they built the Shop City Drive-in. You could drive in the back exit with your lights off and sneak in. I remember some hid kids in the trunk too. Price's had Nightmare burgers and Fiesta burgers and the best french fries. A&W had the best root beer and root beer floats. Hannigan's had good burgers and fries too.On friday nites we would drive the circuit around from one place to the other to see who was out. Later we drove up the hill to Dodo and eventually went to Panorama bowling alleys where they had dances. A couple years later the lounge upstairs had Ike & Tina Turner among others headlining. I almost forgot the dances at the Greek Hall on State St. I was in the Army and when I talked to fellows from all over the country they related practically the same stories and places. The names of the places were different, but they seemed to have the same hangouts. The music was the same,the clothes, the favorite foods. Many of them had a Price's, a Joneses Park, a Parson's Field, Alton Dragway, and a High School , just different names. Sometime later, in a burnt out ville in the Nam, A guy from Chicago who knew I was from E St Louis sang out my name. I looked and he said "just like back on the block ain't it?" That hurt. But when I returned home after many months, Well, his words were prophetic. It was my hometown, burnt out and looking deserted. Its true. You can never go back home. They also say home is where the heart is. My heart doesn't feel good.

Guest		14-Jun-2012 01:21
@ Guest, Posted )5/26/2012 Yes I rememberf Shop City, the Bowling Alley, Grants Dept Store etc., While I'm at it who remembr Sav-Mart that was in Fairmount City on Collinsville Road? They had the best caramel popcorn! Then there was Venture!

Guest		06-Jun-2012 11:46
Hi I was wondering if anyone has heard or was around when the Ray's Tavern was up and running not sure of the years one of the owners was Ginny Ray her husband was Freddy Ray.. I was wondering because that was my grandmother and I remember her talking about it and I was wondering where it was once located... any help would be grateful thank you

ceille		06-Jun-2012 04:41
Guest Like most of you, I have stumbled upon this precious site! My name is Lucille Suggs(Maiden. I remember so much of what many are describing in the city which I was born (1950)and raised in. I was born at home @1242 Kansas which has been plotted over a long time ago! My parents were Booker Suggs Sr. and Pearline Hunter Suggs. I was actually googling to search for pictures of the 1960 Bi-Centennial when I found this site. We had a large family, as a matter of fact 10 children which I was the 2nd oldest! We moved from the Kansas, Division area to John Deshields Homes when I was very young. We later lived on the North side around Columbia Place, 14th Street, St. Louis Avenue. I once heard the song which described East St. Louis and it's people as, "Something inside so strong." I miss what we had growing up with community. I too, have travelled throughout the US and now reside in Concord, North Carolina. I pray and hope that if we believe it is God's will, there will be a New Birth of the "Boogie" which we all loved and remember. With my faith and yours, it can happen.ceille60@hotmail.com

Tom Crotzer		05-Jun-2012 02:23
Tom Crotzer RE: Tom Schwarztrauber-It's good to see a response to my post from 11/9/11. Your name sounds very familiar. My uncle used to have a poker night with many of the local pharmacists and doctors. Was your father a member of that gang? tpcrotzer@hotmail.com

Donna		04-Jun-2012 03:57
I was born on the Missouri side in 1953, but my parents lived in East Saint Louis at the time on N.16th Street. I attended Longfellow Elementary School. Would love to come and take a look around ESL, but I've been told it is a dangerous place to visit.

Guest		04-Jun-2012 02:05
This message is for XESL Flyer posting of 12-10-11. My name is Bonnie. I lived on 63Rd. I also went to Morrison, Clark and East Side and graduated in 65. Also born in CWH,. I am sure we know each other very well. My brothers were Elmer and Eddie. All the kids in the neigborhood would play kick the can, pickle, tag, catch lightning bugs and play baseball. We had a tree house with two rooms and a slide to come down. Played under the hose and on a slip and slide. What is your given name. Do you remember Ms Stack, Cameron and Brinkman from Morrison. Haggerty, Jenkinds; Beach from Clark. Crawford, Hagerty (yes sisters) from East Side. THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

Fred		04-Jun-2012 01:51
This message is for Tony Houston. I also lived many paces in Estl Lived on Bond, Gaty, Summit and Bunkum. My name is Fred Truman. Sone of the gang was Bruce Cooper, PJ Plank; Robert Weaver, Tom Devoresss; James Miller, Ben Gunther. This was from Morrison, Slade, Clark and East Side. Where are you living now and or you still in the area. Who do you keep in contact with.

W. Heilig		31-May-2012 15:45
I was born in East St Louis in 1940. Graduated from East Side in 1959.[First Class to Grad. from the new High School on State St.]. My Aunt & Uncle owned Tasty Bar BQ in Washington Park and as a Senior I work at Skyes Drug Store on 5th and Missouri in East St Louis.Had a Great childhood back in the 50's era. I also collect East St Louis Items. This is a GREAT site and fun to read all the Postings.

stlguy02		28-May-2012 20:33
I am from st. louis, but the one thing I will always have is alot of love for my brothers and sisters on the illside. I know its rough but its bad over here too. alot of the problems in ESL can be attributed to one thing...RACISM(IE:HATRED).But we have to get our stuff together and.......get the dirty cops and politicians out of office and say enough is enough or eastside will continue to die slowly and painfully. I first started liking eastside back in the day when the Flyers used to destroy any and all opponents. Hell not even Sumner or Hasselwood Central(yes I spelled it the way I wanted to), would play the Flyers back then and I loved those football teams too. Back then we didn't have metrolink or all these buses that would literally drop u off right near the old Parsons Field. Most of us Jimmys would only see the Flyers play on the news on friday nights. there are alot of really good people in East St. Louis. I know cause most of my girlfriends are from across the water. Stay strong and hang in there. Now here comes some of the self-critiquing. I say this because Iam a black man and my heart drops everytime I hear some story of people getting killed across the water. I'm going to catch some flak for saying this but we(black people) are our own worst enemy. CLOSE ALL THOSE DAMN CLUBS IN DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE AND WE WILL GET SOME SERIOUS TAX REVENUE DOLLARS, THE LAND IN EASTSIDE IS TOO VALUABLE TO BE HAVING CLUBS EVERYWHERE, AND BLACK PEOPLE STOP LEAVING AND MOVING TO FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS AND OFALLON AND OTHER OUTLINING AREAS WHEN YOU HAVE A REALLY DECENT JOB. It all starts at a grassroots level. It can change, just need more people to say we are going to stick it out and be here to see it change. It would bring joy to my heart to once again see Eastside look like it did when my granny used to take me over there in the mid 70's and early 80's. Stay strong ESL and know that there are people over here in St. Louis that want you to do well..... by the way much love to all the former flyers and tigers who left but never forgot your roots(jjk,dm, the bushs, no love for KW uppity a..)

guest		26-May-2012 10:48
Does anyone remember Shop City? I think there was a Grants store and an A&P supermarket maybe a bowling alley.Also a hamburger joint called the Red Oven by the highschool.19 cent hamburgers. That was a long time ago!

Di'Anne		25-May-2012 22:37
My name is Di Anne I was born in East saint louis in 1987 My mothers name is Villas Baity and my fathers name was Frederick Hopkins ( his parents were Delores and Fred Sr. they lived at 21somethin Gaty ave. I have a couple of sisters that were older Tanisha and Miya . I think my father had brothers named Kenneth and maybe Van.If anyone recognized any of these names, timeframe,location I would love to know something about where I come from. I left East saint louis when I was 5 years old and was in foster care every since til I turned 21. I just want to know good bad and ugly... shoot me an e-mail.....mislaydilike@live.com

Guest		22-May-2012 15:07
to--LOUANN FOSTER(BUCHHOLZ)--Hello--my name is Peggy Gross---been reading this site --saw some of ur stories --i see you had a school teacher name Mrs.Williams she lived 2 doors down from ue on belmont---would like to get in touch with everyone from that area --i no we lived in est from 56 to 63 when we move to caseyville have 2 older brothers name darrell -wayne - and one older sister donna---well i am in my late 50 so they are all in their early 60's and middle 60's --would like to hear feom some of the people i see on here---fb page is peggy gross kruckeberg----email ckpk98@att.net----thanks every1--bye

Guest		22-May-2012 12:32
I attended Slade Grade School for first grade in the 1965-1966 school year. I walked to school(by myself) from the 600 block of North 23rd street. I only attended Slade that year and I'm curious about my classmates. Anybody else out there who would have been in first grade at Slade in 65-66 chool year?

brendarich		19-May-2012 09:46
Hello Everyone .. when asking others to contact you with information requested, please leave your email, Facebook or other forwarding address. Many times, I've known the information requested, but no way to get it to you. Thanks and be blessed! Brenda Rich Harris Smith (brendastarr3@yahoo.com)

Victoria		17-May-2012 19:26
I haven't read all the entries here, but I wonder....my father went to Homer Murphy's barber college, but said he went to one located at 6th and Washington in St. Louis, MO. Was there one there as well???? Thank you My email is: proqfineart@gmail.com

Guest		15-May-2012 23:23
As to the Goldman Building, I remember it well as my father managed the Household Finance Office on the second floor a bove Walgreens from about 1946 to 1960. I still remember the secret knock for after business hours...

Guest		13-May-2012 02:08
Tim Keniley: Your parents, or grandparents, were correct when they told you about the Majestic Theater. When I was young, the Majestic charged 12 cents for kids less than 12 years old, but the Avenue Theater, across the street, charged only 9 cents. If you gave the ticket-seller a dime, she would not give you a penny change; she would give you a piece of Mary Jane candy. You could then enjoy a couple movies, a serial or two, a newsreel and a few rats running across your feet! Nearby was the Liberty Theater. The city also had the Gaty, the Roxy, the Esquire, the St. Clair, the Waverly and maybe one or two more which are lost in memory. In those days of segregation, there were the Harlem and the Deluxe Theaters.

Guest		13-May-2012 01:45
NV: You asked about the name of the building which housed Walgreen's at Collinsville Avenue and Missouri Avenue. It was THE GOLDMAN BUILDING. Do you remember the buildings and businesses nearby? John Kriwanek's clothing store? The Hub? Crystal Hat Shop? The Journal? The Spivey Building? The First National Bank, the Union National bank and State Savings and Loan? The offices of DR. Frank Moss? Union Clothing and Al's Men's Shop? Kresge's? Woolworth's? Newberry's? W.T. Grant? The Century? My God, I could go on and on!

Guest		13-May-2012 01:33
To Mr. Kruta, who asked about the building which had been intended as a casino, but was never operated as one. It was on the southeast corner of Main and Broadway,and was an impressive sight! Roy Bowman built the building, then saw his plan to open a gambling house dashed by suddenly restrictive county and municipal authorities. I may have the order wrong, but the building was used as a restaurant by Mr. Bowman, but it wasn't successful. For awhile it was operated by Howard Langford, a Justice of the Peace, and known as The Judge's Chambers. I remember being there the night before Labor Day in 1957, for an appearance by Ahmad Jamal. Later it was known as the Bambow Key Club, the name an almost-correct reversal of the name "Bowman", so perhaps Mr. Bowman continued to own the building while it was operated by other people. It was lavishly furnished and decorated, but never caught on as a successful operation. I don't remember its last use, but it's gone now, as are so many other good things about the city where I grew up and loved!

Dennis		09-May-2012 18:53
Hello to all. This is my second time visiting this site. It invites a great amount of nastalgia for me everytime I come back. I rememember going to Park elementary in the 70's. I remember they allowed us to march around the school in our costumes on Halloween. I remember my old neighborhood on 39th and state used to be so nice. Does anyone remember the drug store on 39th and state? How about the the liquor store on 38th street called GG's? I sometimes wish was born earlier in life so that I could've experienced more of the positive things that the city had to offer in the 50's and 60's, but I wasn't born until 1970. Nonetheless, I still remember quite a bit. Does anyone remember Clark jr high in 1984? Some of the teachers I remember are Mrs. D. Johnson(English), Mr. Woods(math) Mr. Norwood(science) Ms. Swift(english). Mr. Roland Falconer was the principal when I was there.

Jayson		04-May-2012 01:48
You're welcome Frances. I was in St. Louis a few weeks ago and made a point to cross the Eads to see if there was any progress with Downtown East St. Louis.

Frances Burton		03-May-2012 21:34
Looks as if Jayson has posted some updated pics. Thanks Jayson!!!

Guest		02-May-2012 12:25
The name of the bar was the Tap Room.

Guest		30-Apr-2012 23:57
Does anyone remember the name of the bar in the basement of the National Stockyards Hotel, entered from under the front of the hotel? The cafe in the rear, of course, was Scoville's.

Brenda Acoff		30-Apr-2012 18:37
Hello All, This is my second post. My name is Brenda (PRICE) Acoff. My parents are Robert and Ernestine Price. I grew up in Centreville, Illinois (Golden Gardens), and I am looking for my paternal twin sisters. Our father, Robert Price, passed in 1995. I have not seen the sisters since they were infants. Their mother's name is "Louise" - I do not know her last name. Their names were "Deborah and Dorothy." I do not know if they ever took our father's last name. The family lived on 15th and Bond Avenue. If anyone can provide me with any information, i would certainly appreciate it.

Guest		29-Apr-2012 08:35
Tangie Harris. Do you have any idea where the people are that lived on McCasland, i.e. the Claypools and others. THANKS

Barbara Hill		28-Apr-2012 05:55
WOW! This site is awesome, I don't know how I stumbled upon it. I have read many of the posts, talking about memories, memories. I can't remember the exact years I lived in East ST. Louis, however I went to Hughes Quinn Jr. High, 7, 8, 9. I think, but I did graduate from Hughes Quinn and went to Lincoln High. We moved to Kansas City, MO before I completed the 10th grade. I don't remember the elementary school I went to. I lived on 17th and McCasland and as someone mentioned it was the family street. I have fun memories of East St. Louis. On McCasland we had many block dances. My neighbors were the Claypools, Giggers, Emersons, Annette, Ray, so many others I can't remember their names, we were like family. I baby sit from my cousin(in-law) on 18th and McCasland. Jr Walker and the Al Stars practiced their music on the porch across the street. My cousins were Denzmore. I do remember one teacher at Hughes Quinn, name Mr. Thomas. Do anyone know the Blacks, John,Charles and the family. Until this day, I am still talking about the snoot, and Chinese food,there good Chinese food everywhere, but not like East. St. Louis. It would be really great to chat with old friends again, I often wonder what happened to Jimmy and Caroline Claypool and my friend they called B. I guess I was about 16 when I left East St. Louis and haven't been back since, considering I was born in 1946,go figure.However, East St. Louis if my past and one I can't ever forget.I have traveled many, many places, I know I will never want to live there again,but I have MEMORIES. I can remember that the Officer family owned everything. Also, if anyone know in Ruperts, they are my relatives also. Whoever started this site. THANK YOU.

Chaundelyne		27-Apr-2012 17:14
RE: to "Guest 04-Apr-2012 18:55" First of all, I realized I made a boo~boo when I first read ur most recent posting regarding St. Patricks School thinking the whole while you were referring to the old Park School. Anyway, I had found at least one source where I knew I'd seen the photograph before and did post the message here on this website. Next thing I know..., the message was removed and I have no idea why it was..., but I did indeed include the link on where to find a photograph of the OLD St. Patricks School which I believe was also attached to the church as well. I may try and post it again and if my message is removed as was the first time when I posted the link..., then somethings going on on the website I know nothing about. I don't have the info near me now but will try and post the next time I visit the website.

linda48		25-Apr-2012 12:10
I was born in E.St.Louis in 1948. Went to Lafayette grade school and Cahokie High. We lived on 57th street. We moved to O'Fallon in 1964.

Guest		23-Apr-2012 23:57
This is in response to the message from Mike Salinas. Mike I was in your class and I'm a bit disappointed that you didn't mention me. I understand why you mentioned Patty Garcia and Nancy Tonies. I probably had a crush on both of them at some time during the seven years I was at Holy Angels. Also, I know Thomas Schnitzius lived down the street from you; thus you remember him. But what about me? I was the obnoxious redhead in the class. By the way it was S.Eligia in 2nd and Miss O'brien in 3rd. Let me know if you want to know who I am. Leave some contact info. Hope the years have been good to you.

Debra Spence		23-Apr-2012 11:54
Sorry people, let be real ESL is the last place in the world that anyone with half a brain would CHOOSE to live. Majority of the residents cannot live anywhere else. When you have bad credit and an low income . There are not a lot of choices, as where to live, And yes I know because in the late 60'S I use to live there. After 9 months we moved because my mother said each of us would fall into harms way living there. I would not live there rent free. Sorry folks

Guest		20-Apr-2012 22:11
The pictures portray buildings that have been neglected but it is not a filthy place like some i have seen. The Murphy building looks like it was once a beautiful building.

Guest		20-Apr-2012 21:59
I was born in St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis in 1955. I was the 9th of 11 children. We were seperated when I was 3. My maiden name is Powers. I'm trying to find any information on the hospital I was born in and if any one knows any people named Powers. I just happened upon this site while looking for a map trying to find pictures of the Hospital.

Guest		20-Apr-2012 04:53
Beautiful pictures! So different than I remember it 25-40 years ago. Too bad the crime rate is still 315% over the national average.

Stephen Buckingham		16-Apr-2012 03:12
Bleakness well documented. Nice gallery.

Pat		13-Apr-2012 09:35
I was just viewing some comments regarding the Late, Great East St. Louis and this is to the person asking about pictures of Rubies, the Hat Shop, Chinese Restaurant on 15th and Broadway, Mother's, etc. Your very right to say that East St. Louis was the place to be in the 60's. I don't know where Joann (Eyama Foster) is, but she was my best friend. I use to go to the Celebrity Room when she ran it for Harvey Jackson. I think Poochie (Leslie Hunter) still lives in East St. Louis with his wife. Don't know where Paul Harris, or Mississippi is but I think Edward Leroy lives in Belleville with Fay, his wife. I ran into Oscar Nelson at the Voyager Lounge here in St. Louis in 1975. Said he lived in California at that time. You sure brought back some memories when you mentioned Rubies, Pudgy's and all the other Clubs we use to go to. I really miss those days. Remember Allan Muray, Cary Jones (Wimpy) and Larry the Drummer who use to play at the Celebrity Room every weekend? Email me - we can talk some more. I bet anything I know you. The 'Other' East St. Louis "Party Person" Pjones0317@att.net

Guest		12-Apr-2012 03:20
East St.Louis and Cherokee st were something in their day... Today they both need a bulldozer..

Chaundelyne		08-Apr-2012 04:09
Hello "Guest 04-Apr-2012 18:55" I've just read ur question and I think I may have an answer or two for you as far as to where you maybe able to find a pic of the old park elementary school. There are at least two websites that I know for sure that does feature it. I can only remember the name of just one of those websites for now. One would be a website called "cardcow.com". These feature postcards that display certain land marks from the yesteryear of ESL when it was still known as the "All American City". I don't really know how to post links from websites specifically unless the link address is already there to post and share elsewhere. If ur able to do so, you can access the cardcow.com website using internet explorer to cut and paste the link that where others can actually see the photos and would be able to confirm whether or not any of those buildings are the old park elementary school. I was told that the old park elementary school was also the very same building that would later become East St. Louis Sr High before the present and current East Side High was built elsewhere. If you are able to view the website, you'll see the pics urself. I believe its somewhere off of 27th or 28th and Ridge Avenue. I think thats Ridge Avenue or someplace between Ridge and State Streets. I hope some of this info is helpful to you in being able to indeed find the right school building from the postcards posted there. You may even happen to find it somewhere on EBAy to but am not fully sure. Meanwhile, once I remember the other website where it should be..., I'll letcha know A.S.A.P.

Guest		04-Apr-2012 18:55
During the 1900's my mother's family moved to ESL. They moved several times. She was born in 1921 and went to St. Patrick's elementary. I tried to find a picture of that school, but was unsuccessful. Does anyone remember it or know where I can find a picture of it. I am trying to piece together her life. It was ROUGH back then, and I can see from the posts it has only gone down hill since. She HATED life there and NEVER went back. She never communicated with anyone from there, either. They had 10 kids in a combined family after her mother died. Their last name was HOPKINS. My mother left ESL at age 15 to join the Army and never looked back. I can see why, now. She died in 2006. Any HOPKINS people out ther who want to write to me, please feel free.

b		01-Apr-2012 20:27
these buildings are beautiful. to those of you who live in east st louis, what would it take to start to turn around east st louis and make it a beautiful, safer place for its residents to live?

latoyia compton		30-Mar-2012 02:17
i am looking for my brother robert a coleman. he lives in east st louis. he goes by the nickname bo he short and brown skinned with braids. his best friend name is paris. can someone anyone who may know of him or heard of him please email me at t_comp02@yahoo.com or please call 3175138445

Shoshana		21-Mar-2012 09:01
Who ever wrote this comment. Contact me umshva@yahoo.com Hey everyone I could use some help!!!!!!!! My twin sister and I were born at Christian Welfare Hospital on November 21,1951. Here is where I need some help. Our parents lived at 548 N. 84th. Schaefer was our birth surnames. We were given up for adoption and we are trying to find our siblings. Story goes that we have 5 or 7 siblings. We would love to find them or let us know where to find them. My twin sister and I were re-united in 1995 and we have cherished every moment. Hope we can find someone before our bdays in November. Thanks for any help.

Ann Jenkins		19-Mar-2012 01:09
Wow! What a site. I use to live in ESL on N. 30th st. I've lived in CA since 1969. ESL scared me when I use to visit when my mom was alive. I have no desire to ever go back. It's not a safe place to visit. I know everyone wants the city to be like it was back in the day however the reality of it all is, this is a dangerous place to be. Don't get me wrong, it made me extremely strong.

John E.B		10-Mar-2012 21:52
I was born at home 1206 Gaty on 11 Jan. 19xx, my grandfather lived there. Later he moved to 1459 Gaty Ave.I remember Broadhead Ford on eight street across from Bell Telephone .Ray A. Hart roofing was at 1905 St. Louis ave.In the 50's it was a thriving city, in all its glory.

blackberrywine1265		10-Mar-2012 17:34
To guest@estl90@yahoo.com, I do beliedve the person you are speaking of was my aunt Rosie, I recall her saying she work for a family such as yours and they were very good to her.

denise		08-Mar-2012 02:50
my grandpa ran the old waggoner furniture store,back in the day ,heard the original building still there,,anyone know of him...

denise		08-Mar-2012 02:47
lived in east st. louis over by the old st cyril catholic school in 1965 any st. cyril kids out there??? went there for 1st grade

esl		29-Feb-2012 17:43
@NV That building was a Catholic Chairities building at one time and provided a place for single ladies to live

terry		28-Feb-2012 23:09
chris hanks, my mother's cousin's husband bought the floral shop and named it Friday's Floral shop and ran it at that location until the mid 50's when he moved it to 73rd and state stree.

Tom		28-Feb-2012 21:02
RE: Tom Crotzer - Courtney Drug Yes, I remember your uncle's drug store. Occasionally, my dad, Jack Schwarztrauber of Schwarztrauber Drug, 9601 West Main Street, Belleville, IL would need to borrow some short supplied drug and would send me down the hill to go pick it up there. Tom S.

Jim Kruta Sr.		27-Feb-2012 23:55
I grew up on 8th St. a block from Exchange Ave. I went to Cannady grade school, but moved to Collinsville before starting junior high school. I would have attended Rock if I hadn't moved. I missed a lot of friends and classmates due to the move. Years later I was able to see some again. Does anyone remember a large building that was supposed to be a gambling house (or something like that) that never opened? It was at the end of Collinsville Ave. in downtown East St. Louis.

Guest		24-Feb-2012 02:13
I graduated in Jan of 69. Am looking for Joyce Campanella, Sharon Blaylock. Fern Jordan and Mike Briley. Are you guys out there.

Chris Hanks		21-Feb-2012 01:20
Hi my grandfather had a florist shop by 27th and State Street. His name was Clarence Tanner. He and his wife lived there from about 1930 to his death in 1965. If anyone has any memories of him, his wife Louisa (Lulu), or their parakeet that sang "Let Me Call You Sweetheat" I would love to hear from you.

Guest		17-Feb-2012 18:08
I was born and raised in ESL. I lived in several area's in the city, Bond Ave., 46st St., and 85th St. I attended Golden Garden Elementary (6th grade), Hughes Quinn (7th) & King (8th). I played in the band. My stepfather was the band director at Lincoln along with Ron Carter from 1979 to 1982, don't know if anyone remember him Michael Dupard. I can say I love my city, my childhood was great there. I know the city has changed over the years but it's still home. I moved to New Orleans the summer of 1982. I still go home to visit my family and friends that are still there and of course to get a snoot, some rice, a st. paul and white castle.

Guest		17-Feb-2012 00:24
i'm sorry guest...but i havent seen those divorce papers but i'll be keeping my good eye open

Brigadier		14-Feb-2012 02:36
Re: RonH 10 Feb -- Yes, there was a Castle not far off the MacArthur Bridge near some housing project in St. Louis ( believe it was demolished long ago -- Cabrini-Green??). Used to go there late night via the DUI express way too often with Kevin Keosterer, Butch Lovatto, Bubbi Smith, Bill Cowgill, Tommy Flanagan, Tim Keniley, and others who were part of East Side class of 1968-69. Smith and Flanagan are dead; don't know about the others. Also, former East Saint Louis resident Walter Vunovic recently died, according to information filtered through Seattle from his wife, Charlsie. And Happy Birthday.

Herb		13-Feb-2012 22:07
Oh my God, what a suprise to find this site. For some I just happened to be looking up information about the old day's in E. St. Louis (1930-1974) to chat with my 82 year old Dad about that stlii stays back home( E. St. Louis ). I make sure that I call him daily and we chat about so many things that have happened over about four generations. I joined the Navy in 1972 in order to get out, but to this day I really wish that things could have not been the way they are back home. With all the dangers we all know existed from what ever time frame you may be from, E. St. Louis has always been a town of families that really knew what love of each other was about. I could see a great downhill slide for the towm as a ten year old back in 1964. White flight, the beginning of the Black Power movement, gov. grants being written by slick guy's to organize neighborhood projects, Church, less and less honest law enforcement, we all know the story from those day's. I still try to get back about every 2 to 5 years and even with it looking worse every time, some how I stiil have a deep love and prime of it in my heart.

Guest		12-Feb-2012 13:22
I am so grateful that God saved me, and bought me out of East St. Louis. The only reason that I am commenting on the city that I grew up in is because. It is a part of my past. But I don't even look back. I happened upon this site looking for a way to locate divorce papers that are not on record in the court house in Belleville, or in Springfield. This divorce was filled in 1984,the lawyer more than likely kept the money, and threw away the papers. (TYPICAL). I would still have them if the monster I was divorcing hadn't tore them up in a fit of rage, while I was trying to get out of the house with my very life.Where can I find out if Lindell Curtis is stile alive? Obituaries are in the millions for E.St. Louis. Well maybe not millions, but I saw a couple of generations perish. I also went to St.Patrick's, Assumption, and East-side.If anyone can help me find this person please post it on this site. I am in the process of legally adopting my three granddaughters. I need those divorce papers.

Ronh		10-Feb-2012 04:28
Does anyone know if there was ever a White Castle located near the Macarthur bridge?

KJOK		07-Feb-2012 23:18
Does anyone know where "Polo Park" was located in East St. Louis? Could it have been in Jones Park? It was supposedly near 19th St and Lynch. There were boxing matches there in the 1920s. Negro League baseball teams also played a few games there.

guest		04-Feb-2012 08:15
Wish my kids could see how E.St.L. used to be. I loved growing up there!

Kim		03-Feb-2012 21:13
I was born at the Christian Welfare Hospital in 1968. Was given up for adoption and have found some information out about my parents. I apparently had a sister that was approx two years older...which would make her 45-46 this year. Unsure if the parents were from the area or where exactly....but from what I have found out the last name could possibly be Jenkins. Grandparents owned a confectionary. Some other info was given but if anyone recognizes any info pls respond. Thank you...Kim

David Wright		03-Feb-2012 06:29
Arthur Williams , you have to know Lamar "Slick Pick" Pickett and Terry Hill from your class at East Side . You was there when Kellen Winslow dropped those touchdown passes from Verdel Jones in the state championship game...lol He came out of East Boogie and set the NFL on fire ! People can say all the bad things about ESL and St. Louis that they want, but there are more famous and influential people from that little area , that any other place on earth. When all the industry moved away , the jobs went away . When the jobs went away , the law went away . The reason it's like it is now, is because poverty breeds ingnorance and disease . The lack of law , increases crime . yet it is still , a fascinating and wonderful place. Fascinate.... to attract and hold attentively by a unique power, personal charm, unusual nature, or some other special quality; enthrall: a vivacity that fascinated the audience.

Chaundelyne		03-Feb-2012 03:19
Yes, I remember ur dad well. I was one of ur dad clients right up to the time he was killed. I also remember ur Uncle Maurice whom was also a hairstylist/barber like ur father and he owned the Airport in downtown East St. Louis. Btw, did they ever find ur dads killer?

csd53		01-Feb-2012 03:50
lukenz98 love this site. my grandparents lived on st. clair and 15th. i was there every weekend. lots of memories. they owned a little diner on st. clair ave.if any body knows the name of it post it please thier name was phillips. als any stories about phils cafe at 10th and brady, hannaigans,prices restraunts or adams drug store on state st. lower numbers. alsohey to peggy gross orignally on baugh ave then to caseyville me too.and i remremember joe and tony houston they also went to caseyville i think. on ae saint louis website witth the word jayson in it there is acool u tube video about esl with the song in the ghetto its beautiful. there is hous in it that says haggerty house just wondererin if that is the haggerty family that had 9 sons and moved to belleville.

Guest		28-Jan-2012 19:28
Thank you LAURA for the reciepe We will try it this weekend and i will post how it turns out

alice		28-Jan-2012 14:45
I'm a french student and I am currently working on the city of East Saint Louis. Can you tell me more about the situation of the city today ? the city is it changing ? the living condition are they in improvement? what are the various actions (of the east st louis's citizen or of the Government) to improve the situation ? Thanks in advance :)

Laura		27-Jan-2012 23:10
NIGHTMARE SANDWICHES- 1 lb. ground beef, 1 can chili without beans, 1 small onion, chopped, salt and pepper to taste, 8 slices american cheese, 8 hamburger buns. Brown hamburger with onion, salt and pepper. Drain. Add chili. Place mixture on bun with a slice of cheese. Wrap in foil and bake 15 to 20 min. These are great! Enjoy.

Guest		27-Jan-2012 15:40
I'm Looking for a lady name Rosie don't know remember last name she cared from my grandma Ethel Freiberg who owned a cleaners on 84th and State St and lived behind the cleaners. Last time I saw her was 1994 at my grandma funeral I was in the Army then. Rosie was the best person in the world to me as a kid, showing me want ESTL had to offer in the 70's 80's and I will always remember her. If ant body knows of her email @ estl90@yahoo.com

guest		26-Jan-2012 19:19
Laura, reading your post what is a Nightmare and can you post the reciepe? I have been reading the post on this site for about 2 years it is very interesting my Aunt and Uncle lived in Belville i only traveled threw East St. Louis once in 1989

Arthur Williams		26-Jan-2012 07:56
My name is Arthur I Williams grew up in East ST. Louis, class of 1977 the city will always have a place in my heart. I enjoy reading the posts on this site. I like the phrase sweet and sour sum it up. I have travel around the world and find myself coming back to East ST. Louis. I believe that we must improve the image of our city. #1 clean it,and make it safe. And we do not have a life time to do it. I love you all! p.s Hi Karen Miles

franki s		26-Jan-2012 02:48
mannn it so good to read these comment, i lived in rush city,on the hill, i also remember ike and tina being at my house, my mom was a drancer at a place call frank, i must admit i only know the the place that was call libell when i would wait for the bus to take me to st louis to go to loew torom east see a movie, i went to lansdowne and clark grad from eastside, all i have grest memory of my childhood, what i would give for a red candyapple,snoot and mr softy, or some rice from lovejoy

Laura		23-Jan-2012 23:12
My sister in law has the recipe for the Nightmares from Price's Drive -In. The one she made used the american cheese. They are really good. I was born at St. Mary's Hospital, lived in Fairmont City until second grade. Moved to Belleville, IL in the mid 1960's. Cousin's lived in the Landsdown neigborhood. My dad worked at Rose Lake Yards. Loved Kruta's and Rosemont Bakery. Great memories.

Linda		23-Jan-2012 21:35
I am from the "Goose Hill" area. I went to Rock and East Side. I graduated from East side in 1969, If anyone remembers the Guyton's from The Hill, I am Linda. E-mail me at: mum_51_love@yahoo.com. Would love to hear from anyone from Goose Hill and East Side class of '69.

Aaron Mosley		23-Jan-2012 06:17
Anyone know or remember my dad the Hair Doctor Aaron Mosley Jr.

NV		21-Jan-2012 21:16
Thanks for trying to provide info on the castle-like building! Got that info now. It was the old Walgreens store. Forget the name of the building (have it somewhere in my notes now though.) New mystery: Anyone know what the huge building at 5th and St. Louis Ave is/was? It is right next to the MetroLink tracks. It is about midway between the Shriner's Temple and the ramp to the highway. Looked different places but coming up empty. Thanks!

yusuf		09-Jan-2012 20:13
i AM Arthur Howard; I spent most of my formative years living in the Gomper HMS. govt. projects. I do recognize several people who have contributed correspondence to this web-page, and I appreciate you all. Vernell Davis, Hazell Liddell, Eric Brewer, and Jay Byrd Norris; you are just a few of my childhood constituents. It's good to know you all are alive and well. My family moved into the Gomper homes in 1961. We lived at apt. 19-D for about 30 yrs . Ms. Kay Thimms and her children Pete, Barbara, Veronica , and Freddie were my neighbors, as well as Ms. Hazel Chamberlain, and her children James Arthur,Randolph, Patricia, Jerry , and Paul. Oh! almost forgot to mention the Allen family; Mr.George, and his wife Juanita, along with their children David , Kenneth,etc. "those were the GOLDEN DAYS!" those who know, REALLY KNOW! If you remember me you may correspond to me at " moorforyourmoney@yahoo.com we can choppit-up from there. Peace and Love Family!

Kim		07-Jan-2012 04:56
This is for "Guest" that is inquiring about Jimmy's Gay Inn. Please e mail me at kim_karraker@rocketmail.com. I am the Grandaughter of "Jimmy".

Guest		06-Jan-2012 15:21
I just found this and was looking through the page...didn't notice any of the following: Thunderbird or Hudson Skating Rinks, Harding, Midway Fire Dept picnics, Kruta Bakery when their home was E St Louis, Hannigans (I think, I saw one). I grew up on 75t St., went to Harding and King, went to First Presbyterian Church on State St, Remember 2 for $5.00 @ Hill Brothers Shoes...DT E St Louis was the place to shop...Sears, Pennys, Jupiter, Woolworth and further up on State, Robert Hall's and Kinny's...anybody from this area or these memories...oh yes, Shopland and French Village Drive in

Richard		03-Jan-2012 22:39
I lived in Rosemont on Hollows Ave and 49th St. I attended Wilson, Lansdowne, and East Side. I went to Rosemont Baptist Church. For fun, my best friend Mickey Mitchell and I would collect soda bottles from ditches and then we'd take them to Mitchell's Market and cash them in to buy bananas and penny candy. I moved away after the fourth grade but still lived in E. St Louis on 72nd street. I later went to Harding, Edgemont, Clark and King. Richard

Guest		03-Jan-2012 05:24
Guest Can you give me some information on Coach Perry? I'm looking for a Perry with a sister name Jackie.

Guest		01-Jan-2012 22:53
I was wondering if it was any famous painters to every come out of E. Saint or the surrounding cities. If so i would like to look at some of there work leave contact at Stckbnd74@aol.com

Dee Dee		30-Dec-2011 22:36
This is to Tony Houston..You lived across the st. from me on 52nd I knew Joey and Steve.My kid brother name was Tommy DeForest..my name Debbie they called me DeeDee.Would love to hear from you.I was in California for 25 years.We hid Joey in our house once.A good site you knew you grew up in east saint louis

robbie6		30-Dec-2011 19:49
Lincoln HS Grad here

Guest		27-Dec-2011 15:28
I was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1954, and I lived in Rosemont on N. 49th St. near Baleydier. I attended Wilson, Lansdowne, and East Side. I went to Rosemont Baptist Church. For fun, my best friend and I would ride our bikes collecting soda bottles from ditches and then we'd take them to Mitchell's Market and cash them in to buy a bag of penny candy...yummy! It was a really great place to grow up, and it sickens me that my old neighborhood is now the home of feral dogs.

blackberrywine1265		20-Dec-2011 00:01
Anyone reading this post reconizing me or what I have said can email me @Wilsonkrw@hotmail.com

blackberrywine1265		19-Dec-2011 23:58
I happened across this site by accident and I must say I am enjoying the posts that I have read, however I have to agree with Al King in his response to "1959 East St Louis All American City" I know what you say is true because my "Bigmama" had one of those accounts, as a matter of fact right down the street on about 10th and Baker. I remember Marguilis as well, but we hardly went in there, we went in Cofman's. I remember Molly and Rose and Saul. I remember Rose running the cash register hollering "Come on in" while she rang up and overcharged people, however I was too young to know that what was going on. I also remember Roy Weiss and those clothes vouchers (three pair of underwear and hankerchief they would give you. I also remember when downtown was thriving and you ran into almost anyand everybody, there were cabs galore, with Woolworth, Jupiter side by side. Shoot I ever remember when the children's shop closed, I was grown by then. If those things happened it wasnt in our part of town. I didnt know Jones Park existed back then, all I knew was Lincoln and Virginia Park.When I became aware of Washington Park and the northend part of town I was 12 yrs. old. As I say again Al King I agree with you, thats why the city went in such array. I was born @St. Mary's Infirmary Hospital in 1959, and raised in East St. Louis, in the southend. ( My ex-husband was from Pollock town) We lived at 1318 Baker, my grandmother lived on the corner @ 1307 Baker,(Miss Liddie was what people called her), my dad was known as "Soldier Boy" and owned a gambling house in the alley behind the barber shop on 15th street off of Baker across from what was then (in my time)Ruby's lounge. There was Beaver's Cleaners, on the next corner by the black bridge, and there was also the neighborhood center on 15th and Russell. As a child I attended Mt. Zion Baptist church with my mother when it was on the corner of 13 th and Tudor before it moved, I'd go sometimes to Truelight Baptist Church with my BigMama, and Pilgrim Baptist Church with my aunt Nora till I was about 10, then my aunt and grandmother died. I even remember Ike and Tina Turner coming to our house. My mother's name was Virginia (called Ginny)It was five kids myself Karen, Tommie, Wanda, Joyce and Darrell. During that time when I was old enough to know Baker was a good street to live on. The Fauloner lived across the street from my Big mama, as well did the Doziers (the Doziers and my family were good friends)and the Ross's, the Norriss's, Bobo's Williams's to name a few lived down the street in the next block. I remember Miss Browns candy store on 11th and Colas if Im not mistaken. There used to be a tavern on the corner of 13th and Baker. It was also another confectionary on 10th and Millet ( the name escapes me right now) From Baker we moved to 1100 South 14th Street. Our neighbors were the Reed's, Fisher's, Duncans,and Hill from what I can remember. By the time I was nine or ten we moved to 1321 Gay, where our neighbors were the Davis's, Thomas's. Smith, until 1972 we then moved on Natalie on the city's northside. I have been looking for old school mates and neighborhood friends and aquaintences on face book but have found only two. I went to Washington Ele. Miss Foley was my fisrt grade teacher, ending with Miss Nicholson as my 6th.(, Does anyone remember Miss Keys hambugersand hotdogs sandwiches for 20 cents 35 cents for a deluxe, or Miss Flowers around the corner, even Conrads was up the street from her and you could get a half of fried chicken for 65 cents? Those were the days. I went to Hughes-Quinn before transferring to Rock Jr High in 1973, during that time the middle section was gone and we had two buildings 7th and the 8th and 9th grade building, Mr Johnson was the principal. From there I went to East Side in 1974 class of 77', we then moved to 1609 Hall. I left the city in 1985 and went to Northern Cal., but came back after a year because of the gang thing out there, and have been in East St Louis ever since. I said all this to say I raised four sons and one daughter and they have been and are very productive in this city.

Guest		18-Dec-2011 22:57
I went to Slade School, Clark Jr. High, and East St. Louis High, graduated in 1952. We had many good times. Robert Prywitch

JD		14-Dec-2011 10:09
I lived in E. St. Louis up until 1969, down on 73rd street. The place is now an empty lot... like most of E. St. Louis. I went to Clark JH and then East Side High. I made it through the gang wars, racial fighting all through high school, and finally made it out. Joined the military and went to Vietnam, stayed in and finally retired in 1989. I've made one trip back. I liked Vietnam better.

XESL Flyer		10-Dec-2011 05:56
Born CWH in 1947 & lived on 62nd street until I got drafted in 67 (board 191). Went to Morrison, Clark and ESide. Worked for the post office on 20th & State, then 9th & Missouri. I walked "every" street in ESL. I went back in 2000 and most of the 700 block of 62nd is completely gone, heck, a lot of ESL is gone now. But, there are a lot of cities that simply did not survive for whatever reason. I live in Arizona now but no matter what ESL is now, It was my home for over 20 years and that will never change. Go FLYERS.....

Guest		07-Dec-2011 20:01
Don Reeves,I lived on N.35th and then N.62nd.Went to Park and then Clark.2 years at Assumption before we moved to O'fallon.Sold newspapers on 25th and State,also 38th.

Frances Burton		04-Dec-2011 23:08
Hi Tomikla,s I think I remember this restaurant. I believe it was across from Courtneys/Rexall Drug store(which was between 26th and 27th, in front of Park Elementary). If this is the same one, I used to love to get the bag of french fries. I remember as a child I always thought tripe was fish!(LOL) I guess since they sold fish I just assumed so (maybe I was thinking of trout), I later found out it was the lining of the cow's stomach I think.

Tomikla		04-Dec-2011 16:59
hello, my Grandmother and her brother ran a restaraunt on State Street I'm not sure what year it opened but I know it was called S&M CarryOut at least from the 60's-70's. Does any one remember that place she had Good burgers and Tripe Sandwiches and not to mention the fish. Her name was Louise Morgan

Chaundelyne		26-Nov-2011 18:24
To the "Guest 16-Nov-2011 18:06" It was called Klauss Coffee Company.

Guest		24-Nov-2011 20:10
To: David Wright Great Post little brother.

Freda Wright-Brown		24-Nov-2011 20:08
Hello Lou Collins. Your name is not familiar, did you live on 24th Market St. I knew some Collins, (Sydney his wife and children). Yes I am the sister of James who married Romey. My brother is now deceased. Hit me back at snuggly602@att.net

David Wright		24-Nov-2011 07:27
Lou Collins , hit me this is David Wright , Freda's brother 404-216-4674

Guest		22-Nov-2011 22:07
I lived at 1808 Summit, across a small vacant lot from Willie Goedecke from the mid 30's until the early 50's. My brother and I raised rabbits - Willie raised lots of rabbits. He owned the Lumber Yard at 19th and College at that time and the brick yard across the street. Herbie Mitchell lived next to me at the corner of 18th and Summit. We both went to Longfellow, Rock Jr High and East Side. Left E.St.L in 1953, moving to Camp Vandeventer. I met a fellow three days ago I hadn't seen in 50 years = he played in E.Sides Band, too.

Guest		16-Nov-2011 18:06
Does anyone remember the name of the bakery on 14th and State Street in the 1950's?

peggy gross		14-Nov-2011 06:03
to rose faulkner---saw ur post--said you live on 1800 belmont and you knew my big sis DONNA GROSS--sissy passed away july 17 2011 --you had to no DARRELL GROSS my big brother he pass in nov.2006 --say if you find this i am on fb peggy gross kruckeberg hope to hear from you or anyone who knew the gross bunch--rose i think i went to collinsville school with ur brother was his name larry----later

Tom Crotzer		09-Nov-2011 22:16
I was born in E. St. Louis in 1950 at Christian Welfare Hospital. My parents were graduates of the old East Side HS. We moved out of the area a couple of years after my birth but moved back to the area in 1966. I have many fond memories from my trips back as a little boy during summer time visits with my grandparents. My uncle owned a drug store at 27th and State Streets and I worked there after school back in 1967 and 1968. It was Courtney Drug Store. If anyone remembers it drop me a line sometime. It's sad what's happened to the town, but I still have a heart for East St. Louis.

Guest		09-Nov-2011 08:43
I was born and raised in ESL (Rush City) until I was 16 (Hughes Quinn Jr. High and Lincoln High sophmore year). Most of my friends were getting in trouble, joining gangs (Vice Lords or Disciples-thank GOD I didnt do that)selling or using drugs and countless other bad things. I used love going downtown with my grand mother to help her shop and be amazed at the business, stores and buildings that was around. I left ESL in 1986 and the last time I went back was in 2006 and was surprised at how a place I grew up in and loved became such a bad place. How can the older generation allow the new generation to let such beautiful place turn like this? Maybe a few years from now, when I look up ESL again, it change for the better. Anyone that went New Era Baptist Church or lived out in Rush City during this time period,please contact me jerome102880@yahoo.com

lou collins		05-Nov-2011 02:50
hey elfredia wright brown . i remember your family . u know my feamily to. james married romey .u remember tee. charles duke sonny? write back

Eggman1068		27-Oct-2011 05:37
It's just a shame. God will judge this like all things. I would hate to be the one responsible.

Lyndee		25-Oct-2011 21:49
Brad Florek, Would you mind emailing me? My email is Lyndeeboo@yahoo.com My Dad passed away when I was 15 from a brain tumor. Growing up whenever we'd visit Washington Park he would tell me some wild stories of his younger days...some were so wild I almost can't believe them! I just wish I would have been "older" for the years that I had him in my life, if that makes sense. There's so much I want to ask, so many stories I want to know more about, but only have small snippets that I can recall since I was so young. One was a story passed on from my Mom, after he'd passed away and I am trying so hard to get to the bottom of it! A few months after he'd started dating my Mom in California, he received a phone call from an Ex-girlfriend and if I understand correctly (My Mom has passed away too, so now that I'm old enough to be curious I don't have anyone to ask), the ex-girlfriend had told him she was pregnant. He flew home because my Mom told him she would never be the 'other Woman'...he returned a few weeks later telling my Mom the ex-girlfriend never had been pregnant. My Mom said they never really spoke of it again and she didn't know the ex-girlfriend's name. I guess, I'm hoping beyond belief that there really WAS another Woman and that I have a sibling somewhere out there!!! I know, chances are slim. BUT, if my dad was as wild as he claimed, maybe it's possible :)

Lyndee		25-Oct-2011 21:06
Brad Florek, Would you mind emailing me? My email is Lyndeeboo@yahoo.com My Dad passed away when I was 15 from a brain tumor. Growing up whenever we'd visit Washington Park he would tell me some wild stories of his younger days...some were so wild I almost can't believe them! I just wish I would have been "older" for the years that I had him in my life, if that makes sense. There's so much I want to ask, so many stories I want to know more about, but only have small snippets that I can recall since I was so young. One was a story passed on from my Mom, after he'd passed away and I am trying so hard to get to the bottom of it! A few months after he'd started dating my Mom in California, he received a phone call from an Ex-girlfriend and if I understand correctly (My Mom has passed away too, so now that I'm old enough to be curious I don't have anyone to ask), the ex-girlfriend had told him she was pregnant. He flew home because my Mom told him she would never be the 'other Woman'...he returned a few weeks later telling my Mom the ex-girlfriend never had been pregnant. My Mom said they never really spoke of it again and she didn't know the ex-girlfriend's name. I guess, I'm hoping beyond belief that there really WAS another Woman and that I have a sibling somewhere out there!!! I know, chances are slim. BUT, if my dad was as wild as he claimed, maybe it's possible :)

Guest		22-Oct-2011 21:29
I was born in Christian Welfare Hospital in 63. My family owned the Geodecke Lumber yard and sawmill. It was located on 19th and Summit. Now I believe it was turned into projects, I really don't know. We lived on N 52nd st. Across from Mitchel's Market. Remembered, my brother and I had a paper route in the early 70's, it covered the area from the Roosevelt homes, to Bunkum Rd to Kingshighway and back up to Creamees.

Vernal Davis		21-Oct-2011 22:34
I miss home,and all my friends and relatives I grew up in the gompers and on 7th street in the 60s how about having a reunion,for coleman plaza,from the 70s,alexenders,blue swan madadors,just to name a few. and all my friends from saint louis mo. that use to dance against me, in contest back then I was the best.VERNAL D.verndv3@aol.com

Tim Keniley		21-Oct-2011 21:15
This message is about Price's Nightmare. I went to school about a block from Price's and used to eat there regularly. The Nightmare was essentially a cheeseburger with chili on it. I think chopped onions may have been optional. My brother remembers the cheese on the sandwich as Swiss. I remember it as American or Cheddar. The Nightmare was almost impossible to eat without a knife and fork. And plenty of napkins! Tim Keniley

Brad Florek		21-Oct-2011 20:11
Hi Lyndee, I remember "Ike" very well. We all hung out together in Washington Park and had some wild times at Club Indigo.

Guest		21-Oct-2011 16:43
To Paul Stacker who posted 22-Aug.2010 Glad to hear of your forward progress. Do you have a sister (Angela) who graduated from the Side in '81? If so, how is she? Happy to hear of the forward progress of my fellow Eastlains. Sanford W.

Lyndee		20-Oct-2011 18:16
Hi, I'm on a fact-finding mission. My Grandparents (Frank and Helen Eiserle) used to live in East St. Louis (can't remember the name of their street, but they were down the road from St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, I think). My Dad's name was Daniel "Ike" Eiserle and he graduated in 1969. Does anyone remember him?

Lyndee		20-Oct-2011 16:59
Hi, I'm on a fact-finding mission. My Grandparents (Frank and Helen Eiserle) used to live in East St. Louis (can't remember the name of their street, but they were down the road from St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, I think). My Dad's name was Daniel "Ike" Eiserle and he graduated in 1969. Does anyone remember him?

Tammy McNerney		18-Oct-2011 13:47
My father is Ron Winans. He graduated from ESL Senior High in 1962. He is dying to find out if anyone knows about the Nightmares at Price's Drive In. Please post if anyone remembers or knows what was in these. Thank you!!!

David Wright		16-Oct-2011 02:02
David Wright I went to (old)Alta Sita(Mrs. Austin) , Garfield(up on the Gooses Hill), Carver , Park (Mrs Perkins), Hughes-Quinn (Mr. Thomas)(Mr. Dean), Graduated East Side in 1974 (Mr. Stitt , Mr. Morgan , Coach Perry , and Leroy Ducksworth ) lol East St. Louis is one hell of a place...lol Sweet and sour as they come . My boy "Kippy" Brooks from 22nd Street used to call it the "Black Hole' lmao ! I still call it that . East Boogie , The Boogie , the end of the earth... lol Looks like somebody dropped a nuke on "The Boogie" Home , sweet and sour , home I lived on 29th Street , The Orr Weathers , 22nd Street and Centerville There was a lot of crazy things going on there... but there were also a lot of good things . I was a bad azzed little boy growing up there and got into trouble often . The trouble came from loosing my mind when people tried to bully me . I learned to swim at Lincoln Park , loved fishing at Frank Holden , Horseshoe Lake and the river , the stripp mines. Climbing Red Hill , hopping trains , catching lizards and snakes under the viaduct on 25th near Bond Ave Used to love going to Chahokia Mounds , them concerts at the Shrine were great!Hanging at the Mary Brown Center .I hung out with High Phi High and Rod "Touche Turtle" King , we had a blast The Red Door snoots ,East Side fried rice ,shrimp St. Paul and them tasty jack salmon can only be found in in "The Boogie" I have search the world...lol I learned my trade right there at East Side High . Went on to visit ,live and teach in 11 different countries and coast to coast in the U.S.

Linda		13-Oct-2011 17:35
I came upon this site by accident, but I am glad that I did. I am from E. St. Louis and I do go back to the city. I was raised in the "goose hill" area and graduated from East Side in 1969. I was on the Police Department and I have a BA in Law Enforcement. Remember one thing when you're posting something: you can't help where you were born, but you can make youself better as you age. Things are not always what they appear to be. thank God that you are even alive to make a comment. My mom and a lot of my family still live in East. St. Louis. I'm proud to have a past there, it made me a better person.For Denise Cosby,please contact me if you are related to Mary Ann Brooks or Emma Brooks, I think we are related.

clyde johnson		13-Oct-2011 00:30
i met this brother from east st. louis when i was in the military in 1986.his name was darrylyn byrd. i have looked him up from time to time over the years with no luck.he would be 45 or 46 yrs. old about now.i was wondering if someone from that area could help me out.he was a cool brother who i think of from time to time.im clyde johnson by the way.you can email me at clyderay45@yahoo.com if you can help me.

peggy gross		12-Oct-2011 18:02
oh--i remember walking on collinsville ave--love xmas down there--learn to swim at jones park--lived on baugh ave then move up street from chris.welf.hosp.---then move to belmont--after that to caseyville--

Millie (Tobin) Hodge		12-Oct-2011 05:48
I born at CWH in 1951i lived on 15th street when I was a small child. My father was a General Yardmaster on the Illinois Central RR His name was Clyde we moved to 38th and Waverly. I have many fond memories of E.St.Louis . The 60's and 70's were the best alot of things for teenagers to do and didnt have to be afraid to go any where the drive ins and dancess" I'm proud to be from there I think it has made me a much stronger person because we were taught respect. HI Rose F in Canada come see us sometime' if there is anyone who rembers my family please feel free to contact me

Dan Simpson		10-Oct-2011 18:39
anyone go tto Jefferson School in the late 50's?

Guest		10-Oct-2011 18:34
I'm looking for information on the GAY Inn Located On Bunkum Road. The time frame would be about 1942--1943 but anything abouut the owners type of clbusiness Resturant-Night club ect. I'm doing family genealogy and having trouble getting information.

Portia		09-Oct-2011 06:39
Im a 38yr old resident of E SL an I must say that there is alot of negative tlk about my city... I was born at Christian Welfare Hosp in 1973... Ive lived here all my life n I cant say enough how much I love my city... Yah it is ruff here... But I can say this, Were all surviving off each otha... We can find da time to come together as a city an jus enjoy one anotha... The crime rate is up because we went to school with the police, so basiclly u kno what that means... Only way u goin to jail if u or your parents were nobodys in school or the state comn in... I plan to leave East SL soon but whn they ask me whr im from,, I will hold my head up high with a big smile an say... East St Louis BABY

Guest		07-Oct-2011 20:22
I was born in 1944 at St. Mary's in East St. Louis even though we lived in Belleville. My father grew up in East St. Louis, and they lived in a big home on Missouri Avenue. My grandfather used to work (part time) at Jones Park when he was very old and retired from his regular work. I remember visiting him there and he was in sort of a warehouse/barn looking building. He turned the fountain on every evening and I used to walk to the fountain and wait for it to go on. I felt important because I knew when it was going to go on. I ride the MetroLink train to work in St. Louis, and I was wondering if the park and fountain were still there. Glad to find this site. However, I could never go there due to the danger in East St. Louis. Sad that a city that was so vibrant once is now an empty shell.

Don Druse		04-Oct-2011 21:37
Hello to the guest that was born at Christian Welfare Hosp. I hope you can someday post your name as we grew up in the same area. I was born and raised on 51st street and spent many a nichol at Mitchell's Market and appreciate your recall for all those places I had forgotten. Don

Guest		03-Oct-2011 04:35
I have read many comments and remember many of you. All I can say is I am glad to be away from all of you and your old politically corrupt dump in Illinois.

Guest		01-Oct-2011 02:41
thank you for the walk down memory lane

Guest		30-Sep-2011 16:54
To Guest from Sept 25 You and I grew up in same neighborhood and attended same schools about two years apart. I also went to Rosemont Babtist now and then. Lived on 49th just off Balydere. I remember all those places well. My brother would be one year ahead of you. We eventually moved moved to Washington Park on Hallows. My name is Ron Mifflin and my brother is Rick.

natdalton		22-Sep-2011 21:44
I am in love with these pictures, they bring back memories from my childhood. When we were children my family and I would go to St. Louis to visit my aunt, uncle and their family. These buildings are located on some of the streets we used to frequent. They recently moved out to Washington and now are looking for a new home through tri cities real estate . It makes me sad to think I probably won't ever go back.

Guest		22-Sep-2011 09:49
My dad, William Robert Kinder was from East St. Louis. His sister "Kate" had a diner there for many years back in the 60's and 70's. Also family members own a small grocery store there way back in the 40's and 50's I think. My dad talked about going swimming as a small child, in the great Mississippi. His dad Jackson worked on the railroad. He had two brothers James and Gerald and a sister Elsie (Kate).We visited there several times when I was young and ate at the diner. Big treat for us!!! Barbara Kinder Musgrove

Mike Salinas		21-Sep-2011 21:33
I too have fond memories of East St. Louis and Holy Angels school. Tuesday popcorn days, gym days, hot lunch days, etc. My dad was stationed at Scott AFB and we lived on 41st St. in 1968 and 1969. I had friends named Patty Garcia, Nancy Tonies, Thomas Schnitzius. My teachers in 2nd and 3rd grade were Sister Olga and Mrs. O'brien. I was a big Cardinals fan. I can remember walking around at night on Halloween, etc. with no fears. We used to walk to school, blocks away from our house with no fears. I was sad to hear the school was demolished. Can I get my money back for accidently breaking the church window. :) Years later I now live and work in Houston Tx.

Don Druse		21-Sep-2011 21:11
Hey Tim...that is a lot of info. It is hard to hear about our old friends passing away and I remember Charlie and Dale well. I am doing ok and do enjoy living on the Gulf Coast, hurricanes and all. I am currently working the BP Spill as a safety and health officer and do spend everyday on Alabama's white sand beaches. Tom and I worked together for several years at the DIY Home Center in Granite City and Hill-Behan Lumber Company in St. Louis. He is still in the business and we share emails a few times a week. He has been married to Marla for close to 40 years I would have to guess. I will talk to you soon. Don

Tim Keniley		20-Sep-2011 19:05
Don, Tom, those were fun times at Hannigan's. Haven't heard from many of those individuals since graduarion. Rick Lee and Michelle Carron were living in Seattle. Charlie Smith died in a fall from the Eads Bridge where he was working as a painter. Dale Quante passed this year, no cause of death listed. Bob Jones was playing in St. Louis with a nationally known recording artist. The last I heard Kevin Koesterer was workin as a welder. Some of this information is dated and may not be currently accurate. I'm living in Minneapolis working in Human Services. Keep up with alumni at WWW.alumniclass.com/eaststlouis. Hope you guys are doing well. Tom, did you ever marry Marla? Tim Keniley

lenzie		20-Sep-2011 05:28
Hey Tom! This Lenzie Stewart! Miss ya! Photo Display left out quite a bit! City losing the battle but won't give up! Didn't show new schools, neighborhoods. Let's keep in touch and maybe we can make a difference!

C. Cannon		15-Sep-2011 16:56
I was born and raised in the south end of the city, where i still reside. I also live and bleed the mighty orange & black. Sure we have our ups and downs as any other struggling city, but there is no place i rather call home. I have seen so many changes in the city, some good some bad but it is still and will always be home.

Tom Wigginton		13-Sep-2011 16:09
Hey, Tim Keniley, Its good to know your still kicking. I remember you and Bob jones, Don Druse, Kevin Koesterer, charlie smith, bill cowgill, all hung out at hannigans. Do you know what band bob jones is playing in around st louis. I might like to check it out. E ST Louis was a great town to grow up in. I havent kept in contact with most of the guys I grew up with except my good friend don druse. He let me know about this web site. Do you ever hear from any of those other guys? Have been to any class reunions?

Don Druse		13-Sep-2011 14:50
Hey Tony...I knew the Kimbrells and Steve and Joe. I ran around the Roosevelt Homes a good bit with my friend Tom Wigginton and a few others of us punk kids. Tom was dating Marla Dunn and lived there with her parents and two brothers, Gary and I can't remember the other. Great to hear from you all! Don

Don Druse		13-Sep-2011 14:45
Well Tim...I do remember you now and Ron and was friends with Kevin, aka RAT. I am sure we crossed paths at Kevin's house when his mom and dad were away. Man those were great times and street racing on State Street brings back great memories and stirring some fast car desires. At 62 I still love speed and most of that desire is filled on the water these days. I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast and have for over 30 years. I have thought of Kevin many times and is he still with us?

Tim Kenilet		12-Sep-2011 23:41
Don, I'm sure we crossed paths. I recognized the name when you posted on this site. I'm sure we had mutual friends and acquaintances. My first homeroom at E. Side was in the cafeteria and then in 241B. Pic's study hall. I had a motorcycle and used to park in the back row at Hannigan's with Kevin Koesterer, Ron Prohaska and others. We used to race motorcycles behind Hannigan's. Bob Jones still plays in St. Louis with other prominent St. Louis musicians. Tim Keniley

Tony. Houston.		11-Sep-2011 20:59
For Don, Yes, I am still out here. Did you know my cousins the Kimbrells? How about my brother Steve or Joe? Earl Ridgway is married to my little sister Gloria and they live in Pearl Mississippi.

Guest		11-Sep-2011 17:13
linda jines thats a name i havent heard in a long time my grandparents lived across the street from your dad clyde cool breeze if i remember correctly

Cynthia		09-Sep-2011 05:46
Hello everyone. I am researching my family history. recently, I was sent a death certificate for my uncle, who was living (and killed) in East St. Louis in 1940. Did any of your relatives remember a murder that happened on 3rd and St. Louis ave? My uncle's name was Emmitt Gaines and he was shot. I'm trying to find out anything. I know it's a long shot to possibly receive any information but I wanted to try. Thanks. Cynthia

Don Druse		05-Sep-2011 15:49
Hey Tim...we had to cross paths many times. I was a back row guy at Hannigan's, also. I do remember Bob Jones and he may of played with us at some point. Don

Guest		05-Sep-2011 03:02
I was born and raised in South Shore on the south side of Chicago but spent many summers in E. St. Louis visiting relatives as a kid. My father actually bought a house for us to move to ESL during the late '60's/early 70's at 3025 Waverly but my mother vetoed the idea. My father ended up leaving my uncle (who owned and handled properties in ESL at the time) in charge of the property and they rented it out to various tennants until sometime in the 90's when they sold it. A YouTube member sent pics of the house to me via e-mail and the house is still standing. I remember the old National Supermarket at 10th and State because I used to walk to it with my cousins who lived at 11th & Summit. I also remember going out to Grandpa's Discount Store when it was on Collinsville Rd. in Fairmount City (??), I loved that store it had everything!! I can't remember the name but it was a Chinese Food take out at 24th and State that had the best Shrimp-fried rice next to Chicago. (I wish I had a St. Paul sandwich right now hahahh!!.) I used to ride bikes with my cousins to Pirtle's on Ridge Ave. for Vess sodas, Sundance Corn Chips and Now & Laters. People dupe on East St. Louis but I had much fun the weeks I spent there every year and never had any trouble with anyone there,even the last time I went there everything was cool! Long live LOVE 14 WESL!!

Louis Williams, Jr.		03-Sep-2011 23:25
I graduated from Lincoln High Schooln January of 1961. Charles Powell and I were the co-captains of the football team that year. I am proud to say that I was the 1959 captain and 1960 co-captain with Charlie. I later attended The University of Iowa obtaining a Masters Degree in education. When I look at these photos of past it breaks my heart. If I had to live my childhood again, I would do it in East St. Louis and Lincoln High. In 1960 we were "The Greatest" football group in the town's history. I have spent a whole like thanking God for the people I new there. God bless us all and bless East St. Louis. Louis Williams, Jr. If any of my classmates read this, you can reach me at lac.williams@yahoo.com.

Guest		03-Sep-2011 19:57
I worked at the Tom Boy store on bond ave in Allorton in the late seventies. I was a meatcutter and came from St Louis everyday to work. When i first started, i was really skepticle after hearing so many bad things going on, but after a while i notice that there were more kind people in a small area than i had ever seen. The people were freinlier and going home after work i never seen people laying all over the street until i would cross the bridge. Then i would see people all over in st louis. Well i became a advocate for east st louis. I stop looking at the run down condition and focussed on the people. They were nice to me.

Tim Keniley		02-Sep-2011 21:44
I worked at Stoplight restaurant with Jimmie Near. He went to E.Side in the 60's and sang in a local group around '66-'67. He was always singing the song "Poison Ivy". Tom Wigginton should remember me. He let me play his drums at his house. I was with Bob Jones, who also graduated from E. Side in '68, he played in the local band "Pheonix". My group used to hang out in the back of Hannigan's lot near the ball diamond. Your right, those were good old days. Good to hear from others who survived the war years. T. Keniley

Don Druse		02-Sep-2011 14:05
Jimmy Near did not play in the Cobras but the name is familiar. Also...I lived in Rosemont. Just saw the post from Tom Wigginton...drummer and sang in the Cobras. Those were Happy Days!

Don Druse		02-Sep-2011 14:02
To T. Keniley...I did go to East Side in the 60's and graduated in 1968. I do recognize all of the people mentioned and loved to drag race on State Street in a 1968 yellow Dodge Magnum Coronet. I left more than my share of burnt rubber in Hannigan's parking lot. I remember the three wheeler. Don

Tom Wigginton		01-Sep-2011 17:35
I grew up in ESL from 1950 to 1968. I went to e side high, played football from 1966 to 1968. I hung out at Hannigans almost every saturday night.I loved E ST LOUIS,it was a great place to live. I lived on Douglas street off 38th street. I had many good neighbors and friends.

T. Keniley		31-Aug-2011 23:38
To: Don Druse Did you go to E.Side in the 60's? Lived in Washington Park? I used to hang out at Hannigan's in the late 60's with Charlie Smith, Dale Quante, Doug Cook, et al. Did Jimmie Near play in the Cobra's? I graduated from E.Side in 1968. Do your remember Earnie Bovinette, the E.St. Louis police officer, who used to ride the three wheeler. He patrolled State Street and ticketed drag racers around Hannigan's. Chased more than a few right into Hannigan's lot. Tim Keniley

Don Druse		30-Aug-2011 20:49
Did anyone hang-out at Hannigan's on State Street and street race on State Street every Friday and Saturday nite?

Don Drsue		30-Aug-2011 20:29
Should have read Band the Cobras not bak...sorry.

Don Druse		30-Aug-2011 18:57
Tony..if you are still out there I also knew the Mifflins,Ridgway and the rest. Yes...I was a neighborhood punk kid with greasy hair and I wouldn't change any of that for anything. Those were good days! Don Druse 51st Street PS...does anyone remember the local bak the Cobras? We played all over the area and at East Side Pep Rallys

Guest		30-Aug-2011 17:22
I was born at St Mary's Hospital (1949) and lived there until I was about 21 or 22 yrs old. I graduated from East St Louis (East Side) Sr High in 1968. The city was dying even back then. Don Druse Alabama

carl carpenter		30-Aug-2011 03:47
those pics bring back so many mem. mom and I used to walk down there in the early 60's and now you should see it :( :(

Donna Valentine		27-Aug-2011 19:06
Grew up in E.St.L. graduated from E.St.L. High School in '63....the school was three years old.

Chaundelyne		27-Aug-2011 00:32
To: Sanford Hello, I'm the guest from 10 May 2011 12:03. Wow..., well you do know that area well for sure. I know where that hole is you're talking about, lol. It's in the center of everything, at least thats the way I like to remember it. It sits diagonally across from the Villa Griffin Homes, directly across Waverly from the Lansdowne Towers, smack dab in the center of North Park Drive, lol. You know, I saw old photos of that very area some 20+ yrs ago when they were building the Villa Griffins, I believe it was the 1950's era I was reviewing and I swear, that damn hole was there then believe it or not. So the family that owned the Laundromat at 25th & Lincoln owned the other store across from the B&P huh..., wow! I'm surprised both stores survived being so close to each other especially since it appeared the other store had more to offer than the B&P. But then again, the B&P offered in store credit to select customers which is probably something the other store didn't offer, hmmmm...! Yanno, some generation of that family that owned the laundromat still live there today. It's still a fortress the last I saw also. All I can think of is..., DAMN! what ever is sentimental about that place must truly be just that because for them to still live there now and crime is "FAR WORSE" now than when you lived there too..., they deserve there kudos for remaining residents of that building so many years after closing that laundromat. I also remember a lady that lived in a rear apartment of that building which was just steps away from the green garage door and I don't know how long she lived there. However, when she moved, that green door was sealed with a green board, lolol... only to never again be opened or rented to anyone else within the community, EVER!

Guest		26-Aug-2011 19:43
My dad worked at the National Stock Yards Hotel in the 30's & 40's. In the mid 50's I worked in the main office of Swift & Co.

sanford		25-Aug-2011 16:43
To the Guest who posted on 10 May 2011 12:03. I lived in that area on 25th monroe ave. in the 70s and 80s. I too remember that large brick building on the corner of 25th and Lincoln ave that housed the laundramat. I think that in the 70s, the family that lived there also owned the store that sat facing Waverly ave at 25th street. My bike was stolen in front of that store but fortunately I was able to keep up with the kid enough to see what yard he rode into and went to the house and got it back. Anyway, I remember playing football and baseball in 'The Hole' as we called it. It was a recessed green area lined with wheeping willow trees bordered by N. Pk. Dr. and Waverly ave. I could go on and on recounting the good memories of my childhood in E. St. Louis, it will suffice to say that it is and always will be home! Sanford

Chaundelyne		23-Aug-2011 13:38
To NV: I'm kinda wondering if you're referring to the old SCC(State Community College)Bldg. The only other landmark I can think of in that area would be the old Union Bank Bldg., but it's really not so huge. I'm taking the liberty of posting a youtube clip of something that does feature a bit of E. St. Louis in its hey day. This clip is one of several showcasing "Katherine Dunham" and her contributions throughout her life particularly when making reference to East St. Louis. I found out recently that some of the clippings within the suggested clip are from the film "All American City" that was produced in 1959 all about ESL and in "LIVING COLOR", lol. The title posted below is as follows... KETC \| Living St. Louis \| Katherine Dunham You can simply type or cut & paste the above info in the youtube search engine box and it should appear without delay!

Guest		23-Aug-2011 02:33
My Grandfather had the feed company in the Stock Yards. He was very proud of E St L My Dad worked as and electrician for 43 years - good and bad. You have had to been raised there to know the connection we have for the people who grew up there. I have wonderful memories of it.

NV		20-Aug-2011 16:04
Does anyone know what the building was/is at Collinsville and Missouri Aves. that is huge, L-shaped and has a castle-looking tower on it? I do a lot of blogging about historical architecture and would love to find out some info on this building. Thanks!

Tim Keniley		19-Aug-2011 02:50
To: Phyllis Dinan Diprima So happy to hear that Henry's still alive. I responded to a previous post that said Henry had passed due to a gunshot wound. I quwss Mark Twains' quote about news that his death has been greatly exagerated certainly applies here. I went to Sacred Heart grade school with Henry.We were altar boys and played softball toghether. My older brother went to Assumption with Tim Dinan. I remember going to the Dinan's Grill on St. Clair Avenue. Some of the best chili in East St. Louis. Wish Henry and the Dinan family well. Tim Keniley, MLPS, MN

Daniel		18-Aug-2011 22:07
My best friend here in St. Louis had a grandfather that was associated with East St. Louis public schools. He may have been superintendant or something...In fact the old Manners grade school was named after him as the family name was "Manners" the family too owned a Tack shop on State street which was later converted to making car tops and upholstery after cars came about. Are any of you familiar with this business? We have one old picture in front of the building. We also have documents from the Manners school if I'm not mistaken, i will have to ask.

Phyllis Dinan DiPrima		17-Aug-2011 23:46
I have read some of the items about my brother Henry Dinan. Henry is still alive and living in Belleville with his with Nora (Horner). He has two sons and one grandson.

Chaundelyne		14-Aug-2011 00:38
To: Daniel In answer to your question on locating more history on East St. Louis, you may wanna check the East St. Louis Public Library. I know many years ago they kept lots of things on the history of East St. Louis even artifacts of old crimes that had been stored on microfiche. I'm not sure of how much info maybe available as of now because I was informed that when the old library was closed in 2000 there were many things left behind and allot of what was left was old artifacts about the city that had been destroyed through water damage and other elements of mother nature. You may still want to check the newest East St. Louis Library just in case there maybe things there that just might be worth a look or two at all!

Guest		13-Aug-2011 20:47
Mr. Burton, could that have been Sandefur Bakery where you were employed?

Elfredia Wright-Brown		13-Aug-2011 18:43
I too was born in St. Mary's Infirmary in St. Louis in 1947, but was raised in ESL. My parents were James and Mary Wright (both deceased) and my siblings were James (deceased), Robert White (deceased), Beulah Wright, Harvey and David. My brother James also attended Rock Jr High, the old ESide and the new ESide, his nickname was 'Killer' (I never understood that one). My brother Robert White owned a fish market on 26th Bond and on State Street. He was the security officer at ESide. He was known as "Rev Boathouse" or Fishman. His step son Warren Herring played football at the side. My niece Jaki Wright still works at the side. I was blessed with 3 great children Cassandra Stovall-Jackson (deceased), Mary Wright and Anthony Jackson (played basketball at Clark Jr. High - nickname 'High Flying Jack'. I loved growing up in ESL. I have a long story to tell about my upbringing the the 'Boogie'. I was raised in the 2200 Block of Tudor before moving to 2605 Market St. My mother Mary Wright is my true she-ro. When I graduated from Alta Sita Elementary School, they had boundaries as to where we could go to school. At that time the only schools we knew about were Rock and Hughes Quinn. Well, the black students were shipped to Hughes-Quinn and the caucasion went to Rock. I was very dissatisfied with this because I had never gone to an all black school and felt out of place. I began to act out because I didn't want to be there (no smoking or drinking, just disrespectful to Mrs. Quinn and other teachers). I told my mother I would rather go to reform school than to go to that school another year. Weeelllll, in 1960 my mother led a team of 4 other mothers in the Alta Sita District(Mrs. Stallings, Mrs.Rodgers(caucasian), Mrs. Allen, T-Pearl)to fight the School Board of Dist 189. They were on the news and had newspaper acknowledgements with pictures. They picketed that school for an entire summer just to get the 'less fortunate' as they called us, into a better school. The principal at the time was Mr. Compton. They called police to the school to put the mothers out, they would lock the doors so they could not enter, they were called names - all to no avail because these mothers did not stop the fight. One news reporter asked my mother was she involved in politics or any other group and her answer was 'no, I'm just a mother who want my children to get a better education than I did'. My mother had an 8th grade education while being raised in Paducah, KY. To make a longer story short, John Sturgenal, the Superintendant of the district, called the school with a proposition for dear mom. She was told by the principal that the superintendant said they could take her daughter (me) and 5 others but no more. This little 5'0" woman stood her ground and with a grin proudly answered 'NO', you have to take them all. Thus the era was started for negro children from the Alta Sita District to attend Clark Jr. High School. I graduated from ESide in 1965 and felt more than proud of my mom. Because of her, my brothers, my children and others were able to attend a school that was masked by the Board Prayerfully there is someone on this site that may remember her. If not, I do and I miss her dearly. Someone wanted to know the name of the convenience store on the corner of 15th Broadway -it was Fraziers.

John Burton		12-Aug-2011 12:00
I was born at St Mary's in 1953. I attended Holy Angels where I was a Alter Boy, later went to ST Philips, and Assumption High. I work at the Stoplight Resturant and at Sanford bakery. I remember swimming at Jones park, and attending the St Louis Cards game while riding the big red express.

Daniel		09-Aug-2011 18:58
I was in st. louis at a used bookstore and found a copy of "East St. Louis" The way it is..It is a history book on East St. Louis and about 250 pages. How excited I was to find it. I never lived there but I love East St. Louis..then and today...Does anyone know if any other history books were written on East St. Louis? I ran around East St. louis when the book was written in 1991. What an exciting place and not one person ever bothered me.

Guest		09-Aug-2011 18:44
I was born at St.Mary's Hospital in East Saint Louis 1960 and lived on the corner of Regent Avenue and 32nd Street with my parents and 4 sisters from 1960-1971. I have a lot of good memories of East Saint Louis back then. Went to Hawthorne Elementary School and I remember there was a Catholic School across the street Holy Angels and a Middle School next door to Hawthorne. There was a bakery next to Hawthorne school that we passed by everyday on our way to school. There was a nice park a few blocks away West of our house my older sisters probably remember more than I do.

Chaundelyne		31-Jul-2011 21:21
To Tim Keniley Wow..., thanx for that tidbit Tim. I surely appreciate it dearly, the more info you've given about that restaurant. Yanno..., the fast food stoplight was right across from assumption before it became a prison, lol...! I know the original stoplight was a bit down the ways from St. Clair because I recall seeing the sign of the original stoplight which sat I believe right next to the train track down there, that use to be down there that is on kingshighway. As for the Majestic..., well that was certainly before my time. I was born in 1965 so the majestic was closed 5yrs before I was born, lol. I heard many stories about it though just as so as I've about the original stoplight restaurant. I've been trying to find ancient aerial maps of East St. Louis during that time and hopefully some that will offer a birdseye view of the area at that time so i could see the area as it was nevermind seeing the area before I-64, LMAO. Now that one I've heard stories about for sure. I was told that people use to fly through E. St. Louis during the construction of I-64 and was well informed that was an area to see honey, that and the stockyards. I'd surely love to see the stockyards in its heyday too!

T. Keniley		27-Jul-2011 01:44
To: Chaundelyne The original Stoplight restaurant was a full service restaurznt, nicely decorated with a full bar. They served steaks, seafood and had a couple of large dining rooms. Most people came there for the chicken dinners especially on Sunday afternoons. When I worked there Assumption high school across St. Clair Avenue was still a boys school. I went to E. Side and when I left Stoplight, in my senior year, I went to work at the Missoour Athletic Club across the Eads Bridge in St. Louis for a hefty $1.60 an hour. I remember listening in disbelief at my parents and gradparents when they would talk about going to the Majestic Theater on Collinsville Ave for 10 cents and buying a hamburger for 15 cents. Now, I seem to be experiencing the same sticker shock.

Chaundelyne		25-Jul-2011 06:20
To: Tim Keniley Wow..., I certainly wouldn't remember those days of the original stoplight restaurant, though I've heard plenty about it though. However, the "fast food stoplight restaurant" is now a thing of the past also. I believe it's doors shut in 1999 or 2000, something like that. What a nice tidbit about the chicken though...., Wow!!

Guest		19-Jul-2011 14:20
RE: mama peg, as mentioned by brendarich. I'm wonder if this is the same game we played, both at home and at school, that we called mumbly peg in the 40's. All you needed was dirt and a pocket knife. Hard to imagine today that it was acceptable for both boys and girls to bring their pocket knives to school for a game of mumbly peg at recess. This would have been Park School in the late 40's.

Tim Keniley		19-Jul-2011 02:49
This is for the person who asked about the recipe for Stoplights fried chicken. I worked there when I was in high school. My starting wage was $1.25 an hour, the minimum wage at the time. A Snickers bar was 5 cents and a 2 Hostess cup cake package was 12 cents. If my memory serves me correctly, the price for an all you can eat chicken dinner at Stoplight was $3.25. This included chicken, potato, vegetable and rolls. The price of a beverage was seperate. On occasion, when a large reservation was cancelled at the last minute or it was a slow night there would be chicken left over and the employees were free to take it home with them. The recipe for the chicken was not widely known. The head cook or the owner would come in when the restaurant was closed and mix the flour with seasonings. I never had the opportunity to be advised of the seasoning mixture. The chicken was dipped in powdered milk, rolled in flour and deep fried. I was told that there was a fire at the original Stoplight and that there is a fast food restaurant there now. The same family that owned Stoplight also owned the Trailways restaurant in Farview Heights and the Candlelight restaurant in West Belleville. I don't know if either of those restaurants are still open but if you enjoyed Stoplights chicken it would be worth a phone call. During the X-mas holidays, the owners would close the restaurant for a night and have a holiday party for all of the employees and their families. Very generous.

tremrzz1186		15-Jul-2011 16:24
Ive read and is still reading the post from present and most past residence of East Saint Louis all i have to write is: A little back ground on me:: 1959 Born. raised in South End in the 70.s 17th street to be exact Grad HQ, and Lincoln 1977.. Marines until 80;s still visit;s the RED DOOR every 4th of july when I roll in...Thats my home until the end, I just live some were else... ( ONE LOVE ) aww ghost_viper1186@yahoo.com East Saint Louis Illinios::: A relentless city, With a hard line.. For the slightest offense, Pay the ultimate fine.. Shed not one tear, For this city of fear... With my head held up, I breath~Im here.. Band by the hand, This fierce piece of land.. Blood Sweat and Tears, By no man fears.. Locked and Rocked to the fellas I speak, Stay strong young hearts~ and to all keep "P.E.A.C.E"

Guest		15-Jul-2011 13:42
To 09-July 2011 poster Kim. Sounds familiar, so I'm wondering if you had a grandma Dorothy who retired from the W T Grant store.

Kathy west Gardner		11-Jul-2011 22:06
I was born at Christian Welfare Hospital and raised in E.St Louis aka East Boogie! I went to Monroe, Park, King, Clark and graduated from East Side. My family still lives in the surrounding area of Ofallon. I often go home to visit but sometimes I am very disappointed in the way the city now looks. The politicians have not cared enough to kept it up nor make it better. I know there is potential and that it will get better so I am waiting for that to happen. When I go home I go straight to 24th street to the Chinese restaurant to get an order of Pork Fried Rice with Egg Foo Yung gravy it is the best Chinese food in town! Next stop is WHITE CASTLE then the RED DOOR on St. Clair! Got to have it. Here in Atlanta, there is no castle only krystal and it is nasty....lol. My hubby and I just left E. St.Louis where we celebrated the 4th of July with my family and it was wonderful! Before returning to the ATL, I always stop to get several bags of Fiesta's, Red Hot Riplets and Ole Vienna Cheese popcorn to take back with me !...yyyeeeesssss, how I miss home!......I have great memories:) Looking forward to going back home again around the holidays........

ken sullivan		11-Jul-2011 15:06
I too was born and raised in E.St.Louis,St Mary's Hospital 1956,lived at 1355 N.42nd St.,attended Holy Angels Catholic School at 37th and Caseyville Ave.,and have many many fond memories of a city that was,but is no longer. Having an intense interest in history has taught me that the problems this once "All American" city face cannot be pinned on one particular issue,most commonly race. It's many issues that led to the death of E.St.L. Corrupt politicians,corporate greed,union busting (labor riots 1917),and of course fanning the racial flames a result certainly didn't help. All of these negative elements came together in sort of a 'perfect storm' leaving in it's wake what we all see today. Study and understand the historical facts,and you'll realize how it happened. The bigger question is what to do about it now. That's best left up to the remaining citizens of E.St.Louis....when they've FINALLY had enough,change will come.

kim stanis		09-Jul-2011 19:47
I grew up in ESL from 1961-1973 then moved to belleville. My parents graduated from east side in 1960. We lived at 69th and state st. My father was an ESL police officer from I think 1970-1990. I know he was there for 20 years.

Guest		08-Jul-2011 01:18
What's UP! East Boogie is home and alway's will be. Born in 1961, Class of 1979. Lived in Washing Park, and grew on 29th in Bond. No matter how successful I may get, I will never forget or look down on my hometown. I received my education at Alta Sita, Lansdown, East Side, and SIUE. Master's from Webster University. I go home to East St. Louis twice a year to get a snoot, some fried rice and to party at the Club Allusion. My favorite to go roller skating at the former Skate King. Most people don't know that many people who come from East St. Louis are educated and have college degree's. We are smart, educated, fun and street wise. Lets buy some of that new development for our children and grandchildren. PS You have a true friend if he/she is from East St. Louis IL. East Boogie Native! Hopgood

Guest		06-Jul-2011 01:21
All I can say is wow to many of the comments here on this blog. I am taken aback by the large number of responses from so many who at one time lived or still live in ESTL. To those who have experienced pain and experience hate. Let it go. Turn that engergy to saving the place you still have hope for. And those who lived here at a time of transition, used your past to bring hope to those that need it...like me. I have a dream of taking back the city from the politians and people who don't want anything or any good thing to happen to so many good residents still here. I am one of them. I own property here. I wanted to leave so many times but I feel as if God wants to do a work here. God cares for us all. A lot of the mess that many of you talked about is caused by man. Not just one, not just one color/race. It doesn't matter how it all started or what made thing good or bad for ESTL. But what does matter now is if people as yourselfs will lend your time and help to bring back a city that we all care about? A city that we all have roots in. A city that can be restored to all races. We all know that a great deal of the history of ESTL. We know what a happened. Now let's get beyond that an join forces to make it alive and well again. I have a vision and yes, I'm a dreamer. God has given me a dream and I'm glad I found this site today. E-mail me it you'd like to understand more of my dream. I could use the support and any positive feed back. My e-mail address is - brandxmanz2@att.net. Thanks people of ESTL and those of you spread around the country. It's great to make a connection. :-) David Lark

G. Stokes		01-Jul-2011 22:26
Looking for any and all old friends....Hawthorne, Lansdowne, East Side graduate 1961. Lived at 39th & North Park Drive. Baseball / Basketball at East Side. Jazz Musician living in Ca. I would like to hear from you...G. Stokes

Chaundelyne		01-Jul-2011 19:27
Hello! This reply is to the following message posted below... "guest 23-Jun-2011 09:58 My family lived in E. St. Louis for many years. We moved to Belleville about 1963. We lived on 35th and State. I went to 1st grade at Park. When did it burn down? I would love to ride with a police officer down through the old city." Actually, you can research the websites of Google Earth and Microsoft Virtual Earth. If you can locate these without any issues..., you'll learn how to navigate it for better convenience. Through those programs once downloaded correctly..., you can actually see images as they appear in real time and see areas of the city and you can do it right from your computer, lol. I've not been back home in several years but learned of the websites a couple of years ago and boy did I have a good time on my journey roaming through home on my PC, lolol. If your software is working and PC is "top~notch" you'll be able to see lots more than you bargained for. Try it out!

Guest		28-Jun-2011 18:55
We were at 1517 North 42nd Street, attended Hawthorne and Landsdowne. Born 1958, left for most of high school.

Guest		28-Jun-2011 16:38
A Guest posted way back 22 Mar 2010 asking about others I didn't know and Sonny Reed who is my father Alvin. He is fine and living outside of Alton IL.

Guest		28-Jun-2011 16:26
In 2000, as part of their 50th class reunion activities, the class of 1950 rented a bus and did a 3-4 hour tour of East St Louis. The driver divided the city by sections and everyone called out what they wanted to see.....schools, churches, hang-outs, shopping areas, individuals homes,etc. A rest stop was made at Ainad temple where even more memories were enjoyed.

Ron		27-Jun-2011 16:29
Does anyone remember the Blue Platter that was just down the street from Grubers Drug Store in Washington Park. Or Tasty BBQ off of North Park Drive. They had the best chicken club sandwiches.

Guest		26-Jun-2011 16:05
I too went to Park School, 1944-1950. Ms Lavina Donaldson was our principal. She is always remembered for her purple hair. We enjoyed going out for lunch to Timmers Grill, Courtney's Drug Store, Canges & Mother's Restaurant. Hot lunch was served once a week by volunteer PTA moms.

TexanTimm		23-Jun-2011 16:40
Jeannie's brings back great memories. I grew up in Loisel Village, and we would eat there once in a while. I remember the pink elephant wall paper in the restroom. This was back in the 60's. We didn't have "fast food pizza" back then.

guest		23-Jun-2011 09:58
My family lived in E. St. Louis for many years. We moved to Belleville about 1963. We lived on 35th and State. I went to 1st grade at Park. When did it burn down? I would love to ride with a police officer down through the old city.

Guest		12-Jun-2011 21:57
A recent guest poster mentioned Jeannie's, which was on outer State Street. Old family story. When Jeannie first applied for her liquor license, she hadn't decided on a name for her restaurant. So when filling out the application, she wrote in the name of the establishment...Jeannie's ?. When her license arrived in the mail, it was made out to "Jeannie's ? or Jeannie's Question Mark" Thus it was often called Jeannie's Question Mark

Ms. Bolden		10-Jun-2011 00:15
This site is about East St. Louis and everyone on here is entitled to his or her own opinion. I am a 28 year old female from ESL, born and raised. I grew up in the Samuel Gomper Homes (projects)and yes there was crime. As a child I always thought to myself, I just wanna get away; I knew that every neighborhood could not be this way. As I got older, the criminals that were causing all the problems were either dead or in jail. The neighborhood became peaceful. We could sleep without hearing gun shots, play outside without being caught in a drive by, it was just fun. My friends and other people I knew in the neighborhood were not illiterate, they understood and comprehended just as any other kids our age in the metro east. Of course there are some exceptions to the rule and yes some people cant read or write but I didnt know those people. I was fortunate enough to not only grow up with loving caring people but play sports and graduate with them as well. I am proud that many of the students I graduated with are teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and they are all from ESL. While I do know that crime is high in ESL, (mainly due to poor economic situations, I also know that there are very smart and intelligent people in ESL who's only crime, is seemingly to be blk, poor and from ESL. If you lived in ESL for a year and actually interacted with the community you would see for yourself that you can be happy in city as the one you describe. I am aware that writing styles and figurative language allows some of you to be very detailed in describing my home town; but I assure you, my city is not a thrid world country (as you would have people believe based on your posting). I did move out the city, because I have always envisioned living in an intergrated neighborhood, and my children attending integrated schools; but I dont love my city any less. God Bless ESL, and God Bless You

Nicki Lewis		08-Jun-2011 15:49
Hi! I was born and raised in East St. Louis in the '80s and '90s, and have recently become interested in the city's history. Can anyone tell me where Lansdowne Park was located (i.e. specific street names)? There was a beautiful old walking bridge near my childhood home, which spanned a small, dried out creek. The bridge did not lead to any particular location, but because it was located in an expansive lot with lots of trees, I assumed it must've been part of an old park or something. Because I lived in the Lansdowne District, I assumed it may have been part of Lansdowne Park. Can anyone help?

Guest		04-Jun-2011 15:21
I believe lots of things can be built if you throw enough government money at it. However, as we have seen in the past, it never lasts and just amounts to another boondoggle financed by the taxpayer

Guest		03-Jun-2011 02:52
I lived in E. St. Louis until 1965 (age 10) and can remember Harding Elementary (Mrs. Plummer, Mrs. Hoyt, Miss Kurelaitis, Mr. Moore), Price's, Jeannie's (up the hill towards Belleville, I think). Also, my Dad used to take me to a place I think was called Atomic BBQ. Jayson's photos really caught my eye when I recognized the entrance to the Murphy Bldg. where my Dad had his office. I have only been back once in all these years, but I have really good memories of my childhood there. Just wondering if anyone remembers any of the people/places I mentioned, or might have photos.

Guest		29-May-2011 13:18
What was that secret ingredient in the the Nightmare hamburger at Price's restaurant on St Clair Ave? We sure ate a lot of those in the 50's.

I Believe		27-May-2011 20:09
Port of East St. Louis coming soon south riverfront location next to Sauget. 350-450 full time living wage jobs. Slay Industries/Kinder Morgan will be the port operators. Look them up. Downtown Central Business District redevelopment starting with streetscapes, cameras installed, etc. Beginning June, 2011. They have already had one Pulbic Hearing in this regard. More to come. Industrial Park development in the north riverfront location. Underway. (Goose Hill Neighborhood). New Mississippi River Bridge will connect St. Louis to East St. Louis at this location. It seems to me that most of you (especially the nay-sayers) have no idea about what's going on in that City. They actually have H.J. Russell New Urban Development out of Atlanta (the developers who did Olympic Park in Atlanta for the Olympic Games)in the City leading the development efforts. Broadview Hotel, and the Union Bank Building will get started this summer. When a city gets to the point that ESL is (lowest point), it only has two options. Either it will dissolve itself, or it will revitalize itself. I am inclined to believe the latter rather than the former is more realistic...especially from what I have verified is currently taking place there, and obviously unbeknownst to most of you. I BELIEVE

Tony Kopcych (Cop-Check)		14-May-2011 05:14
Tony Kopcych (Cop-Check) I lived in Caseyville, but graduated from E.ST. Louis Sr High in Jan 1959. I went to both the old school downtown next to Sears and the new school. I remember hanging out at Prices. 1958,1959, and 1960 I was a lifeguard at Jones Park. I was on duty that day in 1960 when C.O.R.E. decided to integrate Jones Swimming Pool. One of my friends who was NOT a racist got caught in the middle of it and lost his job. I left the area in 1961 going into the navy for 4 years then stayed in Hawaii for another 3 years getting a degree at the University of Hawaii. I got back to E.St.Louis in 1969. I tried to find old friends but they had all moved out of the area due to racial problems. The swimming pool was filled in with dirt and the tennis courts across the street, where I had actually played tennisw with a 7 year old Jimmy Connors, was covered with weeds and vines. The whole town looked like a war zone. Family members told me not to drive in E.St. Louis because I could be shot. I drove there anyway. How sad I felt. Places I worked were vacant. I went looking for the place in Edgemont where Coach Camereon (HogJaws, and his son Bruce) lived. It had been burned down. Very, Very, Sad. I loved that area back in the fiftys. When they filmed a movie for the All America city in 1959, they came out to Jone's pool and had me perform several trick dives. I never got to see the movie and would like to know if any videos have ever been made from it. Lots of Good Memories. tkopcych@sbcglobal.net

Guest		10-May-2011 12:03
Hi This is to "Guest 01-May-2011 19:49 " I just read ur message posting dated 5-1-2011. I kinda have a feeling I know exactly where you use to live on 25th & Morris. That area at the time appeared very beautiful especially during the time you and ur mom lived there. From what I can remember..., I believe the house was of wood frame structure..., draped with shingles which sat across the street from a 2 story wood frame home as well as a tiny little lil' house that also sat diagonally across 25th & Morris. We had relatives that lived over there nevermind my grandmother knowing the black family that lived in the lil' house across 25th & Morris. All of those homes are long gone now but remembering them as I do..., WoW, what nice homes they were. I've been on a quest trying to find Aerial Maps that offer a birdseye view of those areas from the 1950's & 1960's that may show how those homes appeared cause I'm almost sure the scenery there was even more beautiful and am "QUITE ANXIOUS" to see those. Btw..., my memories are from mid 70's to mid 80's of the area which of course includes the old house that I believe was yours that sat trashed for several years before being finally torn down along with the other homes mentioned that were destroyed by fires. I also attended Monroe Grade School as a young child for 1yr of course. Its actually locate on Cleveland Avenue. I believe Webster School is the school that was formally located at 10th & Gaty Avenue before being demolished in 1984 to make room for the Popeye's Chicken and Wendy's Fast Food Restaurants. The Wendy's is no longer there but Popeye's Chicken still resides there. I also remember the Laundromat that was located at 25th & Lincoln Avenue. I know it closed in the 1970's, somewhere in there anyway. There were also two local stores near those corners also. The stores are long gone but what I've found interesting even up to the present is that, the laundromat somehow became a fortress of sort because I swear I have no idea of what's goin on there, but those folks are still living there in the building. You see them every now & then when they open the garage to remove graffiti from the green garage door as well as when relatives come to visit them on the other end of the building, lol. You don't see them otherwise, talk about yesteryear. Its very good to read things about that area near 25th & Morris because as I remember it..., some of the places in that area were fascinating to view especially when referring to 32nd and North Park Drive where there's like a bridge or something that lead to a well hidden cul~de~sac and then another one I believe located at 40th & North Park Drive. Ok, this concludes my stroll down the "wonderful" memory lane of past concerning those neighborhoods.

Dan Lilley		07-May-2011 03:00
My name is Dan Lilley. I grew up in E. St. Louis Il. I see a couple of names on here I remember. Would like to find an old friend of mine named James Green. I remember a lot of great things about this town, shame it has changed so much...... I would also like to give shout out to the names on here I recognize, I believe they will remember me.....

Guest		01-May-2011 19:49
I lived in ESL from age 4 until about 26/27. Then moved to Cahokia & then Fairview Hgts. Began school at Monroe on Gaty (I think), we lived at 1415 Mo avenue. Moved to 61st & St. Clair & then to 25th & Morris Ave at around 10 yrs old. Went to Jefferson & Landsdown. I have good memories of the old neighborhood, too bad it's not there anymore, not much of ESL is. There are many reasons for the demise of a once nice city. I heard that former Mayor Alvin Fields stoled all the money. My wife was raised on 32nd street. We met at a night spot, Art Mowes in Washington Park a few months after I got out of the Navy in "67. I think my brand new '67 GTO got her attention. As people moved to the "burbs", business' closed & with the closings, the tax revenue dried up. Property value declined. My Mom sold the house on Morris Ave for $800.00. It's been all down hill since. Maybe Trump can buy the city & make something of it. Fred C.

Mike		01-May-2011 03:51
Tammy, Prince Samuel was my grand father; His wife was Pearl Samuel. My father was Luke Samuel.

Guest		30-Apr-2011 02:52
Brinda Fowler I grew up all over East St Louis in the 50's and 60's. I went to slade, Morrison,Harding grade school. I have alot of fond memories and had alot of friends. I loved to go swimming at Jone's Park public pool my sister and I use to walk there all the time skating at Thunderbird roller rink and the sock hops they had. I know things have changed, but if you lived there during those years it was fun and very prosperous moved away around 1965 really miss all those times.

Tim Wilemon		29-Apr-2011 18:12
Hello I was born at the Christian Welfare Hospital March 15th 1965. I was adopted before birth by Charles and Betty Wilemon I know nothing about my blood father or mother except that her last name could have possibly been Hunter,and that she already had kids. If anyone has any information on this. I would be very grateful for the information. I can be reached at taw_31565@yahoo.com Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and God Bless

thetruth		26-Apr-2011 02:15
"In 1949 Sen. Estes Kefauver brought his traveling TV show to St. Louis - television was in its infancy and KSD was the only station in St. Louis, I believe. He spotlighted organized crime and its links to the political system, and embarrassed the East St. Louis police department and commissioners, Citing the betting parlors run within sight of City Hall, and wide open gambling and prostitution throughout the city." courtesy of ESLARP website - know your history!

guest		25-Apr-2011 17:18
I must say it is refreshing to see more positive comments on this site. Positivity breeds positive outcomes; negative comments breed negative outcomes. God bless you all. Our city needs you now more than ever. I love the resilience of the people of East St. Louis!

blue		22-Apr-2011 19:13
To Al King: Thank you for speaking the truth to these issues. To Jacquie: Never give up on hope and always be proud of where you came from! peace out, blue.

jacquie fainter barton		22-Apr-2011 00:14
i was born and raised in estl and washington park. grandparents own a confectionary called audobon conf. on the cornor of 56th and audobon. i had a wonderful life. never had to worry about playing outside because everyone watched you. i was so heartbroken when my parents moved us to kansas city in 1980. but my dad had to work. both he and his dad drove for hunter packing down in the stockyards. used to go to scobbles resturant down there as a kid. went to assumption high before it became a womens prison. went to landdowne jr and manners ele. boy the memories!!! take my kids back there all the time so they can see where i grew up. im not ashamed of where i came from!!!!

Guest		21-Apr-2011 09:39
Hello to the person that asked if anyone remember partying at St. Joseph, I do recall that and I ask do you recall the Mary Brown center, Lincoln Senior High or Coleman Plaza parties wth Lil Boogie & (a teen social group) fast buck rockin chuck disco swat team?

Al King		20-Apr-2011 13:15
Response to 1959 All American City. You asked why I referenced Kroger and Food stamps. Kroger was the first chain supermarket to move into E. St. Louis. They offered the less fortunate residents a better and fresher varity. As for food stamps; they did not permit credit purchases and the merchants could not legally munipulate their credit schemes (at that time)into their use. The merchants that I described earlier lost much business. Because of this and the ramp to the memorial bridge, they eventually left. This movement was not due to criminal activities. There is no doubt that I believe that you believe that you, your family, and your personal friends experienced unbelievable torture at the hands of the citizens of East St. Louis. I strongly suggest that because you have now reached maturity, maybe you should undertake a serious effort to find out what actually happened and why adults felt that you and not other students had to eat seperately under protection and get early dismissals from school. Perhaps you will finally realize that your blames were misplaced. I can say with all certainty that what you describe is unique to E. St. Louis. I mean, it sounds as if you were raised in an occupied state as opposed to anyplace in the US. Sure that was crime in E.ST. Louis during the period that you described. It is and was my experience that violent crimes in ESL were spontaneous mostly caused by: arguments, after hours St. Louis patrons, and people who went out of the way to go into volitile parts of E. St. Louis for prostitution or to by drugs or something else illegal. I do hope that you honestly seek the truth about why you, your family, and your friends were focused on negatively by the citizens of ESL.

guest		12-Apr-2011 03:50
Al King brings a different perspective on the "All american city". Soon there will be know where else to run to. And I am tallking about all races of people who has the economic ability to do so. Unless we figure out a way to inhabit the moon. Also, everyone's family was'nt able to move from East Saint Louis, that is until covenants in certain neighborhoods and cities were deemed unconstitutional. The solution to the problems of East Saint Louis will benefit every major city in the U.S. Does anyone have any intelligent ideas?

1959 All American City!!		09-Apr-2011 22:10
To Mr. Al King: From 1961 through 1974 this is what I personally experienced: 1) My friends, my siblings and I were chased home almost everyday from the schools we attended... James P. Sled, Parkside, Warren Harding, Lewis and Clark Jr. High, Rock, James Monroe, Holy Angels, Longfellow, Hawthorn, Landsdown, St. Patrick's Catholic School, St. Phillips Catholic School and last but not least East St Louis Senior High on State Street! I wonder why? I know why! My uncle was Joe Koenig, he taught physics at East Side, 1970. He protected me in which I had to eat ate my lunch in his classroom....and did not attend gym for the fear of getting mugged! I was allowed to leave school early everyday just to get a jump on the thugs and criminals who would chase me home!! The principal Mr. Ducksworth gave me a passing grade even though I did not attend gym for three years. He saved my life! Oh by the way...most of those schools are gone. 2) My next door neighbor and son were shot to death in 1972. 3) My sister was ganged raped at age 14. 1973 4) Both sets of my grandparents were robbed at gun point, at The Venture Store on Collinsville Rd. and the other at Fraad's IGA on State Street. 1969 & 1970. 5) An older gentleman, a security guard was murdered in broad daylight at the Lacledes Gas Company at 40th and State Street. 1967. 6) Mr. Price who owned Prices Restaurant & Prices Liquor Store on 35th & St. Clair was robbed & shot to death in broad daylight in 1972. 7) I was mugged three times, at Tri City Grocery Store, at W.T. Grants Department Store in The Shop City Plaza 4500 State St. and once at Bowl-A-Way on 39th and State St. 1967,1971 and 1974.. 8) My buddy Henry Dinan was shot in the back by two thugs at 13th & St. Clair and was paralized from the waist down...later he died from complications from his injuries. 1975 9) My dad's mom was walking home from Robert Hall Clothing Store (now a thug Disco) on State St.,was knocked down and robbed by a criminal! 1968 And crime is & was not the issue!? No one said the businesses on Collinsville Ave were robbed. (That I know of) But what person in their right mind would go shopping in ESL without a police escort? By the way there are only 3 to 4 police cars patrolling the city now if that. Oh and please tell me what furniture, jewelry, bank, restaurant, bakery, brewery, hospital (I hear St. Mary's will be closing soon) car dealer, insurance agent, drug store, meat packing house, lumber company, stockyard, taxi, hardware store, Doctor, dentist, and clothing stores replaced the businesses that robbed these poor people?? NONE! Kroger? Kroger sells food! Food stamps??? What?? What in the world are you talking about?? Please you are insulting the readers! That is one of the craziest things I have ever heard about this city! There are still a lot of good people left in East St Louis...problem is they can't get out fast enough! Belleville is next. The crime in Belleville is going through the roof there. It be will be the next ESL. Jayson you better make a trip to Belleville Illinois and take some pictures before it's gone! In Summary it was unsafe in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and now! One question to you and everybody else. Why did all these people, Black & White leave ESL? Answer? Crime! Period! Facts are Stubborn thing!! 1959 All American City!!

Al King		08-Apr-2011 16:34
It's amazing how different people remember ESL. I remember that the local (mostly Jewish) owned stores would give credit to the poor south end Blacks. What they would do was give them credit on Friday and Saturday to buy their dyed and often rottened meats and smelly and withered vegetables. The very next weekend you had to pay up. Now that left you with no money to go elsewhere so you got other weeks worth their foods on credit and paid the next week... This went on for at least a generation. This is not speculation. At age twelve, I worked at Margulis next to Coffman’s (pardon any misspellings). Sam Margulis would see you coming at the top of the isle before getting to the cash register. He would add about $2 to your ticket then pull that portion up and tear it off. When you got your ticket, you never saw the $2 added. I met Coffman the lawyer (Rose Coffman’s son). He honestly believes that his parents helped the Blacks in E. St. Louis with their credit practices. I will let the reader be the judge of that. How many of you remember Roy Wiese Clothing? You know the store that got very expensive vouchers from the state to help cloth and furnish the poor. Remember that you would get a mattress and you could get on the bus with it and still only sit in one seat. You and the mattress. The seams would fall out of the clothing after a couple of washings... These businesses did not leave due to crime. Nobody robbed the white and Jewish businesses in ESL. They left because the poor Blacks got better shopping opportunities with food stamps and better jobs. Kroger and businesses that offered better at lower or the same price opened. As far as White flight is concerned. If you had lived in and around ESL during the late 60’s and early 70’s, you should have noticed a lot of house fires (especially northeast ESL and Washington Park. You know who lived there and you know that there was no rioting going on there. There were, however, a lot of insurance claims paid and lots of those residents left leaving burned out shells that were once homes. It was then and only then that Blacks started moving in numbers to that part of town. There were few whites left. You be the judge. Parkside was a different matter. I was the first of five of my parent’s children to be born in ESL. I attended Washington, John Robinson, Hughes-Quinn, Lincoln and State Community College there. I lived there from 1949 to 1975 and then some. I was blessed to teach in the high school from which I graduated for twelve years. I have a great love for ESL but I will say with all honesty that it was and is the worse place in the world to raise Black children. Those who keep shouting that crime made the Whites and Jews leave need to stop. Blacks in ESL, and this really hurts me to say this, would never harm them. I never understood this. They will jump in front of a bullet to save them or their money. Did you know that even today: insurance collectors still go into ESL daily to collect premiums, and white teachers, federal and state employees, utility workers are there daily with no incidents?

rose faulkner		04-Apr-2011 04:07
I was Rose Faulkner & grew up on 18th & Belmont ave by State St. My parents worked in St. Louis. I went to Longfellow school, then Rock Jr high & E. Side High, class of 66. I got my first kiss in sunken gardens by Longfellow school & my dad drove by just at that moment & shouted at me .. oh my. We walked everywhere & at nite too. My grandmother owned 3 houses & never wanted to sell them but the crime came & for her own safety, she fled. My parents lost their house too. Just had to walk away. I live in Canada now & here, if you bought a house for $8,000 in 1958, you can sell it for a million. Would love to hear from some of my old friends ... Judy Griffin, Linda Pierce, Donna Reynolds, Dorothy Dillon, Donna GRoss, or anybody else that remembers me. Hope the best for everybody on this site :)

1959 All American City!		29-Mar-2011 10:34
To: Guest 17-Mar-2011 23:17 & Guest 17-Mar-23:11 White Flight?? Nonsense! Excuse me, the businesses that left the urban areas in this country from the last 50 years are from all ethic backgrounds. Case in point. When the Rodney King Riots happened in California I will never forget a Black man screaming why his business was looted? Most if not all the riots in the 60's were in black owned business areas of the cities. The Black people lost their businesses and were bankrupt! In St Louis, just across the river 9 out of 10 crimes are black on black! (This was reported in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on 03/19/11). A lot of these inner cities have never recovered from the 60's riots. Just look at some areas in New Jersey. Regarding East St Louis....Yes it was THE ALL AMERICAN CITY 1959! Yes it had its problems. And yes factories, businesses moved out. Most of the businesses down Collinsville Ave were owned by the Jewish people. (Bill) Luries Furniture, (Harvey) Sidels, (Jerry Bator), Union Clothing, Zerwick Jewlery, Rex Carr Attorney and many, many more. Were the Jewish people at fault for leaving? NO! No, it was because of Crime! And regarding "stealthily moved out of the city," What!!?? My family was driven out of this city! We lost everything! In summary I just have two questions to all the bloggers on this site?? Why did you or your family move from East St Louis ?? And last would you move your family back? Facts are stubborn things.

Jayson		25-Mar-2011 03:44
If you use ALL CAPS, make racial comments or ignorant statements like, "You people", your comments won't be posted and will be deleted. You can be critical without the hate or labeling an entire minority group. Jayson

proudestl		17-Mar-2011 23:34
if people would have addressed the problems of ESTL during the "good times" rather than cut and run, the city would be in better shape. Shame

guest		17-Mar-2011 23:17
the issues with the city of east saint louis is indicative of most every major urban city in the US. how could ESTL be called great american city in 1959 when african americans were marginalized and suppressed? because this was the norm in US. White flight, exodus of businesses accelarated the problems we now see in the city. if the issues were addressed rather than rn away from in 50s and 60s, the whole metro-east area would be better for it

Guest		17-Mar-2011 23:11
All of these people talking about how "great ESTL was when they lived here are truly dillusional. You need to read books written about the history of ESTL. This was one of the most racist cities in the country. Rather than address the problems associated with inevitable change, european americans stealthily moved out of the city, knowing that the businesses had already done so. If you want to know why ESTL has the problems it does today, look in the mirror!!

Kim		12-Mar-2011 15:54
My whole family lived in East St. Louis. My moms folks worked at Swifts and lived on 62nd. My dads mom and family lived in Alorton. I grew up in Loisel Village. This was when you oould play and not have to worry about gun fire. No one locked the doors or put bars on their windows. Loisel Village was a great place to shop. Its a shame todays kids living there will never know about seeing a movie at the Majestic. It was a gorgeous theater. It makes me sad to see it as a broken city with no tax base. This is what happens when we become a welfare society believing Uncle Sam owes us a living.

Donald C. Brooks		07-Mar-2011 16:17
This is a great site. I was reared in E.St.Louis, St.Augustine and St.Joseph 's grade schools, Rock, East Side class of 61' I enjoyed growing up there. Me and my friends would play ball at Johnson's, Attucks and, Webster as a teenager. Played tackle football in Jones Park against former Assumption High grads. We then traveled the city looking for competition. Me and Donnie Billups we grew up together and hung together as adults at Pudgey's on 15th and St.Louis Ave.and other joints. I moved to Washington DC in 77, been here ever since. Sorry to see the shape of the City now. Still have family there.

Chaundelyne		04-Mar-2011 16:32
Here I am yet again posting another memo here since the other two weren't successful. The first 6yrs of my life I spent growing up at 13th & Cleveland. Anyway, I'd like to know... "Where's Mrs Hill" of Hills Market at 13th & Cleveland. I have no idea how long the store existed but it was surely a neighborhood favorite if nothing else. When Mr. Hill passed away in 1982, Mrs Hill kept the store open til' around late 83' or early 84'. Its like "she disappeared" into thin air and no one seems to know what happened with her nor does anyone really know where she went once the store closed. If there's anyone out there that remembers Mrs Hill as well as her store, I am definitely curious to know where she went or even if she's still alive?

Guest		25-Feb-2011 13:33
I was raised in ESL until 1961 when my father was shot and killed while gambling. I was 12 years old. We lived at 2418 Missouri Ave. I remember the days when we play hopscoth on the sidewalk, played double dutch. Had a good time. The picnics at the park on Gaty Avenue. Crisp Confectionary.Billup's drug store. You could walk by the funeral home and see bodies in the window. We slept with our windows open, would leave the doors unlocked because someone didn't have a key. I went to school at Crispus Attucks and later Rock Jr. high and sometimes had to walk home because I missed the bus. My neighbors were the Saversons, Davis, Dunns, Smith, Jones, Morrison. I have fond memories of ESL. My brother Joseph, Sister Cora and of course me. One day I am going to come back and go the the Library to find out info during my life there. We had the Crusader and E. St. Louis Journal newspaper. Missouri was a very busy street during the rush hour with livestock truck smelling up the street. Fond memories of my home town. Also there was the flagpole dance which we did when I was in elementary. I remember the Brick which had a big concrete basin to throw your water in. Those were the happy days before the crime moved in.

Guest		23-Feb-2011 03:01
I was born in ESL. My grandparents house on Morris is gone, I remember the brick road and the hum the car made. Mama and I lived there for a bit in 1964. Went to Landsowne then and my best friend was Jeannie Hunt. My uncle was the fire chief in the late 50's or so. Another aunt/uncle lived on "hill top" It was still an okay town and it is really sad to see some of those beautiful old homes falling down. My first Santa visit was downtown - maybe Stix & Bauer? Oh well, the world changes,but still it is tragic.

Guest		18-Feb-2011 02:03
This msg is for Lawrence dated 12/25/10. My name is Mona and my brother name Dave White. My mother's house on 31st, near St.Clair. I graduated from East Side 1970. After that married and left in 1972. we moved to Michigan and then to California. I been out here in CA since 1973. ESL will always be my home. I tell anybody and everyone that I wouldn't had wanted to live any where as a child growing up. I had the best fun there and loving fun memories. I reside in Sacramento also. You mentioned Roosevelt Nixon his sister Thelma Nixon and I were BEST FRIENDS. Hopefully, this is the same Nixon that lived on Summit. I do believe this is the same person. He has an older sister and he was the youngest. If so, email me at pru012009@aol.com. I would like to get in contact with ESL from back-in-the day as they say. Love that city don't care what they say. Haven't been back in awhile but its still home. Most of my family still there.

Guest		17-Feb-2011 08:08
Yeah, Ron, I remember that sky blue house on North Park Drive and 48th Street. I used to live there. Too bad Leo couldn't learn to build a decent basement wall. Seems like we spent every summer vacation from East Side and Lansdowne pick-axing through that stinking black gumbo and rebuilding yet another block wall before I went to war. Odd that we've both stumbled across this website within days of each other, considering all the years that muddy wide river's swept away from us. Will post again on this site later. Let me know if you want to communicate, otherwise I'll leave you to your life, which I hope has been, is, and will continue to be better than how mine turned out.

Guest		16-Feb-2011 08:04
In 1969 I met some guys from East St. Louis, Acer Crump, Lil Bud, Earl Malone and James Pearson. They said Flint MI reminded them of their hometown. For a long time I thought E.ST.L. was part of MO. Because one or all would say they were from the "show me state." My friend Louise say that the similarity was the after hrs joints and small food businesses that existed. One thing for sure these guys loved their hometown for whatever reasons. I see similar situations in both places as in many places in the USA where small cities depended on 1 major business. One of our major business was GM. I left Flint for 15 years and was surprise to see the changes that were taking place. My CA. husband did not like "small" Flint, Which was home for me. Well time told our story and GM hold only a few plants now in MI. My man left but I stayed. When I look at pictures of E.St.Louis they remind me of Flint but I still have hope and love for my hometown I have good memories of places that no longer exist in my town but I'm here to make a difference. The abandon houses and business buildings, the increase in crimes and murders....Young people terrorize elder people, drive by shooting; because these are smaller cities these crimes are amplified. I didn't see these things until approx. 1975 just before I left MI. I've always wanted to visit E.St.L. but, people who have relatives in St. Louis, Mo. "say you dont want to be there after dark." Acer Crump died here in MI. And I lost touch with the other guys. But what other place would sell a tribe sandwich? I enjoyed hearing stories about E.St.L. from James and Lil Bud. Today I hope for changes in Flint and it may become a college town and I hope and pray that E.ST.L. finds it niche and revitalize itself with the help of its community, God-willing. One day I may visit your fair city...Scooby Doo

Ron		14-Feb-2011 18:15
I lived on North Park Drive, only blue house in the park. My memoe

Tony Houston.		11-Feb-2011 16:54
This is for Bonnie Fulford - Stewart, ( Taylor ). I grew up in Rosemont, the Roosevelt Homes as well. My name is Tony Houston, I am Jerry Kimbrell's cousin. I have brother named Steve, you might remember him. Anyway, you name sound awfully familiar. I hate to tell you this, but Jerry Kimbrell passed away late last year. Jerry was one of the most caring people I ever knew, and he is terribly missed. It's nice hearing from one who grew up ther in the projects too. Take care.

jim		10-Feb-2011 10:45
i lived at 620 rear trenley that was the old south in that is when it was a wonderful place to live WHAT HAPEN/????????????????-1940s

Guest		10-Feb-2011 03:59
I wouldn't trade my childhood memories of growing up on russell ave for nothing.I went to Harding Mr Moore was the principle all my brothers and sister went there I could go on and on we used to play baseball all the time by the fire station or we went to play at the Frank Holton State Park the boat house with the float docks was really cool. I was born in 1956 and lived there till 1970. i remember going to Thunderbird Skating Rink with my friends my parents would take us to A & W for a rootbeer float yeah it was good times its sad how things turned out.

Milton		07-Feb-2011 03:28
I grew up in ESL in the 50's and 60's. I went to Washington for kindergarden, Franklin(1-6), it burned down a year later, Hughes-Quinn(7-9), and Lincoln(10th). My family moved out of state in July 1970 just before the really long teacher strike, and I haved lived in this City for 40 years. But ESL will always be home. In 1965, I remember standing on the corner of Collinsville & Missouri and saw President Johnson, a Illinois State Trooper put me on his shoulders. I loved going to Leading Foods Store on 8th & Trendley, Mrs Love Confectionery on 8th & Bond. Watching the Gateway Arch come out the ground to the last piece in 1966 from Franklin and playing on the Interstate with my brother and counsins as it was being build. The Interstate took out Franklin Park where we played and had fights. When I played sports at H-Q and Lincoln I remembered we always were cheated and if we won, we had to win big so there was no doubt.

Bonnie Fulford-Stewart		02-Feb-2011 08:04
Bonnie (formerly) Taylor Wow! What an amazing can of worms I've just opened! I went online to find someone who might have a recipe for Price's Nightmare, and found all of this! What a great idea. A forum for venting about what a mess our hometown has become, a memory lane, a missing persons "milk carton", and more! Looking at your photos, after being away for thirty + years, I feel almost sick. This must be how the people who grew up in Chernobyl feel....but I'm glad that you did it. My territory was The Roosevelt Homes, Hawthorne Elementary, Landsdowne Jr. High, Jones(es)Park...Does anyone else remember the motorboat rides? Or the wonderful fountain that changed shapes, and Hernando's Hideaway behind the fountain.. There was so much. We were so lucky to have been there, then. Now, I'm living my "cowboy" dreams, inspired by childhood TV. Living in the project, I wished that I could be on the Ponderosa, in the Yukon, or wherever they filmed Lawman, Maverick, The Rebel, Cheyenne..etc. Now, I look up at fourteen thousand foot mountains from my Colorado Rockies home, everyday. I saw Jerry Kimbrell's name in the posts...I sat across the aisle from him in class, and watched him making beautiful elaborate designs out of people's names. I hope that he and all of the others, who used to be so significant in my life, are also where they want to be.

Guest		01-Feb-2011 21:21
GUEST I moved to Centreville in 1963 from Chicago. Loved the close knit community. Moved to Connecticut in 1992. Have fond memories of the splash parties given at Lincoln Park. Also remember going downtown on Saturdays to Woolworth for a slice of pizza and then to the "record" shop for the latest 45!

Rick B		30-Jan-2011 10:22
We lived close by a lady who worked at the Stop Light Restaurant. Once in a while She would bring home The chicken left over from that night in a big brown Grocery Bag and give it the the kids on the street. That was the best chicken in the world. Wish I had the recipe. Do You remember the tamale man going up and down State Street ? Kids always spread rumors that He used Cat Meat. If Anybody has that chicken recipe I'd sure love to have it!!

GPJ		26-Jan-2011 21:13
I lived and worked in ESL until college. Lived on 19 st, walked to and from work to 54 st and downtown. Yes it was scarry but learned early how to handle the situation. A lot of good memories and don't regret growing up there. Only wish we could enjoy the city in this late time of life. Remember ice scating at Jones park's lagoon, fishing at Grand Maris, walking out on the new bridge when it was being built, hopping trains for fun, looking forward to the annual carnival, swimming after hours at the KofC and not getting caught, sleeping and playing at the corner light, fun at the local drive in movies, etc. etc. etc. Wouldn't change it for the world.

Carol Winning Tiffin		23-Jan-2011 00:35
I was born in Christian Welfare Hospital in 1937. My grandfather Dr. Charles C. Winning delivered me and my brother. We grew up riding our our bikes to Jones Park to swim and riding the bus to the Majetic Theater. We would also go on day trips aboard the Admiral. We would pack lunches and ride to the bluffs for the day. We attended Hawthorne Elementary and Lansdowne JR High. I remember it as a great place to grow-up! And it saddens me deeply to learn of its ststus today.

Guest		21-Jan-2011 23:45
My name is Anne Walker and I am running for City Council in East St. Louis. the primary is 2/22/11. I posted this on face book today: > A friend responded saying that East St. Louis got All America City status in 1959, which is true. A trip thru google landed me once again on this site and to someone's comment about the city deserving the status of, " City of Crime". While I am not looking @ East St. Louis through rose colored glasses, I do want to accent the city's positive sides and build toward reconstructing it once again to be worthy of All America City title. Plz send recommendations to awlk4council@aol.com.

Guest		21-Jan-2011 15:37
Rick, I remember walking all over East Saint Louis in the 60's and 70's. Going to Jones Park. Walking across the Eads bridge to Saint Louis, Missouri. Those were the good ole days, we had fun, never worried about being abdudcted!

Bennie F. Bonner Jr.		20-Jan-2011 15:30
Heartbreaking how our city continues to spiral out of control. No tax base, no public services, no bright future! Remember the reasonably good times because it will take 50 years before ESL will be a great city again!

Tony. Houston.		18-Jan-2011 16:58
Pam. Kissinger, Do you remember how we use to dress up for Halloween and parade around Slade School ? How about the picnics they use to have every year at the end of the school year ? Remember the little stores they had close to the school ? One we called the boy's store and the other one we called the girl's store ? Do you remember me, My name is Tony. Houston. ?

judiann		17-Jan-2011 16:04
Do any of you remember the shanty/tent cities next to the Mississippi River on the East Side growing up? Would be the late '40s and '50s I do, but never have seen any photos of this part of history. Just the memories of looking out the car window as a little kid and wondering about all the people who lived there.

Pam Kisslinger (Farnum)		16-Jan-2011 23:39
Lived at 823 North 23rd St. Attended Slade. Born 1954. Segregation then was the fence dividing the girls playground from the boys! Remember the library bus, Liberty Stamps, the Halloween parade and Santa? No pics though. Grandma attendede Rosemont Baptist Church, I still have a hymnal and am still Baptist. I oft wondered why E. St. Louis did not prosper. We moved in 1963 to Caseyville.

Kevin Bernard Taylor		12-Jan-2011 22:03
I must admit, some of these postings are very interesting....but respected. Sherry Williams, I've been asking about you for years! Attached is an e-mail addy where I can be reached. I would love to do some catching up with you! I haven't forgot about that dance. :) As far as East Saint.....everyone has their own opinion, and many of them may be factual, but there's still hope in the boogie!

Rick B		06-Jan-2011 10:27
Tara, I didn't know Locke Stove burned. I guess I'm getting old . I think more back than I do forward. I made 2.29 an Hour and cleared 77 Dollars a week.Gas was around 30 cents a gallon. Would You believe that on that 77 Dollars My wife and I could pay our rent and bills and would have 7 Dollars left to get through the week. On that 7 Dollars I could keep gas in the car and have coffee money for work plus We could go to a movie that Saturday?

Tara J.		05-Jan-2011 04:19
Stumbled upon this...To this day, I tell people I'm from East Saint Louis without hesitation. I'm much to young to have experienced East Boogie in it's HayDay. I went to Dunbar, Clark and Lincoln c/o '89. I attended Truelight and worked for Officer Funeral Home. I shopped at Leading Food store, Shop City, and BBQ from Sandy's, burgers from Shebas. I remember the high energy parades down State Street. I grew up in the 800 block of North 33rd street between St. Clair and Summit. I remember the Locke Stove fire. Driving to Fairview Heights to do any real shopping. I vowed that if I ever rich that I would restore ESL. So many memories...

Guest		05-Jan-2011 04:02
To: AllAMCTY 1959 I'm sorry to hear about Henry. He wasn't the type to provoke anyone. The Dinan's were all hard working people. My older brother went to Sacred Heart and Assumption with Tim Dinan. Just another senseless death in East St.Louis. I moved West in '74 and missed alot of the local news. I live in Minneapolis, MN now. But keep up with St. Louis news on the internet. I remember the Pit tavern. It was owned by an E. St. Louis police officer. Dennis Duchinowski used to tend bar there. I knew Harold Price. He coached our grade school football team. Another senseless murder. He also was hard working and put people to work. East St.Louis will always be my hometown. Can't change that, nor would I want to. I remember more gentler times when we would walk to Jones's park and play pick-up softball and football. Hang out at the pool till it closed and walk home without any fear of being robbed or assaulted. We were more afraid of hobo's near the railroad tracks than other E. St. Louis residents. E. St. Louis needs help. It looks like its going to need an ACT of Congress to right the ship. Tim Keniley

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!!		03-Jan-2011 02:02
TO: Timothy Keniley Hi Tim, yes I knew all three Dinan boys. They played on our softball team in the 70's. I also knew Henry's wife Nora (Horner) and his dad. Henry would pick me up in his 1968 Chevrolet SS back then and give me a ride to the games. I believe he worked on the railroad. One night coming home from work he stopped at the Pit Tavern on 13th and St Clair,ESL. When he left he went to the rear of the tavern where there were several racist thugs, who then robbed him and shot him in the back. He asked them to spare his life and they just laughed at him and walked away. Several years later Henry died probably a result from his injury. Henry and his family were some of the best people I have ever met.

Rick B		02-Jan-2011 09:59
1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!! We moved to ESL in about 1954. I had a lot of experiences also.I graduated High School in 1966 on a Friday and found a job the next Monday. I worked at Locke Stove for 3 years and then went to work at Hunter Packing for 8 Years. I'd lock the doors about the time I got close to Rush City, and if there were a bunch standing on a corner I'd blow the stop sign. 2 of my friends at Hunter were murdered. Both were shot, and one of them was shot at work. He worked the recieving pens for hogs, and some guys tried to rob him because they thought he kept the money for paying the farmers when they brought in a load of hogs. They shot him because He did not have any money. One time a bunch spread out across the road to stop us and needless to say We put the petal to the floor and they scattered like a bunch of buzzards.I had lots of friends there, both white and black, and they all just wanted to work and have good lives,but all there is left now are poor "old" people who have no way out and bad people who won't let "anybody" get ahead.

Timothy Keniley		02-Jan-2011 02:51
I went to grade school with Henry Dinan. Knew all the Dinan brothers. The family owned Dinan's grill on about 10th and St. Clair Ave. Very sad to hear about Henry. We were in the same grade at Sacred Heart on 8th and Baugh. I would be interested to hear from anyone from that neighborhood. My family lived on 800 Summit Ave. Tim Keniley

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!		31-Dec-2010 05:05
To Rick B Rick sounds like you and I are from the same generation. I was 4TH generation. Both sides of my family moved to ESL in the early 1900's. There was a total of around 25 homes my family owned during this time period. Every single one of them has been burned down by criminals with the exception of the house on 39th & State Street. (But sadly the last time I went by there, it is shrouded with a blue tarp, it won't be around much longer) I have a lot of fond memories of my lost home town. As you know it was a great town before the 60's. If you needed a job you could find any type of work! Then around 1964 something happened.....crime began to rise. BIG TIME! Some people blame the companies. They said the COMPANIES moved out and left the city high and dry! BS! Most companies just plain went out of business. THE OTHER COMPANIES THAT DID MOVE OUT WAS BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENCE AND CRIME! New businesses would not move in because of the escalating crime rate! WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD OPEN A BUSINESS DOWN IN THIS WAR ZONE?! At one time ESL had the 2nd LARGEST stockyards in the WORLD, next to Chicago!. It also had THE LARGEST railroad YARDS in the WORLD! ESL had 11 brewery's, 10 meat packing plants, 14 new car dealerships, and many, many more businesses and factories! FROM 1964 till 1974 THIS IS SOME OF WHAT I PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED!! 1) WE WERE CHASED HOME FROM SCHOOL EVERYDAY BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN. 2) MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR AND HIS SON WERE MURDERED! 3) MY SISTER RAPED! 4) BOTH SETS OF MY GRANDPARENTS ROBBED AT GUN POINT! 5) GENTLEMAN DOWN THE STREET, A SECURITY GUARD AT LACLED GAS CO. ON 40TH & STATE MURDERED! 6) MR PRICE WHO OWNED PRICE'S DRIVE INN RESTURANT ON 35TH & ST CLAIR, SHOT TO DEATH IN COLD BLOOD! 7) I WAS MUGGED AND ALMOST MURDERED AT GUN POINT AT THE W.T GRANT'S STORE IN BROAD DAY LIGHT! 8) MY BUDDY HENRY DINAN WAS SHOT IN THE BACK AND PARALIZED AS HE WAS WALKING TO HIS CAR BY THUGS! IN SUMMARY WHEN WE LEFT EAST ST LOUIS IN 1974 MY RELATIVES LOST EVERYTHING, THE HOUSE WASNT WORTH A DOLLAR! IT BROKE MY GRANDPARENT'S HEARTS...THEY THOUGHT ESL WOULD COME BACK SOMEDAY. IT WONT. NOT UNTIL THE BANKRUPT STATE OF ILLINOIS LEVELS THE TOWN AND SELLS IT TO FARMERS TO ONCE AGAIN GROW CROPS. THEN MAYBE IN A HUNDRED YEARS IT COULD START OVER. FACTS ARE STUBBORN THINGS.

Rick B		30-Dec-2010 18:37
1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!! Jones Park.That is sad. My Dad and Uncle used to take us kids there once in a while on a Saturday and BBQ and play ball in 1958 and 1959. My Brother and I looked forward to going to the pool at 1:00 every Sunday. Later on I would go there with a girlfriend and We'd walk around the park all day, just holding hands and enjoying the place. I guess people who lived there just gave up . A few volunteers can keep anything up if they put out the effort.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!		29-Dec-2010 23:24
To Rick B : Rick I just took some pictures at the Park this summer....its HORRIBLE! They turned the swimming pool into a playground! The fountain is there but not running, all the ball diamonds are trashed....the restrooms are not working.....the roads through out the Park have not been repaired in 35 years...the beautful, natural turf tennis courts are gone! Bums and winos are roaming the park trying to steal something or rob somebody! Other than that its fine...just like the rest of the sess pool of ESL!

Rick B		29-Dec-2010 22:41
What does Jones Park look like now? Any Pics ? We had great times there.

Dan Simpson		29-Dec-2010 16:10
To those who went to Jefferson School in the 50's contact me dantrico@centurytel.net

Chauna		29-Dec-2010 11:11
Outrageous..., totally Outrageous!

brenda		29-Dec-2010 02:44
I lived on 8th & state st right down from Blacky Mcknights cab stand & the funeral home. While living in e. st. louis I enjoyed it because that was all I knew. Went to webster elementary; rock highschool & graduated from Lincoln. As I type this soooo many fond memories. I visit often & would like to hear from those webster elites (smile). Do you remember Mr. Hudson; Ms Hall; Ms. Finley; Mr. Marcelle? Hey do you all remember Tuche' The DJ. (lol)

Lawrence		25-Dec-2010 06:30
Wow, I just discovered this site tonight on Christmas eve..To all of my fellow East Sider's, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. My name is Lawrence Matthews Jr, born in St Louis because in 1953, they didn't allow Black children to be born at St Mary's Hospital. A flood of memories washes over me as I type this tonight, I grew up in Pollock town too(Hey Pat Crisp), went to New Hope Baptist as a young boy. I am a graduate of Attucks, Clark Jr High, East Side & the Univ. of Iowa. Played a little football along the way with some awesome dudes. Eddie Smith, Greg Lewis, Larry Rodgers, Cortez Kennedy, Greg Epperson, Roderick Fisher(Bull),Marion Stallings, Tim Moody, Tyrone Gillispie, & Charles Martin, to name a few! I echo the sentiments of many of you every time I return to my mid-western roots, in the sadness of it's people & the decay of a once great city. I was home as recent as this past November to see my parents, daughter, sisters and other relatives that remain in East St Louis. My wife Paula of 28 years and I currently reside in the capital city of California. If there are any of you out there near here, holla, would love to hear from you. Roosevelt Nixon, turned me on to this site, a fellow homie that I ran into while working for the same gas & electric company here in Northern Cali. I truly could go on all night, but we have a house full of grandbabies bouncing off the walls waiting on "Santa" to get here and I getting ready to go put their butts to sleep! My soul remains in East Saint as my physical body resides in Sacramento and I will never be ashamed of where I'm from. East Saint helped to shape me into the man I am today, from my parents, grandparents, coaches and pastors that either whipped my butt when I acted up or a helping hand when I needed it. There have been many great people that have either been born there, lived there or passed through East St Louis, and our lives will never be the same. My vision has not been tainted by rose colored glasses, because I have seen not only the good of E. St Louis, but the bad & ugly side as well. I don't have a solution as to how this once proud Lady can be resurrected, but I do know it's genesis starts with prayer. God Bless U all!

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!		23-Dec-2010 23:55
Venise WRITE ON THE MONEY!! GOD BLESS YOU!

Venise		23-Dec-2010 19:21
CONTINUED>>> TO JAY AND BRENDARICH: Can I get a book to read, please? Well she called my father and smiled at me when she hung up. The phone was on her desk...hum. Well, when my dad arrived he had a smirk on his face and a bag in his hand. My dad left work, went home, gathered all the damn paperchains we had made that week and brought them to her. He respectfully let the teacher explain the reason for calling him off his job; and when she finished telling him the dumbest story ever told, my dad just looked at me. I looked back at him and the funniest thing happened. I laughed! I laughed so hard, whoa! Then he dumped the whole bag of paper chains on her desk. What I am getting at Jay and Brendarich is that this so-called teacher didn't care to teach us, but to make sure we stayed quiet until it was time to go home. My father quickly figured out what was going on and decided that this was not the place for me or any child for that matter. But he was going to make quite sure that I wasn't going to be caught up in this awful and unfortunate situation. I did not go back and I didn't get my butt whooped as she had hoped. This teacher wanted to scare me into thinking that if I didn't do what she said, no matter how stupid and ridiculous that my father was going to beat me black and blue because he apparently was just as stupid and ignorant would only be thinking about the money he was losing and not what was REALLY going on with his child. Not my parents. Sorry, they weren't the ignorant type who was so ghetto they couldn't tell the difference. When he got done with her in an ever so kindly fashion, she couldn't even hold her head up. So, what I am saying is not second hand. Do I believe that ESL is the only city that has crime? NO. But this site is about ESL right? So we are addressing the issues here, right? Or are we talking about some other city? Brendarich, I know of the sweet. The green fields, frogs croaking and hopping about after the sun goes down, the crickets deafing high-noon call in the summer, large night crawlers after a heavy rains and the fish that run in the lakes, streams and rivers. The land is rich but the people are not. I am describing it just as it is, so what are you going to do about it? What have you done about it. This place as far as the people has become worse. Check the projects and the schools and you will find all the issues at it's highest concentrations there. I still try to help my extended family, but I have to get over the language barrier first. Many of the younger ones don't know the meaning of simple words of the English language and seem to get confused and puffed up and I wonder what in the world is this? I am not speaking Spanish or some foriegn language. They put on a good pretense, like they understand and they look at me like "who do you think you are?" because I don't mispronounce and slur my words. Should I go on? Or isn't it exhausting?

Venise		23-Dec-2010 19:17
TO: JAY AND BRENDARICH Oh come on Jay, really!? Clean up my act? First of all, I am not a felon and haven't committed any crimes. "ALL" of my parents' children have an education and the last is heading to college next year. Secondly, I have read and seen so much crime within the two months I have been back to ESL than I have experienced the whole time I lived in Los Angeles! I understand that you and brendarich are trying to pump up the place, but you need to take off the rose colored glasses and stop acting as if everything is all butterflies and snowflakes, because it is not! In order to help people you need to know exactly the problems you are dealing with so you can learn how to address them. What I expressed is exactly what I experienced. These experiences are facts and first hand. Not some conclusion I speculated after reading the stories posted on this site. I was born here several years ago and have only seen this place become worse. When I left here during my primary school years and entered the Los Angeles Unified School District system, it was then when I learned just what kind of education I had received so far from ESL. All my teachers here were Black. They allowed us to say whatever, and did not care to correct our pronounciation of words of the English language. But didn't we deserve to be taught correctly? My mother would ask me to read her the stories I was reading in class and when I finished my parents looked at me with great saddeness and confusion. What in the Hell was those teachers encouraging? and why wasn't it being corrected? So, what did I get for Christmas that year? Books, Flash Cards, a desk, a chalk board, a film projector, writing paper and a dictionary. Oh I forgot one doll and a bike. My parents jumped in and put a halt to that ridiculousness. From then on my parents wanted to know everything I was learning. But the moment of truth came when my Black teacher decided that she was going to call my father while he was at work and she kept emphasizing the fact he was at his job and how I was going to get my butt whooped when she told him how I was acting! LOL! ROTFL (Rolling On The Floor Laughing) This lady was going to call my father on his job and tell him why I refused to make paperchains everyday, all day in class. Paperchains, oh come on Jay and Brendarich! Wake up! I was so disgusted with this Black woman who forced her large wide frame in a chair that cried out for help as it's legs creaked in anquish as she sat in it "all day". Yes all day! I was surprised. This teacher couldn't handle my issue like a teacher, but like a child that could not get her way. We had been doing this paperchain thing all week and it was getting awfully boring!

Buzzard		23-Dec-2010 18:46
Dose anyone think gold is in east st louis.

brendarich		23-Dec-2010 04:12
Venise! Why so critical and bitter? Where's the sweet? East Saint Louis could use some help. The City needs love and encouragement! As long as there's life there is hope. I pray God will raise you up to "be" a part of the restoration this City so desperately needs.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!		23-Dec-2010 03:58
REGARDING : 22-Dec-2010 21:43 JAY Leave Venise ALONE! SHE IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY!! Almost 40 murders in a town of less than 20,000 is one of the worst in the WORLD!!! Get a life Jay and go back to CLUB CASINO!!!!!

Guest		22-Dec-2010 21:43
OK Venise, " be killed doing so" clean up your own act before criticizing others. East Saint Louis is not the only city where people are getting killed. Look around the United States. I see you have a one track mind. Jay

heaven forbid		16-Dec-2010 06:01
I sure hope East St louis never goes away because if it did, some of the people there might move by me

Tony. Houston.		10-Dec-2010 13:48
I loved growing up in East. St. Louis. I love what it once was, not what it is today.

Guest		09-Dec-2010 16:18
To Dan Simpson. (Posting 5/10) I went to Jefferson with you, your list of names brought back a lot of memories. I hope you still check this site occassionally. Do you remember Carol Thierry, and Shelia?

Venise		08-Dec-2010 23:30
All of you know how bad it is here. I just read in the newspaper about an elderly lady being strangled in her home, another tied up and robbed, a couple being sexually assulted by four teens. I met an elderly man that was defrauded of thousands of dollars over a home that the seller never owned. I met a lady who said she was a school teacher and couldnt believe all the words she mispronounced! Yes, this is the country, but we need to teach our children to speak proper English and pronounce the words correctly. No one is going to give ESL a handout. We must help ourselves. Peoples thinking abilities here are so wrong and so deeply entrenched, there isnt a shovel big enough to dig these people out. That is why no one wants to be bothered with ESL because you might get robbed or be killed doing so. These parents talk to their children like dogs here, and have more money to spend on Wigs, Weaves, fake nails, knock-offs of designer clothing and some raggdy boyfriend or babydaddy than clean clothes for the children! thanks to the great job of parents who dont have half a brain themselves, the kids have learned to curse you out faster than you can so "I". Most of the children look depressed and hopeless. I heard that the Railroad brought plenty jobs here but when it came down to a urine and hair sample for the drug test. 90% of the Blacks couldnt pass it. A large percentage of those that could become employed worked just enought to get a paycheck and then start coming in late, calling off work and guess who got the jobs now? I went to visit my great aunt in one of the elder care facilities and half of the people there I wouldnt trust with a pet frog. Whomever decided that they were going to make ESL Hell on earth and make sure that it would not ever recover, accomplished their task.

Tony Green		07-Dec-2010 19:43
WOW!! I have read some of the things different individuals have emailed, and it is great to read how each individual express their feelings about this city. I am one who moved away from East St. Louis once I graduated in 1981, and I have traveled around the world, but I have always visited the place I consider the first home of my life every year, and I admire the people who are still trying to keep this city on the map. With continue prayer, and hard work it will not become that ghost town, and to the people who think East St. Louis is "BAD" travel to some of these foreign countries..

1959 All American City!!		06-Dec-2010 16:29
CITY OF CRIME!! EAST ST. LOUIS 12/06/10..... Police are looking for three men wearing hoods and ski masks who kicked down the door of a 77-year-old woman who lives in the 1600 block of Boismenue. The suspects tied the woman up with duct tape, then they went to her bedroom looking for money. They found and took a safe from her bedroom closet.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		06-Dec-2010 02:41
JUST A TYPICAL WEEK IN THE SMALL TOWN ON THE BANKS OF THE MISSISSIPPI! EAST ST. LOUIS -- A person of interest is being held in connection with the death of a 81-year-old Herma J. Carr, who was found strangled in her home last week 12/05/10....Police were called to the scene of a reported homicide about 2:30 p.m. Friday at 57th and State streets. The 25th homicide of the year! 12/05/10....East St. Louis police were dispatched to Club Flava about 4:47 a.m., to investigate a call that report gunshots fired and a man down.

Guest		06-Dec-2010 02:30
Does anyone remember Helms Parkway Inn, across from Jones Park, and down the street from Parson'd Field? My family owned it from 1927 to 1954. Grandparents known as Aunt Mary and Pop to everyone. Parents---Wesley and Virginia (Ginny). I was born at Christian Welfare in 1950; no, it was not a welfare hospital! lived on College Ave., then 25th. Went to Longfellow and Slade, attended First Methodist. Moved to Granite City in 1961 due to father's job, but went back for a long time after to see family and friends. First Prom at East Side Jan. 1967!

Tacompsy		02-Dec-2010 23:47
I miss East Side, I went to school and live there for a while. I was borned in St.louis no better. People has lost there mind in St.Louis. If you can get out or go to the county do it. I am now in Texas with my family, waiting on my son

Guest		28-Nov-2010 18:20
I was born in East Saint Louis, and am appauled to see how the industry had moved in, made their money and left..leaving the town in dispair. Until the 70's my family lived there. East Saint Louis is now a ghost town. Even though the business have left there is no reason to let the town become a rubble of trash. People trashed the area, and have since moved to surrounding neighborhoods to start trashing it. There is no reason to build an area up just to let those that don't care destroy it.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		25-Nov-2010 21:59
TO: A RIGG, What drugs are you tripping on? The people on the bluff, the state of Illinois and the Federal tax payers have wasted more money in ESL the last 40 years with nothing to show but FAILURE! NO! No more money to this arm pit of a city that has been long GONE! The only businesses left in ESL are strip joints, crack houses, Discos, liquors stores and wig shops! Anybody with half of a brain needs to get out now so that the State/Fed's can come in and level the city like they are doing in Detroit. Then sell the city to farmers so they can do something productive like growing crops! Any people that won't move transfer them to the Chicago ghetto or North St. Louis! Why don't you write your president and ask him to make a visit to ESL and he can tell them to just hang on for some more of that "Hope and Change"!

guest		24-Nov-2010 00:29
From Proverty, to slum, now just plain ghetto. I am glad I left and will never go back. For what? to put my tax $$$ in somebody else hand to live comfortable, because the citizens will never see it unless you are in the click as usual. Loving LA

a rigg		22-Nov-2010 15:03
i'm reading a book about the gross inequalities in education, citing E. St Louis schools as an example. I think the rich folk up on the bluff and the chemical companies around should be ashamed of themselves for not coming together en masse and swooping down on this poor city & the wonderful people there-in and helping out in every way a neighbor should. Shame on them forever & their rotten greed & bless the wonderful kind good people of East St Louis - PEACE ON EARTH !!!

Guest		21-Nov-2010 14:39
well these photos are a reminder of what ESL once was and what it is now. I still live here and hold out hope that it will return to the great city it once was and bring back the pride we all use to have.

Guest		18-Nov-2010 19:58
My name is Father Donald M Weeks, OSB. I lived at 1702 MLK and was chaplain of Gateway Community Hospital (formally Christian Welfare)During my time there I was robbed twice. The police did nothing about it, even though I knew who did it. But I knew Wyvetter Younge and Kenneth Hall and decided to stay in ESL. I sponsored classes at Clark Jr. High and held a parade for the old folks at the hospital. I knew and visited with many young thugs and was appointed to the Gang Task Force by the President of the USA. I often attended the McCausland Church. I remember Jones Park and Parsons Father Donald M Weeks OSB

ESL born and raised		17-Nov-2010 20:46
i agree with Mr. Guest because ESL is still where my grandmother live and i just left there like three months ago and I missed home before I even left ESL is home it will never be forgotten and its wrong how you all can say that you may or may not lived there but to put my city down like it never had potential i think honestly who ever lived in the 618 area period or not you wouldn't be the person you are today

edward carpenter		15-Nov-2010 06:45
My name is edward carpenter I'm 47 yrs old grew up on Hall street in E.st Louis and in the gompers, My folks ran M.C's lounge in the 70,s up to the late 80's both of them are gone now my cuz was Robert perry who own Perry's lounge across the street on 9th an exchange. let's all get together and have a big ass party.

sherry		10-Nov-2010 03:09
Hello I'm Sherry Williams-I saw the comment from Kevin Floyd (State st address)I lived on 53rd the dead end st lived right up the street from Linda Gregory and the Ames Temple. I attended hawthorne elementary,then clark jr high and of course E.side high. Would love to touch bases with some other class mates if you have a clue where anyone might be. Bernard Taylor, Gerald Brooks,June Hamilton(female) Elise Preston,Vian Prude, Jacqueline Williams,Karen Walker,Hope Carruthers,Cherry Swift, Cedric. Part of the e.side chess team during 1977-1980 timeframe

Guest from the past		09-Nov-2010 18:45
I grew up in E. St. Louis in the 60-80's attended Slade, Clark Jr. High and the fabulous flyers--E. St. Louis Sr. High. I felt the support of both family and friends and not to mention the neighbor that cared for the children within the area. It was a true village and I felt safe and loved. I recently visited my neighborhood and what sad sight to see, my heart grieved and I suddenly wonder if the people were the same, (caring and kind)?

karen		03-Nov-2010 07:31
I was born in E St Louis in 1947. My mother's name was Marjorie Trice. She had two sisters; Eva and Doris. If these people are familiar to anyone, could you respond to this posting.

Chaundelyne		01-Nov-2010 17:49
I had relatives that lived around the 25th & Waverly area, lol. I remember the B&P variety that sat on the corner there of 25th & Waverly and Fas... Ass... Valerie that worked there on the inside.

Chaundelyne		29-Oct-2010 14:06
To Ladycamaro, you maybe able to find info on your subject matter at the East St. Louis Public Library. I know they were an archive once that kept very old articles on microfiche and things of that nature. Hell..., I was even shocked to find an old telephone book from 1967 which had my late grandma's phone number published in it. I hate very much I didn't have that page xeroxed, damn! You should be able to find it there if you've not found what you're seeking by now.

den		28-Oct-2010 12:03
I and my brother,sisters were born on Bond Avenue.I still remember the house like yesterday.I went to Alti Sida School for one year and then we moved to Maplewood.I herd stories of the crime later on but i dont remember any when i was there.That was like 1948 to 1956.Great Great pictures realy love some of the old houses.My dad worked for a company called KEY company.My uncle worked for the ILL.Railroad,My Aunt worked for a large packing house.

Louann Foster		20-Oct-2010 00:27
Hello my name is Louann (Buchholz). I was born in July of 1957 at Christian Welfare Hospital.I attended Longfellow school until 2 months in to my 4th grade year when we re-located for my dads job. I also attended Lansdowne Baptist Church.We often went to Jones' Park. My 1st grade teacher was Mrs. Williams, other teacher's names I remember were Mrs. Mabry, and Mrs Coke.If there is anyone out there that recognizes my name, please feel free to get in touch. I often think about living there. Some of the streets were 21st street, and Parsons Ave. etc.I can remember my patenal grandparents lived on 36th & Waverly and my maternal grandparents lived on St Clair Ave. It is really a shame that places end up like E St. Louis has, but it only happens if you let it happen. I am really happy that my brother found this site and told me about it so that maybe I can find some of my classmates.

Marvinetta Woodley-Penn		18-Oct-2010 02:53
Marvinetta I was born and raised in East St. Louis in the 50's through most of the 70's. I loved the city and still visit friends and family still there. The town of my youth, though segregated, was all about family and community. Adults could chastise you and not blink an eye. But of course that was a totally different era. I fondly remember my days at John Robinson, Hughes Quinn and Lincoln. Great parents, neighbors and teachers helped make me the person I am today. I'd love to find Mr. Trent, Mr. Barber, Mr. Rothschild and Mr. Avery and just see where they are now.

Peggy		15-Oct-2010 20:54
I was born and raised in E. St. Louis (1940 @ St. Mary's) and am very blessed to have carried the memories of that great city to this day. I never fail to tell someone how it was to grow up there. It was a time when children could play outside by themselves and never be afraid or even thinking anything would happen to them. There was a nightclub on collinsville ave. a block or so before getting to broadway, I would walk from 6th street and set on the curb, just to watch all the fancy dressers come and go. I can't remember the name of the place. I also remember the Avenue Theater,(owned by Mr. Hamburger) the tickets were only ten cents, while the Majestic was fifteen cents.and all the dime stores. My sister used to work at a place called Skyes Drug Store, & we all would go there for cherry cokes or cherry fosfates. We later moved out on Bond Avenue and I attended Lafayette School. 1st thru 8th grade,graduating in 1954, and later went to Dupo High. I would love to hear from some of my old classmates. I could go on & on, but won't at this time, I'm excited that I came across this web site. LATER!!!!

James (Jaybird) Norris		11-Oct-2010 22:50
Wow, ran up on this by chance. Lots of good dialouge. I was born in E. St. Louis on the 21st day of 1945, I spent my early years in "Lock Town", 300 block of N. 27th St. Went to Attucks Elementary, Hughes-Quinn and Rock. Moved to the Gompers as a High-Schooler andwent to East Side. E. St. Louis wasn't the Murder Capital of the world when I grew up there, it was "Home",all of my values come from growing up there and Going to Morning Star Baptist Church led by Rev. Garfield Hubbard! I have four (4) children, they all were born at Christian Welfare, My Mom retired from there! I grew up in the Gompers with people like O.C. Hughes and Chico Davis who cared about young people and offered them haven at "The Club" and "The Sal". Kudos to my old friend Odie, I am so happy for you, my friend! I left East Boogie in 1995 and traveled the world, God Blessed me with the job opportunity. I live in the Chicago area now, but my heart is still at home. My daughter lives in Granite City and teaches in 189 and I still have many relatives down there, maybe they are in Belleville, Granite City, Shiloh, but it is still home. Every now and again, I get a taste for a "Snoot", have to go home, can't get it anywhere else, sometimes it's a St. Paul sandwich, can't get it anywhere else. I have lived in New York with the biggest Chinatown in the USA, ask for a St. Paul, they look at you like you are crazy, same thing in Chicago, 2nd largest Chinatown.When I show up at my daughters door, she asks me, "what is it, a snoot or a St. Paul", I tell her both, but most of all to see you and the Grandkids and I just feel soooo good being at home! Stop blaming "White Flight", that happened when I was a young man, in the 70's, what is wrong with E.St.Louis now is, "The Greed of the politians, all of the Federal Grant money squandered because of greed. Help clean it up Odie. God Bless. Jaybird

prodigal son		09-Oct-2010 13:06
there is too much hurt from these people of this site its too much to bare.....let me tell you all a story once there was a city and now there isnt,lets start over.... 1.crime rate is because of poverty. 2.poverty is because of no jobs. 3.no jobs is because no educational support. 4.support starts at home with daddy and mommy. 5.we dont grow our own crops 6.etc....... 7.how many of these do i have to do,lets get started.....

Guest		09-Oct-2010 06:39
I was born in Christian Welfare in 1947. Raised near 62nd street and State and attended Morrison School on 59th Street. I loved ESL back then until I went to Clark Jr. High. Took the city bus to school until I was robbed at knife point for my books, money and once my lunch. Parents transferred me to St. Phillip's and I was never robbed. I used to work with my dad at his shop near the Majestic but I was robbed and beaten one night for $15 bucks. My dad was robbed several times until he had to close his shop and move to Collinsville. I used to enjoy Jone's Park and Parson's field until, you guessed it, robbery, beatings, knifings, etc. I hate to rain on many of your parade's but ESL is a crap hole. The robberies and killings began in the 60s and ran almost all of the nice businesses and high wage earning people out of ESl to Fairview, Belleville, OFallon etc. What is left of ESL is a sewer.

Kevin Floyd		26-Sep-2010 02:41
Stumbled on this site much by accident and will have to come back when I have more time to browse the comments. I was not born in East St. Louis, but moved there in 1968 when I was 4. I lived at the corner of 22nd and Kansas and then on State Street. I have so many good memories about growing up in East St. Louis.

sheerelegance1922		23-Sep-2010 17:29
I was born in ESL in the late 50's, attended Franklin Elementary, Hughes Quinn Jr. High and Lincoln Sr. High. I also have extremely fond memories of my childhood living in the Southend/6th Street area. Our community was like one big happy family everyone new each other.. Teachers often lived in the same community they taught. We could sleep outside on a pallet or leave doors and windows open to catch a night breeze. I moved away shortly after college to Columbus Ohio. I was born in Christian Welfare Hospital. Amazingly so many places no longer exist anymore including my beloved alma mater where our strong bands shall ne'er be broken fromed at Lincoln High. when I found out that our belved school was closing I felt a part of me was shutting down down too. I recall in the 70's right before it was my turn to go to Lincoln and join the band with Mr. Myrick, the district announced the closing of the school and all freshmen would be sent to East Side, oh how we cried and wailed. Eventually they heard our cries and decided to leave our school open. That was more than likely the begining of the decline of our schools enrollment since so many of the would have been incoming freshmen's parents just left them to attend East side. My graduating class of 1976 consisted of approixmately 97 students but we had just as much school spirit as those that had graduated before us. The rivalry between E.Side and Lincoln was fierce, but no one got hurt, shot or killed, we respected each other. so sad that our hometown has become a cesspool for such violence, our youth respect no one people being shot for somthing as trivial as a cigarette. We all need to interced on behalf of those that remain.

Jackie Kennedy Schmith		21-Sep-2010 15:40
would love to hear from old East St. Louis friends...my late husband went to the Lansdowne Baptist Church...does anyone remember Phillip Schmith? I would love to hear if anyone knows the whereabouts of Joyce Best...I lost contact with her about 30 years ago...my that seems such a long time ago. I was born in 1951 at St. Mary's and grew up on North Park Drive went to Hawthrone and Lansdowne then East Side. My grandmother ran a little store not far from Jones Park Kennedy's confectionary. I unfortuneatley was related to that man that owned Cleve's Grill and spent many an unhappy day there.jackieirish@yahoo.com

Ted Hagler		13-Sep-2010 16:14
I lived in ESL in 1949,1950, and 1951, My father along with my uncle had a lumber & coal yard on St Clair Ave. We lived on 3618 & 3641 Mc Casland ave. I remember the little confectionary on Bond ave. also the park,I think the name of the park was Lafayette park. We had a basketball goal at one end of the tennis court. I remember help building it. It also had a waiding pool in the park, and for some reason they filled it in. I also went to Landsdown Jr. High school I remender one of my teachers was MR. Frazer. when I told him i use to live in Crawfordsville Ind. HE told me that he graduated from Wabash Collage in Cville. I also went to Lafayette Grade school on Bond avenue. One of my teachers there was Mrs. Collens of the 6th. grade. SORRY TO SEE THE deterioration of the city.

Karen		08-Sep-2010 18:15
I was born and raised in ESL in 1959. My last name then was Miles. My family and I lived at 2207 Gaty Ave. I attended Attucks, Martin Luther King Jr High and East Side, graduating in 1977. I have experienced do many memories from reading through the entries here. I remember Crisp Confectionary across fom New Hope Church, which my family and I attended. Would love to hear from any East Side 77' alumni.

One who loved their birth city		08-Sep-2010 14:58
I often feel so sad over what has happened to my birth city, E.St. Louis. I was raised on Gaty Ave. until the middle of my fifth grade and then we moved to N. Park Dr., where I resided with my family until I was almost 24. I then married in E. St. Louis and moved to Collinsville and later moved to St. Louis. I tell my grandchildren how we had so much fun playing outdoors until it was time for us to go to bed. We would play tag or hide and go seek in the dark with the help of a street light and never were we afraid. When asked where I was born and raised I try to justify all the wonderful things that were, at one time, once a great E. St.Louis. Until residents, including politicians, once again regain a pride like we felt about E.St. Louis, it will remain a slum city.

Guest		06-Sep-2010 18:00
my name is wayland smith and i too was born in e.st.louis(pollock town 2137 gaty ave.) relate to the hopkins and the sterlings. my old hood looks like a war zone, empty ad burned houses monsters walking the streets, just a few original "locktown" residents still remain there, its so sad. i love living there when i was a kid in the early to mid 70's wish things could change there and throughout the city....

pjaries07		04-Sep-2010 21:28
Pat (Crisp) Jackson Wow, I stubble upon this site by accident. I live in Houston Texas now and was looking to connect with East Saint Louis natives living in the Houston area. I was home in May of this year and yes it is so sad to see our city in the shape that it’s in. Regardless, it is and always will be home. I love going home, and still have many relatives there, and both of my parents Leroy and Dorcas Crisp are buried there. I grew up in what was called Pollock town for many years until my family moved to 24th street where our family house still remains. I attend Attucks, Parks, Hughes Quinn and East Side High School. I have very fond memories of my childhood. My parents owed Crisp Confectionary on the corner of 24th and Mo. Ave. across from New Hope Church. I am diffidently interested in doing what I can to help revitalize East Saint Louis. East Saint Louis is not alone there are many cities across this country that have been abandoned sort of speak. If anyone from the city lives in the Houston area please contact me. I would love to hear from native East Saint Louisianan, I can be reach at trishjackson07@yahoo.com.

Guest		31-Aug-2010 18:33
I sure wish I could find pictures of Rubies, the Hat Shop on 15th Street, the Chinese Restaurant on 15 & Broadway, the Sportsman's, Mother's, Pudgy's, the Celebrity Room, the Midtown. Where is Joann, Harvey J., Poochie, P. Harris, Mississippi, O. Nelson, E. Leroy? I was quite a party person. Really miss the 60's. Miss East St. Louis even more. Good times in the 60's. Real people back then. East St. Louis was the place to be.

Guest		31-Aug-2010 07:05
my mother abandoned her three sons in east st louis in the mid 60's their names were maurice williams, james williams and randolph williams. does anyone remember 3 brothers last name of williams growing up without a mother? there father's name was james and she supposedly put him in a wheelchair. this might have been around 1966

Brenda Acoff		26-Aug-2010 19:15
Hi my name is Brenda (Price) Acoff. I was born and raised in E. St. Louis and have been here all of my life. I read through many of the postings and as with most, I stumbled on this cite accidentally. I am searching for my twin sisters. The were born sometime in the 1950s. The mother's name is "Louise", I believe she later married a gentleman named "Daniel" (could be his last name). They initially lived on 15th & Bond over the Conrad Fish Market. When they were infants, my parents were slightly involved in their lives, but I have never seen them since they were babies. I have been searching for them, but can not find them. Their names (as I remember) are Deborah and Dorothy. I do not know if they ever took our father's last name which is Price. If anyone reads this posting and can give me any information, please do.

Paul Stacker		22-Aug-2010 22:40
Paul Stacker here. I was born at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis in 1967 and raised in East Saint. I went to Morrison, St. Joseph's, and St. Phillip's for grade school. Attended Assumption and Althoff before graduating from East Side in 1985. Since then, I've done some time in the Army before setling down outside of Tucson, AZ. I keep in touch with friends and family back home, and it saddens me to see that my hometown has gotten worse with the passage of time. I am currently working on my MBA and plam on using the economic revival of East St. Louis as my thesis. My ultimate goal is to help my home become the city it was meant to be. To everyone back in East Saint, Stay Strong and Stay Positive!

J. Turner		21-Aug-2010 20:04
Dream the impossible dream, fight the unbeatable foe, bear the unbearable sorrow, run, where the brave dare not go. Noble, huh? On this city, my birthplace, I fall short. The only running I did, was in haste and away from there. This city is quite a challenge. I heard that the soil is so environmentally damaged there can be no future stake in it. I was born there too, many years ago. Everything you have heard in these writings by many, are true. If ever "the good, bad, and ugly" applies, E. St. Louis is it. I am literally afraid to return. Once driving through along Interstate 70, I was appalled to see how horrendous, not only E. St. Louis is, but St. Louis, Mo, also. The O'Jays had it right. THE WORLD IS A GHETTO. It is uncomprehensible that the United States of America would let it happen to ANY city, let alone, E. St. Louis. This is America, for God's sake! Well, let me end this, I want to get my blood pressure down. Bye y'all.

Guest		20-Aug-2010 17:00
Hazel Liddell-Johnson To Eric Brewer: I remember you and your family from the big "E". We in the same classes thru Webster. Your dad was a political staple for the neighborhood. I think of you often because you had the best penmanship for a guy I had ever seen. Funny how we remember things like that. I too am proud to be from the big "E". Teachers like Mr. Cleveland Chandler and Mr. Blevins encouraged us to rise above our circumstances. I praise God for them continually. I keep in touch with Carolyn Bond and my relatives (the Culley's). I go home often. I remember the good times growing up there and see past the present. I was saddened to hear that Howard, Reginald and Billy had passed. All were close friends of mine. It's good to hear of old friends that are not ashamed of their childhood hometown. For if we prospered later in life, I believe the big "E" played a part in that. I have been blessed and will always give props to my childhood hometown. Take care and blessings.

Guest		19-Aug-2010 04:51
Denise Cosby born and raised in e St Louis, Il attended Monroe Elementary School, Rock Jr. High and then the greatest E St Louis sr High School. Left to attend Tennessee State University. Lived in Los Angeles and Atlanta Georgia and loved it.Presently, relocated back to the E St Louis area and enjoying operating a barber college and a prison barber shop. Njoy life, people, family and fun!

Mary Jane Hunter		18-Aug-2010 22:36
I was born and raised in E.St.Louis,IL.in St.Mary's Hospital in 1950. Started school at Lafayette on Bond Ave. Grewup at 202 N 45th St. Went to Rock Jr High and E. Side. High. Moved the summer of 1967 to a little place called Poplar Bluff MO. Since then have gone on to be District Manager for several H&R Block offices. I enjoyed my growing years in E. St. Louis. It was the only place I had ever known. It was a large metropolis, but everyone still seemed to be willing to help each other. My father owned his own company and made a decent living for all his children.

eric_brewer		17-Aug-2010 03:42
I was born in Cleveland,Ohio in 1953, but my parents, Harold and Ann Brewer, relocated me and my sister, Donna, and I to Saint Louis in 1956 and East Saint Louis in 1958. Three of my four siblings, Barbara, Jeffrey and Harold (Tyke) were born in Saint Louis. We lived in the 2100 block of Market Street next door to the Russell family and then at apartment 14G for 10 years in the Samuel Gomper Homes. I attended Alta Sita Elementary School, Webster Elementary School and then Assumption Catholic High School with now U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and former San Antonio Spurs player Rick Suttles until we relocated back to Cleveland in 1969. Dad was very active in ESL politics with Travis "Planky" Scott who owned a Phillips 66 gas station at 6th and State Street (now MLK Blvd). He drove for Bi-State for 13 years. I remember meeting Katherine Dunham, Clyde Jordan (The Monitor newspaper), Mr. Kirkpatrick (The Crusader newspaper), Ike Turner and a lot of fabulous people during the 1960's. Planky gave me my first real job pumping gas and changing tires at his gas station, and I played trumpet - briefly - with the Young Disciples. Jerry O - who sang "Karate Boogaloo" - let me sit in with his group as a kid and I remember playing at Scott AFB with the late Howard Mister in a band. I learned from former ESL Chief of Police James Mister - who grew up with me in the Gomper Homes - that many of our classmates, including Howard, died tragically. Reginald Killion, Billy Miller - may you Rest in Peace. I remember with great fondness many of my Gomper Home friends, people like the Burris' who lived next door, the Newell's across the drive, the Harris family "Diane, Judy and their brother Harry, who I believed died in Vietnam. I played taps at Ben Newell's funeral months after he was drafted into the Vietnam War and was returned home. I attended St. Luke AME with Rev. Wharton as pastor and served for years as one of his alter boys. Carl Officer was also a member if my memory serves me correctly. My teachers at Webster are the only ones whose names that are indelibly embedded in my mind. Ms. Allen 1st grade, Ms. Phillips 2nd grade, Ms. Smith third grade, Ms. Rayburn 4th grade, Mr. Hudson 5th grade, Mr. Seabury 6th grade, Ms. Abbegg 7th grade and Ms. Leoffler 8th grade. Mr. Goldsmith was principal and Ms. Reed was his secretary. I'm 56 and still amazed that I know all this. Living in a predominantly African American city helped me in immeasurable ways. Our educators challenged us. We learned more about Black history there than I did anywhere else. My father organized other Dads to found a Boy Scout troop and a Little League baseball team and Planky bought the uniforms for us ... the East Saint Louis BlueJays. This environment taught me, like brother Paul Robeson, that there was nothing inferior about Black people. Yes we faced some discrimination, but the difference is that the Black people in ESL were somewhat militant, fearless and undaunted. There's something about being a member of a majority group, knowing it and acting like it, even during difficult times. Upon returning to Cleveland, after my ESL exposure, everyone told me I was "different." That difference has always been a blessing and not a burden to me. I went back in 2005 and saw the city for the first time since 1978. It was hearbreaking but I understood. The integration of Bellville and Centerville opened many new neighborhoods to people who "grew." The only thing that changed, to some degree, was that the crooks stealing and abusing people changed from White to Black. James Mister told me that blocks of vacant land in the city was cheap and that the casinos brought in by former Mayor Gordon Bush had actually helped boost the city's budget by more than $1 million a month. I'll visit the city again but I've moved on from ESL like many others. But I have always been proud to be an alumnus of the city and cherish all of my childhood memories and the friends I made while there. May God bless all who have stayed, returned and are devoting their time to making it a better place to live. When you think of all the great people who have lived there, from Josephine Baker, to Katherine Dunham, to Jackie Jackie Joyner-Kersee, to Robert Guillame, former Deputy UN Ambassador Donald McHenry, the Hudlin Brothers to Dick Durbin and many, many others, ESL has so much to build upon it can't be stopped from making a comeback. If you're wondering why I'm so long-winded, thank Clyde Jordan and Mr. Kirkpatrick. I'm a journalist and former newspaper publisher and they were the first two men I ever met who owned newspapers.

Tony. Houston.		16-Aug-2010 18:09
To Denny Reynolds,, I too lived on 23rd and State. We moved in 1963 to Waverley Ave. My brother Joe and I went to Slade School too.

shonda1978		16-Aug-2010 02:35
I was born in E.St. louis in december of 1973. In nov 0f 1978 when i was 4years old. My mom got hurt in the orr weathers apartment building. She fell threw an elevator that had no floor.If any older people on this site remeber that accident. cant you please tell me more about it.

Guest		16-Aug-2010 02:08
This message is for Charlene I too was born in ESTL in 1951.. I went to Morrison grade school, Clark Jr High and East Side. Where did you all go to school and what are some of your siblings first names. If anyone can help her find her siblings please do so. I know that I would be lost without my family.

buvette baker		14-Aug-2010 06:44
i remember getting beer at drive thrus in east st. louis when i was at collinsville high. east st louis looked like sarajevo. big beautiful churches burned and bombed out. zombies everywhere.

shonnieville		09-Aug-2010 20:57
Does anybody remember the Red Door? They sell Snoots too. Everytime we go back to EAST SAINT LOUIS, my mother makes her brother take her to the Snoots place! I have fun everytime I go back there. The pictures on this site is just what it looks like now. All I will say to you all is this: If you from there but are not living there now, buy yourself a house with some land and hold on to it so when the economy worsens you can leave those big mortgages behind and live mortgage and rent free. The starting Bid at the auction is only $750 and most walk away with a home at that price! Now take 5 or 10 grand and invest in it and you have yourself a decent home with a lot of rich land. Just food for thought.

Guest		09-Aug-2010 17:38
What a shame. I was a white kid from Collinsville, born in 1950 and remember shopping in downtown E StL as a kid with my parents ....dad was the district mgr for Sherwin-Williams Paint Co and he had to call on a couple of his stores there. I was never afraid and until the late 1960's I would ride the bus for 10 cents from Collinsville to downtown StL walk all around downtown StL; Famous Barr, Boyds,Stix,Scruggs,Woolworths and a slice of pie and a soda from the cafeteria across from Famous. Back on the bus through E StL and home. Never once had any trouble. I would'nt do that now on a bet! Sure miss the old days. Not to mention basketball rivalry between E StL high( Pick Dehner) and Collinsville ( Vergil Fletcher) no guns ,no riots. Drag racing late Friday nite and a "Nightmare" sandwich from Price's Drive-In. Wish our kids had a chance to experience some of that.

Charlene		08-Aug-2010 16:00
Hey everyone I could use some help!!!!!!!! My twin sister and I were born at Christian Welfare Hospital on November 21,1951. Here is where I need some help. Our parents lived at 548 N. 84th. Schaefer was our birth surnames. We were given up for adoption and we are trying to find our siblings. Story goes that we have 5 or 7 siblings. We would love to find them or let us know where to find them. My twin sister and I were re-united in 1995 and we have cherished every moment. Hope we can find someone before our bdays in November. Thanks for any help.

Guest		24-Jul-2010 20:45
Hello All i too was born in East Saint Louis Illinois at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1966. I lived out in what is called the South End on Tudor right down from then Mayor Mason and his family they lived on the corner with sons Billy and Terry Mason. My granddparents were James and Ruth Carter I went to Wesley Bethel AME Church and i attended Dunbar Elementary School and Lauren Parks and i attended the same school and also your now Mayor Alvin Parks. The principal at the time of my attendence was Mr. McKinney. I could go on and on but to make a long story short East Saint Louis will always be my home i was recently there in 2004 to bury my mother. Levi King did the services his mother and my grandmother were friends as well as his dad Calvin King. Officer Funeral Home buried my grandparents. Lottie B. Teer was a friend of the family as well. I wish one day soon that i can come back and just retrace all of the old stomping grounds. My grandmother and i use to go on Sunday's after church to Sandy's BBQ on 15th and Bond and get a good old snoot sandwich this is really bring back old memories for me.I ust to sing in the choir with Quincy Fielding so if anyone reading this post can reflect to any of these things we go way back.

Jay		21-Jul-2010 03:37
Memoirs of East Saint Louis are rooted within us that was born and raised there. Growing up at 709 North 15th in the 60's and 70's right behind Longfellow school, playing with the McGee’s, the Longs, Lillie Mitchell and family. There were also names like Moochie and Lamar, Soroya, Kim and Buster, Alice, Blair Perry, Dartanya Robinson and others I cannot recall. I remember Utsseys store right on the corner of 15th and Summit, also Dairy Queen at the corner of 15th and Saint Clair. I remember Mr. Niemacheck principal of Longfellow also my flavorite teachers Ms. Coker and Ms. Pinkie. Memories unforgotten!

Terri Lee Johnson		21-Jul-2010 02:07
My brother Eric was born at Christian Welfare in May '62. We lived in the Orr Weathers apartments, E-2 bldg, apt 711 from '62 to '64 after which we moved to our mother's hometown of K.C.KS so that I could attend kindergarten. I'm 50 now & have wonderful memories of Orr Weathers: the Mister Softee truck, our great neighbors Kate Ward and Lenora Rodgers. Our mother, Opal S. Johnson, passed away in April 2010 in Houston, TX where we now live. We hope our neighbors or their kids see this & remember too.

Jimmy Brennan		17-Jul-2010 04:22
Does anybody who grew up in the South End on Piggott Avenue remember Doc Brennan's Drugstore? It was directly across from the Washington Grade School. He was my Grandfather. His drugstore was torn down to make way for the exit ramp leading off the Poplar Street Bridge around 1964 when the bridge was built. I need to hear memories of Doc's Drugstore. I was only six years old at the time!

Dante Banks		15-Jul-2010 17:57
East St Louis is a city with a strong history and strong communities! I see no reason for the current conditions, we all need to put our resources and talents together to get it done!! A city that is 98% black, you know if we don't save East St Louis, nobody else will. The ICAN Corporation is looking to make major investments in the city of East St Louis-this is a black owned company, that specializes in serving communities-we help you to help yourself! Feedback needed from concerned residents of East St Louis!

Richard		29-Jun-2010 20:22
Would that be Micky Mitchell whos owned family owned the store? I remember e.st. louis well I attended Wilson, Harding, edgemont, Clark and King before we moved. Richard

Guest		20-Jun-2010 14:58
Graduated from East Side in '54, went to Jefferson, Landsdowne and loved living there. Went to Winstanley Baptist Church, loved the Majestic Theater, and riding the bus all over town and across the river to St Louis was never a problem. Coach Downing had great football teams and was such fun on Thanksgiving Day to play our big rival. It was a great place and a great time to grow up.

Guest		20-Jun-2010 05:36
For Edna (Jones) Spears. I knew an Edna Jones when I lived on 14th St. in East St. Louis. Do you have a sister named Marilyn? My family lived in the house next to Longfellow Grade School. We were the Mitchells. Would like to hear from you and catch up on life with you and your family.

Karen		16-Jun-2010 16:47
I was born in Centreville Welfare Hospital in 1959 and went to Crispus Attucks Elem School, Martin Luther King Jr High and graduated from E. Side in 1977. My family lives on Gaty Ave from 1965 - 1980. Are there any E. Side 77 graduates???

Guest		15-Jun-2010 22:55
I, too, found this site by accident. As a graduate of East Side,I was looking for the Flyer network and stumbled acrossed it. Thank's to Jayson for providing a forum for current and former residents of the East Side. I grew up on 8th and Summit. What I found out is now referred to as "the stro". Graduated from East Side in '68, moved West in '74 but came back periodically, holidays, etc., to visit family. My family's roots were from the South End, Gaty, Brady Ave and worked their way up the hill to Hilltop. My mother had a beauty shop next to Clark on State St. I used to deliver the Journal in that neighborhood. The E. St. Louis I remember growing up was still a relatively safe place. Of course, there were neighborhoods, areas where poverty and crime had taken hold, that you knew to avoid. Still, alot of hard working people. I've never been ashamed to call E.St. Louis my home town. When you tell people from another area of the country your from E.St. Louis they invariably say "oh yeah, St. Louis". You hear that so often, rather than go into a lengthy explanation, you just say, "yeah St. Louis". As I would come back over the years, I witnessed the gradual decline. It wasn't until I read the Time article that I realized how severe the situation was. I also used to hang out at Hannigan's and Price's and all points in between. Harold Price coached our grade school football team. A good man. I went to grade school with his daughter. So tragic, that he was murdered during a robbery. Still have friends and family that live in the Metro East. It's going to take major multiple investnments to bring the area back to an All American city. But with two sitting national congressmen, who grew up in E.St. Louis, that could be a start. Sorry, Coz

Guest		09-Jun-2010 01:41
I found out a few months ago that Bonnie Dixon passed away in 2003 .... she was an amazing person, an amazing mother and I know everyone who loved her misses her terribly. She graduated from ESL in 1958.

angie a		09-Jun-2010 00:36
i grew up in east st louis graduated c/o 87 east side, i loved the city, now when i bring my children to there grandmother's house in washington pk, my children get a little scared. but i still love east st louis

denisse		06-Jun-2010 01:08
i grew up till 5 on 52nd st went to st. cyril elementary school, my grandparents lived there till died next door their name was waggoner, i might have played on the street as a kid with some pf you, im going next month to st. louis, will take some pics...we lived behind the pile family i remember them comming in our back yard to fight the boys wonder where they all are now,

S.White		03-Jun-2010 16:55
Wow! A great site to help us remember the city. I grew up there from bith at Christian Welfare in '63 until I got married in '87 and moved to GA. in '88 looking for work that paid a liveable wage. I remember East Side football between '79 and '81, State champs two of those three years and it was awesome playing in the band those three years. I remember being able to walk at night from 25th and Monroe Ave. clear across town to the Orr-Weathers apts. without any fear, to play basketball. Sadly, I remember taking that walk for the last time in the mid 80's with a pistol in my pocket, out of fear of the gangs. The good memories far out number the bad and for this I am greatful. I go back periodically to visit family and friends and for funerals. Contributed by Sanford White

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!!!		02-Jun-2010 12:03
TWO MEN SHOT TO DEATH IN EAST ST LOUIS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!! SO WHAT'S NEW?????? WHEN WILL THE KILLING STOP!!!???? CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG??!!!

Mary Pollock Hammock		31-May-2010 21:48
Today was the day that our neighbor, Ms. Lovie Davis would take us to Forest Park zoo for a picnic and visit the zoo. There are still good memories of East St. Louis.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!		30-May-2010 14:13
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Three years ago School District 189 spent $1,500 of taxpayer money to purchase an 11-year-old Pontiac Grand Am for a student as a reward for perfect attendance??!! Maybe a scholarship would have been a better idea?? Last month they spent around $25,000 to send 31 students to a 3 day youth jazz festival in Monterey, Calif??!! Maybe scholarships would have been a better idea?? Sen. Dick Durbin and the U.S. Department of Education, whose offices are reviewing the district's expenditures of federal grants, including millions of dollars in spending reported by the Belleville News Democrat. Recently more than $1,000 for 100 copies of a book about President Barack Obama written by a district sports coach, And flying an Olympic champion from Las Vegas to the district and advancing nearly $5,000 to Superintendent Theresa Saunders for travel??!! Maybe scholarships would have been a better idea?? I tell you what the problem is with MY Home Town EAST ST LOUIS.........??

Jesse Thorton Sr		30-May-2010 06:38
I grew up in East Saint Louis, on 52nd State Street. I was one of the lucky young men who made it out! I made it out by my Grandmother (Beatrice Thorton) working and praying for me. I took advantage of many opportunities that fronted me, including doing the street dirt. Now, I am 35yrs old and a father of a child that resides in ESTL. I worry about what she see's and how she feels about her city and the people living there.

margo		29-May-2010 16:16
I went to John Robinson Elementary School, Hughes-Quinn,Jr. High, and graduated from Lincoln High in 1968. I lived on 14th and Piggott. I now live in California but still have many relatives in E. St. Louis. I have a special place in my heart for that city and believe it can be brought back to life and prosper. Despite what many people think that have never lived there, there are many good people that live in ESL (more good than bad). People only hear the bad side. Unfortunately, people living there feel hopeless and see no hope for change. It will more likely take the natives who moved out to bring back life and prosperity to ESL. I visited a few years ago and was just amazed at the beautiful land all those dilapidated houses are sitting on! Californians would have a field-day buying up that property and fixing it up; buying that land and building businesses to create jobs. That's the way they do it here. The economy right now is tough for everyone, but there are enough of us natives that can pool together and make a change! Wherever you are living now, I'd like to hear personally from my former or current ESL natives. Drop me an email at mob442@gmail.com.

Renee		27-May-2010 16:14
My great grandfather owned a saloon in the early 1900's it was on Piggott around the 616 block. Does anyone know what the name was? We have a picture of him behind the bar and some customers and there is a ghost of civil war soldier in it.

ALL AMERICAN CITY 1959!!		23-May-2010 23:16
WELL! I have got some Good News to report!!!! District 189 sells Clark Jr. High School plus Five acres for $1,101. ESL wanted chance to buy it, but no offer was made!! HMMMMMMMM? All you people that have the great memories of ESL in it's Hay Day can now start putting your money where your mouth is!! Let's renew EAST ST LOUIS......THE ALL AMERICAN CITY 1959!!! 2010???????

Ben Thomas		21-May-2010 19:34
Some of your names sound very familiar. I am Ben Thomas. I went to St. Joseph's, Monroe, Clark, graduated from East Side in 73, and attended SIUE. I currently reside in the DC area, but make it back to the city at least once per year. For those of you still living there, continue to love your city.

Dan Simpson		15-May-2010 15:27
I lived in E StL in the 1950's. Started school at Jefferson School, 25th & Waverly. Some classmates I remember were Walter Moore, Howard Gull, & Carol Watson. We moved to St. Louis County in 1959, my parents had been commuting to Wellston & Overland. We lived on Noth 26th Street, just across the creek from North Park Drive. Some of the neighborhood kids were Rembish, Broadway, & Beckenball.

Nartica		15-May-2010 01:35
This is so interesting. I moved from ESL in 1970, relocating in Phoenix. AZ, where I'm presently living. I attended Monroe Elementary, Rock, and graduated from East Side. Our family home was 1612 St. Louis Ave. I understand it's been gone for decades. I had the pleasure of attending a 40 year reunion in 2008, or 09??? It was a gathering at Frank Holton (sp) Park area. Nice affair. ESL looked pretty dismal from this view. There was clear evidence of economic based social, criminal and finanical results; poverty, apathy, political abandonment. Without question, a significant change of culture than when I was raised there. In fact, we never locked our doors, and I can't remember any threatening incidents. As a teen I tried to skate, can not remember where. And danced on Sunday nights at the Masonic. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Hudson (8th) grade at Monroe. But the teacher who really formed my future was Mrs. Rhymer in the 7th grade. She always told us students that if we paid attention and learned English as she taught it, we'd have the tools needed for life. She was so right! Otherwise I seriously would not have been prepared for this competitive world and job market!!!. My BEST friend was and still is Vicki Lowe. Though I remember having a friendly time with many. Best Wishes to all.

Dan Simpson		14-May-2010 18:04
I lived in E Stl in 50's. Started school at Jefferson School, 25th & Waverly. I lived on North 36th St, acroos the dreek, off of North Park Drive. Schoolmates were Walter Moore, Howard Gull. Neighbor kids were the Broadways & Rembishes.

Dan Simpson		13-May-2010 21:14
My parents moved to 2205 N 36th St (across the creek from N. Park Drive). I went to Jefferson School at 25th and Waverly. We moved in 1959 to StL County, both my Mom & Dad had been commuting to WEllston & Overland from E. Stl for several years, Did anyone go to Jefferson School in the 50's? Learned to swim at the pool in Jones Park. Dan Simpson

Terri		13-May-2010 00:37
I was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1960. My family lived on 43rd st. We moved away in 1968,but my great aunt lived there until 1991 and I visited her often. Everyone called her Miss Mabel. Her and her husband has since passed. I have good memories of E.St. Louis, but I wouldn't go back.

Kennedy		05-May-2010 20:11
RMc I grow up on 16th Russell I new you Grandparents very wells 3doors down. I am Vyvyan kennedy baby daughter and growing up in a place like East St Louis made me the woman I am today Strong Black & Proud. PS Tell Ava Black and Mickey hello

Nicole		04-May-2010 07:27
I am a student in Oregon. I am getting my degree in Sociology and a double major in political science. My hope is that with my degree I will be able to go and bat for towns like this and help to affect change. I recently did a case study of East St. L. and when it was over I wanted to get in my car and adopt every impovershed child from St Louis. The irony is when I looked at my husband and said so he said- do it. "Find a family who cannot take care of their children who is willing to let us raise them. You find a fmaily that says yes to that, and we will take the children in." I doubt any mother would willingly give up her child to us, or that anyone would take this seriously, but I am am going to post this anyway. I would be willing to take in impovershed children and raise them- insuring that they are loved and wanted and above all else have a chance at a future with a college education. I would do this with nothing but love in my heart because the living conditions we studied made me weep for all mothers who are trapped in a racist America that sits on these problems. Tucks them away and refuses to address the crisis. How could this happen in the all mighty America? How can we spend trillions on Iraq, Iran, Afgahn. and not take care of the children and families in our own country. I am deeply saddened by the state of St. Louis and please if I can help even one child... then bless that child and bring them to me. nicolemcclellandolivera@yahoo.com

Guest		03-May-2010 21:21
my name is linda nelson, again i lived on north 62 street, across street fron grand morris park, born 1949 went clark jr high, anyone out there from 62 street back then,

creasie1		03-May-2010 03:39
I to am from the E. my name is Maurice dixon and we like many others moved away but I used to come back for the summers and I have great memories of the boogie I remember we used to live off 39th and state right up the street from the dairy queen that everybody keeps talking about I also remember some of my old chilhood freinds like The Nichols they was our next door neighbors Mark Nochols, Holly,Francine,Caroll Fredrika. And how could forget the Westerlys, some of them were here Denver, Co. I love the place where I come from and it also has a lot and will always mean a lot to me even though it holds good and some painful family memories I can and I wont't ever forget where I come from and also If there any of you out there that remember the Dixon family I would love to here from you I still have cousins and family there,the Harris family over there off of College I would like to send my love out to the Kings, and also the Broadnax family and the Jordans across that bridge but as we get older our people are dying off and thats why this summer i'm coming back home to visit cause there is no place like home and can't no one relate like us folks that share this place that some of us still rep or still make this our home If by chance any one sees this and remembers the Dixons , Earsene, Lenora(Bonnie)(R.I.P.) and my brother Albert , we are doing great spread out all over the place but were good anywhoo I can be reached at mauricedixon211@yahoo.com and a shout out to the Blackburns

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!		03-May-2010 03:00
UPDATE!!! Last Sunday night in East St Louis there was ONE cop on duty!!!! DID YOU HEAR ME!!!! ONE COP ON DUTY!!!! There was a reported shooting at 10:00pm and that cop would not respond!! I don't blame him. It is reported that there has been over 100 grievances filed by the East St. Louis Police Department! GET THIS!!! The Mayor said he doesn't think safety was jeopardized Sunday. He said he's trying to solve the problem!!??? What problem!!!??? But NOOOOOOO! They spend over $3,000,000.00 on "CONSULTANTS"!!!!!!!!! To HELL with the safty of the people!!! MORE TO COME!!

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!		27-Apr-2010 14:29
Well here we go again!! East St. Louis Schools spends FEDERAL MONEY........More than $3.1 million and rising, on "Consultants." There is less than 7500 students in the city!! FOR WHAT!?

Tony. Houston.		24-Apr-2010 15:49
To Linda Nelson, I too went to Morrison and remember Grand Morise Park. I lived off 51st and State Street. It was either 65 or66, when I went to Morrison. I went to Clark Jr High in 68 - 70. Your name sounds familiar.

Guest		24-Apr-2010 11:48
I am currently working in East St. Louis. I am use to working in impoverished areas but I have never seen a city that looks so unloved and abandoned. It really makes me sad to drive through town and see all the closed stores, neglected and broken down. I wish something would be done because something could be done.

Guest		20-Apr-2010 06:27
wow all these comments make me teary eyed. everyone from the city wants to contribute just as ms. says i too wish i culd get rich a rebuild the city i am a little younger graduated in 2004 from east side i go back often and everytime i go i get sad when i ride the metro into the city from the airport in missouri it hits me like a ton of bricks. where is the cities help thats not corrupt?i'm doing a speech on the city tommorrow about the history.i want people to know what the city is about other than whats written in the news.

MsTastyLove		16-Apr-2010 06:40
I graduated in 1997 from East Side. I left the city a few months afterwards and moved to Cleveland, OH, then back again. I am now living in Manhattan, KS, doing really well for myself. I love East St. Louis. Why? Because it made me who I am today. I never saw someone get shot up, I was never involved in a robbery. I worked hard starting at 16 years old and have been doing so ever since then. I am completing a degree in Social Work and Psychology in hopes of moving back to East St. Louis to rebuild it. I don't have any kids, so no "baby daddies" as some would put it. I have a fiance that's from St. Louis, MO. All of these pictures are very familiar to me. Especially the Red Chop Suey resturant...making my mouth water right now...shrimp St. Pauls and fried rice that's actually brown and not white or orange (Cleveland) Everytime I come to town I go shopping on 25th street, drive past where I grew up, N 43rd. But I get really really depressed because the city seems hopeless. One time I visited and was stopped at a red light on State street...why did this girl in a dark blue van roll down her window, stuck her a** out and started shaking it, out the window? WHAT THE HELL?!! WOW!! I read the news from bnd.com. Hopefully, the Monitor will get a site. I wish I could get rich and fix up East St. Louis myself. No Politicians involved. Just buy property and rebuild the people and the buildings. They just need to get bull dozers and start knocking old buildings and houses down. My grandmother owns land there...wants to give it to me but I don't know where to start with it...don't know if its tied up in taxes or not...she is now 69 years old and the taxes shouldn't be that high...if someone has any good advice please post. Does anybody remember the Fox grocery store off of state across the street from East Side? National Grocery Store on Caseyville Ave? Parties in the park off of Bond...can't remember the name of it. Ms. Louella Hawkins...keep it real. My favorite teacher from East Side High. My inspiration...

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!!		09-Apr-2010 04:43
Another Great East St. louis Citizen!!! GOD PLEASE SAVE EAST ST LOUIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Feds arrest former East St. Louis councilman Michael Collins charging him with income tax evasion and voter fraud. Collins was charged with three counts of tax evasion for 2003, 2004 and 2005. The indictment says Collins submitted unfiled tax returns to Vantage Credit Union as part of a loan application to buy a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. Collins was a candidate for the position of precinct committeeman for Precinct 26 in East St. Louis. The indictment says that Collins used the East St. Louis address when he voted for the president of the United States of America. (I wonder who he voted for president??????????????????????) Collins used the Loisel address in East St. Louis to run for precinct committeeman in Precinct 23. Collins voted in the general election, using the East St. Louis address, to vote for a candidate in the races for U.S. senator and U.S. representative in the 12th Congressional district. The government contends that Collins lived at the Swansea address in both instances.

Guest		08-Apr-2010 16:11
You are right about not being able to go to the bathroom in Clark without being jumped. I learned fast that if you fought back they didn't mess with you as much. When several of them tried to jump me in the bathroom I use to stand against the wall where they couldn't get behind me and then pop the first one that came after me. I was constantly getting kicked out of Clsrk because I would always fight back. In time I earned their respect. I might get my ass whipped a time or two but one or two went down with me ! Most of the other white kids would run out of the bathroom and leave you behind. I grew up fighting as a boy in East.St. Louis. You had to or get the hell beat out of you.

Tony Houston		06-Apr-2010 16:34
To Guest, Yes, I am the same Tony Houston that was once married to Debbie Harrison. I went to Morrison as well, and lived on 52nd and State St.

James W Morris		06-Apr-2010 00:04
Guest I to was born in Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois on 7/15/51. I spent my first years of life on 15th and St Claire and went to Longfellow elementary. I went to Clark Junior High and East St Louis High School where I graduated in January of 1970 we were the last mid-term class. I was a junior when Martin Luther King was killed, East Side was closed for three days due to rioting that was the beginning of the end. We moved to 731 North 83rd St when I was in 5th grade. I went to Edgmont elementay until graduating to Clark Junior High. I have never been to a high school class reunion. I'm not sure If we ever had one or my class mates could not find me I tell people all my classmates are died or in prison. I am 58 years old and when I tell people where I was born they don't beleive me. Growing up was not easy, you could not go to the bathroom in junior high because you would get jumped and beat on, so you faught back or ran. High school was not as bad, being on the football team you got respect from everyone. The first day after Martin Luther King was killed all my friends would follow me in school thinking I could keep them safe, Hell I was a scared a they. Life in East St Louis was not all that good.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!		03-Apr-2010 23:56
By my calculations..... At the current pace of murders, attrition of the elderly and NO POPULATON GROWTH. THE POPULATON OF MY HOME TOWN WILL BE around ZERO in 18 years!!!!! Then maybe the relatives of the MUCH, MUCH former EAST ST LOUIS RESIDENTS who own land and who are currently buying land will start BUILDING THE NEW OF CITY Of EAST ST LOUIS ....AND WE WILL ONCE AGAIN SEE THE ALL AMERICAN CITY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!! GOAL...2030!! I thank GOD that my relatives and friends who have passed away did not see what Happened to their city. They always said back in 1971 that ESL would come back....It is so much worse than they could ever imagined. They would have ALL dropped DEAD with a massive heart attack if they were alive today!!!! It breaks my heart that I can't go back to my home town without armed security guard!!!!

Terrance		02-Apr-2010 23:56
*** EAST ST. LOUIS MAYOR SHOT DEAD *** Two men were in custody and being questioned after Washington Park Mayor John Thornton was shot and died early Thursday, police said. Thornton was shot three times in the chest at close range at 5:47 a.m. Thursday, St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone said. He died at 6:07 a.m. at Kenneth Hall Hospital in East St. Louis. He was 52. Read More: bnd.com/2010/04/02/1199386/charges-yet-to-be-filed-shooter.html

Guest		02-Apr-2010 23:38
Hi! I grew up in East St. Louis and went to Morrison grade school, Clark Jr. High, and my sophmore year at East Side. I loved every minute of it!!! I lived on 53rd Street. Is the Tony Houston that posts on this sight the same Tony that married Debbie Harrison?

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY!!!		01-Apr-2010 19:00
DEATH IN EAST ST LOUIS!!! PART TWO In the Premiere Suburb of EAST ST LOUIS, WASHINGTON PARK ILLINOIS..... The Mayor John Thornton was shot and KILLED early Thursday by another THUG! This happen at the EPA Center of MURDER @ 4700 Casyeville Avenue. Forget about sending the National Guard to our borders, its time to send them to EAST ST LOUIS to protect the innocent people!!!

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		01-Apr-2010 04:24
DEATH IN EAST SAINT LOUIS ILLINOIS 62201! Last Sunday around 3:00 am, a man was shot and KILLED at THE CLUB CASINO (By the way there is no actual casino there!) formerly THE ROBERT HALL CLOTHING STORE, 6800 State Street East St. Louis. The bouncers told the man's cousin "get him out of here" and they will call an ambulance. The ambulance never arrived. His cousin then had to drive him to Memorial Hospital in Belleville where he was pronounced DEAD ON ARRIVAL! The CLUB CASINO stayed opened till 5 AM! How many people have to be KILLED there before they would c l o s e the business immediately till they would find out what happened??!! At another club in ESL a 41 year old man was shot, they expect him to survive. Also in Sauget Illinois a young man was SHOT & KILLED! In other ESL news it has been reported that over $2 MILLION DOLLARS has been spent for "consultants" by The ESL School District 189 in the last 6 years!!!! WHAT??!! The only hope for my home town, is the next ice age to bring down a glacier like the one that came through 60,000 years ago and grind this city down to bedrock and then when it thaws by "GLOBAL WARMING" Maybe, just maybe ESL might came back to the way we were!! AND TO JIMJIM: You right jimjim, it has nothing to do with minorities. The Liberal Democrats may have been corrupt, but the reason ESL went down was because of the CRIME! PERIOD! The smart people, ALL COLORS moved because of the threats of Gangs, Drugs and Death! YES!! THEY WERE AFRAID FOR THEIR LIVES!! If you think the city is so great now why don't you start a business and lived there! AND LET ME KNOW HOW THAT HOPE AND CHANGE IS WORKING FOR YOU!!

jimjim		31-Mar-2010 18:37
Much speculation has been made both on this board and elsewhere about Jimmy Conners. Was he from East St. Louis and if so, why hide it? Well, what is not known by most people is that Conners' grandfather was a mayor of East Boogie and Jimmy's mom was, well let's just say a bit controlling while she acted as his information agent. Jimmy grew up on Lake Drive in East St. Louis and attended Assumption High School. His parents moved to Belleville after he was on the road of his professional tennis career. His mother was most likely afraid to have the skeletons of Jimmy's grandfather term as mayor be brought out into the light of day and there you have it. As I stated here before, the reason for the decline of East St. Louis has nothing to do with minorities and everything to do with corrupt white politicians, who bled the city dry and then bought land in the burbs and made even more money scaring people to move away from the city in droves.

Guest		30-Mar-2010 23:08
Is anyone out there that attended Lansdowne Baptist Church at 39th & Waveryl Ave????

jim l		29-Mar-2010 11:08
i grew up at 620 rear trendleyin 1940s wonderfull place went to franlen school does any one out there REMEMBER

All over the town!		29-Mar-2010 08:10
Who remembers Beary's at 23rd and StateStreet?

Sue		29-Mar-2010 00:31
Hi, I was born at St. Mary's Hospital in 1956 and lived in Edgemont until 1964 when my parents moved to Belleville. I have great memeories of East St. Louis. I lived on Carol Drive and went to St. Phillip. But, wow has it changed. I would love to visit but am afraid of getting my pale butt shot.

Linda (Jines) Whiteside		28-Mar-2010 20:18
East St. Louis was a terrific place to live and grown up in the 50s and 60s. I remember the great gathering places: Jones' pool at night, Hannigan's, A & W, Parson's Field, the first McDonald's (near St. Mary's), and on and on. Just because it is no longer the All American City doesn't negate the fact that it was when I was going up. Linda (Jines) Whiteside

RMc		28-Mar-2010 06:07
While messing around one tonight I came across this site and read alot of the comments regarding E.St.Louis, Il. First I'll say I was actually born in Chicago in 1960 (Cook County Hosp.)but my dad who was raised in the Boogie got promotion on his job (Illinois Central & Gulf Railroad) so he moved our family to back home (e.st.louis). The majority of his side of our family lived there. This was a culture shock to me at 12 years old. We live at 1439 N. 43rd St. in the Washington Park area and yes there were still whites living there in 1972, but they soon all moved away except for the nice old couple across the street from us The Casens. An elderly couple who used to look after my brother and me after school sometime until one of our parents came home. We really didn't need watching but they liked doing crafts and Mrs. Casens loved having baked cookies and stuff waithing for us after school. This was a special time in my memory because there home screamed "old school" I mean they gave gifts for "every holiday" and adored our Parents. They were my first customers for my grass cutting business in the summers. I went to Lansdowne Jr. High then to Lincoln. I would have normally to East Side but I ran track and wanted to follow my coach to Lincoln for him. People used to call him "Bo-Dick" but his name was Coach Marshall. The biggest Man I had ever met up to that time. He was like a legend in E.St.Louis. I remember as a kid going to the "Colony Theater" to see karate movies. Shopping at Union Jack. Listening to WESL radio with "Dr. Jockenstein" and also listening to the "Apology Line" to see which people we knew would call in and put their business on the air. LOL. We used to fish for crawdads in Jones Park. Shoot ball in the Rooselvelt Homes. Shop for groceries at the National supermarket on Caseyville Road. We used jump the freight trains and ride to the carnival every summer when it came. We even road our bikes to the Drive-in on State St. (we snuck in of course). Yes alot of stuff happened town but remember I came from the south side of Chicago during the birth of the GD's, Vice Lords and Blackstone Rangers so I was used to stuff going on. I knew you had to watch out for yourself and most of all mind your on business. Oh yeah I loved going to the Mary Brown Center out in the "Southend" in Lincoln Park. We used to party hard there in 76,77,78. I attended Pilgrim Temple Church with my Dad and Grandmother. My Mom and younger Brother attended Mt Zion on Bond Ave. Rev. Rouse was their Pastor. Pastor Williamson was our first Pastor then it was Rev. Craig. Anybody remember parting at St. Joseph's on Saturday night. Lil Boogie used to DJ. Man I could go on forever so I'll write more another day. Anyone remember Leon, Wilbert and Bobby McClure? Wilbert is my Dad and Leon and Bobby are my uncles (deceased) My Grandparents were Jimmy and Carrie Black. They lived on 16th Russell across from Lucas school. I live in Waukegan, Il now and I run into a couple of people I actually grew up with. I left in 1978 to run track at Tennesee State University with Sparky Fields and Alfredrick Joyner. I left for the Air Force but they kept running. Al even got a Gold medal in the Olympics. I ran track while in the Air Force. I learned some very valuble lessons while growing up in East St. Louis that have carried me a long way in life. Some of the tough lessons save my life. All through history cities vanish but live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved them. "Snoot" anyone. LOL P.S. Can anyone tell me if they recognize me or my brother? I left the names out on purpose. Go Lincoln Tigers 4ever....

Guest		27-Mar-2010 03:18
I happened upon this blog this evening for the first time. I find the first posts quite interesting and the later posts seem to 'romanticize' the city. Let's face it - it might have been once a great All American City but it hasn't been great in many, many years. I was born, raised, graduated from ESL high - it was a war zone in the late 60's and early 70's. Been back a few times in the past 40 years. It is horrendous. I have no doubt that the crooked white politics were the roots of the city' demise. Do want to mention however, there is a great book that is about the race riots of the early 1900's in ESL -- my mother told me her grandfather sheltered black people under his house. I envy the people who have wonderful memories of life during the 30's and 40's. All I remember is hatred.

Guest		25-Mar-2010 15:47
I thank God for the education the city gave me growing up. Lots of people on here have said good things about the city and thats great. But if East St. Louis is to be great city again, CHANGE must start with the PEOPLE in it. East St. Louis lacks diversity which is a negaitive in my book. If we all be honest most cities that are pleasant are diversified. You have different races, values, customs, and religions. Even though different cities face obstacles at times, these qualities give birth to new ideas that can bring a brighter future to any city. I'm glad I stayed in East St. Louis during the 60s but I'm even more happy that I decided to moved away from there.

linda		24-Mar-2010 20:18
i also was born in christian welfare hosp, as was my first child, i also worked there as a young person, back then i loved it there, it was a great place and i remember when the first black family moved into our neighborhood, it was a learning time for me they were very nice but my parents didnt like it and moved out, i dont really know what to say about that time it was a hard time for all everyone trying to find their way, it left a lasting impression on me as a child.

Guest		24-Mar-2010 19:43
my name is linda nelson, i grew up on 210 n 62 street east saint louis,il went morrison, and then to clark jr high, spent much time at grand morrison park across street from my child hood home. i loved it there talk about a great neighborhood, went to the a&p on state street, myself and friends had a blast playing games and running around the hood, i have so many great memories i cant even list them all in such a shot space,when my family moved out we didnt go far but far enough,i use to sneak back when i could, but things changed fast after that and soon i had to stay away, it is heart breaking to know that my childhood places cant even be revisited excepy in my mind. i am from a long time family that grew up and lived in east saint louis,il for many years, my uncle was fire chief of midway fire dept and my dad was volunteer always , we spent many a time at firemen picnics and carnivals and bar b qs. parades at easter, 4 of july parade i rode on fire trucks many times and threw out candy, it was so much fun .went crawdad fishing at the park, watched beavers build their dam in the lake by the restaraunt. all gone now.

Tony. Houston.		24-Mar-2010 10:53
All who were born and raised in E.St. Louis have both fond and not so fond memories. But we wouldn't change them if we could.

Guest		22-Mar-2010 17:55
Hey does anyone out there remember any of these people from the late 50's? Rocky Fowler,Eddie Lancarivic, Linda Dixon, Ruth Johnson, Lee Jo, Fred & Fern Louvier, Jimmy Swift, Sonny Reed. Also a judge by the name of Barney Johnson or Parnell? Just wondering>

Tynnetta		22-Mar-2010 04:29
People,ESL has it's bad parts like any other place,I was born and raised there,and love everything about my childhood,and teen year's.I would most likely still be liveing there if it wasn't for my first child health,he was born blind so I wanted the best school for him.From birth to age 10 I lived on 39 walnut street,then from 10 to 20 I lived on N39 street.My Dad &Uncle had a store on state street,around 1967-1970 called Freedie & Ben.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		19-Mar-2010 07:17
TO: Debbie Richmond: My mother was also born at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1939. I was born at the same hospital in 1955, several months pre-mature. My mother told me if it was not for the new incubators I would have died. In 1970 my grandfather was seriously injured in an automobile accident and rushed to Memorial Hospital in Belleville. When it was time for rehabilitation he was sent to Christian Welfare. Debbie this hospital was state of the art in its time! It is so sad and a disgrace to see that it is now being torn down.

carol richmond		19-Mar-2010 01:39
i was born at christian welfare hospital in 1939. does anyone know if that was a real welfare hospital for poor people? or just called that and at the time it didn't have the same connotation. thanks.

Debbie		17-Mar-2010 07:34
I loved reading all the memories of ESL. I was born there at Christian Welfare in 1957. Does anyone remember St. Paul's Methodist Church at 42nd and Caseyville Ave.? I would love to see some pictures or find out where everyone went after it was moved to Fairview Heights,(where it disappeared completely). I loved Jone's Park. My grandpa took me there to the playground. I remember watching the ballgames and singing "Take me out to the ball game",lol, at Jone's Park, as a very small child. I also remember the 5 and dime at Caseyville Ave, and 46th. (I think) and the bakery (Krueta's?) on Caseyville Ave. where my dad would get pastries. My Uncle knew many of the musicians in ESL. Good Times. It was a good city, and it will be great again, someday.

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		16-Mar-2010 05:05
TO RUSH: If the whole Obama stimulus package went to East St. Louis tomorrow, there wouldn't be one dime left in a week!!!! Please!! Wake up! All the state and Federal money that has gone in that city in the last 40 years hasn't done a damn bit of good! In fact it is worse than ever!!!

RUSH		15-Mar-2010 23:57
I grow up in East St. Louis Illinois in the 50's and 60's and it was a great place to live at the time. My family moved to Denver in 1965. The problem with EST. is that no one wants to help the city. Why don't all the people that moved away make some kind of donation to the city and create jobs instead of alway putting the city down. RUSH

Gene		12-Mar-2010 15:21
I went to Lansdowne and graduated E Side High in 62. I worked for ALCOA [nee Aluminum Ore Co.] until it closed down in 1977 and I transferred to Pittsburgh. I remember Hannigans and Prices but my 'gang' hung out at A&W root beer on 89th st. I remember the Flyers were champs in football and track but sucked at basketball.. tks to coach PICK DEHNER. Luckily I dated a girl from Collinsville whose BB team was the mighty KAHOKS. WWhen I was a soph at E. Side I was barely 5ft tall and I would see now Dr. Harry Edwards [6'8"]at the cafeteria line hustling pennies to buy milk. I met my future wife at Union Clo co. a STA grad of 1965. I remember when the arch was built. E St Louis was a great place to live because we were so close to the attractions [the MUNY, Cardinals, ZOO] in St Louis.

barbp		11-Mar-2010 21:37
Hi I was raised in ESL and would like to know if anyone remenbers the Homestead Tavern on 6 or 7Th st from the 1950

Barbara		11-Mar-2010 19:57
Hi I grew up in E.St. Louis in the late 1940's and 1950's You could go anywhere in the town at any time of day or night. We walked all over town late and night and never had any trouble. Was a good place to live at that time. Barbara

Jesse Thorton Sr.		09-Mar-2010 07:49
Jesse Thorton (born-raised-proud) My memories of being raised in ESTL; I was raised by my Grandmother (Beatrice Thorton), she is the strongest woman to date that I have known. She raised me to be strong, independant, respectful, and live life with an open mind-amongst other life promising attributes. Yes, I saw alot of crime, all types of crimes. Yes, my people there are lost! I still love my city and I will represent my city to the fullest! Will I raise my family there? It is not likely because crime there will find you!

Boogie		09-Mar-2010 00:35
Wake up people. East St. Louis will NEVER be grand. It is possible for ESTL to be a mediocre community again and that would be a big turn around for the Boogie but it will never be grand or anything resembling grand. The best hope for ESTL is for investment to happen along the river with hotels that face St. Louis. My understanding is that CSX owns that land so the likely of this happening is slim. Illinois doesn't invest in downstate, so East St. Louis' only hope is to generate income from sin. Casinos, strip joints, adult bookstores & massage parlors... game on!

Frances Burton		08-Mar-2010 20:17
Hi Guest, It really is strange how people think if you grew up in the north you don't encounter racism, but to the contrary, I first experienced a 'brush with racism' on a field trip in the fifth grade in Chicago. I still have family there in ESL, Belleville, Collinsville, Madison and some of the surrounding areas and try to travel back at least twice a year. My mom, sister and I left in '78 and moved to Georgia. Of course a lot of the plants were closing down, jobs were scarce and that coupled with family problems, my mom thought it best to leave there. I can truly say I enjoyed growing up in ESL and wouldn't trade the experience. As in many places, communities, while you're there it doesn't seem that bad but when you venture out to new places you look back and think wow! that places was really, really bad. Then you have to think well it's not actually E. Boogie that's bad the people make up the city; and believe me you when it was getting real rough the demographics and populace changed drastically. Now you have some people that grew up in the city that are afraid to go there, so don't think because your white it's bad for you. In regards to your relatives, I believe racism is a hatred born from fear; ignorance isn't always bliss but I do believe 'knowledge is power'. The better you know something or someone the more your understanding increases and there won't be a fear in the sense that just because a person is not in the same race you should keep your distance or dislike them. I hope you do at some point get a chance to go there, maybe take some photos, etc. ESL can once again be the grand city it was even before I was born, but there will have to be a change in the mindset of those who are there and in the surrounding communities: black and white! For me the bottom line is no matter where I go, East St. Louis, IL will always, always be 'home'. Frances Burton

1959 ALL AMERICAN CITY		08-Mar-2010 19:24
To Guest 03/08/10 5:16. I am planning a trip to East St Louis in April/2010 to finish taking about 500 more pictures. I am doing a documentary and writing a book about East St. Louis. My best friend will be doing the driving while I take the pictures. We know ESL like the back of our my hands. We will only travel thru the city between 9AM and noon. This is because most of the Wineo's,degenerates,thugs,militants and racist are still passed out! You are welcome to ride along with us. I must caution you though, it is still extremely dangerous! But, you will be amazed!!

Pam		08-Mar-2010 18:43
Hi all, I am so glad i found this site, i was born at St mary's hospital in E.ST Louis in 1960. I grew up in Washington Park. I worked at Cleve's Grill in 1975-1979. I just wanted to say hello to all. E St Louis was a very pretty place.

Guest		08-Mar-2010 05:16
Hello everyone, I never lived in ESL (was raised in Collinsville) but my mother's family was from ESL. She grew up on Bunkum Road, went to Alta Sita school when she lived with her grandmother for awhile. She went to Collinsville High but two of my uncles went to ESL High (graduated in the early '40s I think so that would have been the original school, not the present one). One of my mom's aunts lived in Washington Park well into the '70s. My mom talks about going to the Majestic theater as a child and how nice it was (I sure hope it won't be torn down). I remember family members talking about what a great town ESL was back in the day, the '30s, '40s, 50's and even the early '60s but we moved to Florida in '68 and by then it was in serious decline. My father worked at Swifts in National City and the jobs were leaving the area. I'm fascinated with what remains of the fine architecture and I'm sorry I couldn't have seen the city when it was really grand. In case anyone's interested, my family is white and the whole racial divide thing has always fascinated me because until the age of twelve I never had any interaction with black or biracial people but living, going to school and working in Florida was quite different culturally. To this day my relatives who live in the areas around ESL don't understand my comfort with mixing with people of all races---they have no black friends and avoid going to ESL. There is still racial separation here but nothing like there----IMO segregation is alive and well in Southern Illinois! I would love to go to ESL sometime and see first-hand what it looks like but I doubt I could get anyone to show me around. I'd love to see more photos of the neighborhoods, some "then and now" photos would be really great.

1959 All American City		07-Mar-2010 08:48
My other grandmother said that when she was working in the late 30's for a taxi cab company in ESL, Wortman's gang would come in often with their "get away" cars to have the tires changed after a "Big Job". Several years later when she was working for Dr. Owen Eiesle on Caseyville Avenue, some of Wortman's men came in one afternoon with a buddy who had been shot. The Dr. removed the bullet and they were on their way! She also said that Al Capone once tried to muscle in on the mob in ESL but was sent back to Chicago by the ESL gang! He never tried that again.

Helen		06-Mar-2010 18:04
When I was a Girl Scout living in Caseyville, my dad took me to Frank Wortman's huge house between Caseyville and Collinsville to sell cookies. He bought every box I had. I will never forget that. I was shaking in my boots as I walked up to the door!

Guest		06-Mar-2010 09:05
To guest who posted 3/3/10, i went to St Philips and Assumption too, what years did you go?

Guest		06-Mar-2010 00:08
Had a good memory come back to me today..while reaing the Belleville Paper today, a former ESL resident passed away....Mrs. Beyersdorfer....had a WONDERFUL bakery on Caseyville Ave for years right next to Hawthorne School...I remember getting a cherry tart for 5 cents

1959 All American City		05-Mar-2010 03:21
My grandmother ran the Pladium Restaurant in East St Louis during the 30's. She said this well dress gentleman would come in every week on a Friday night and buy a cup of coffee. He would leave a dime for the coffee and a five dollar bill and then would go without saying a word. His name was Buster Wortman.

Guest		04-Mar-2010 18:22
My great Uncle was the gun smith in Belleville. The only time I came to visit him was in the early 80's. We drove thru East St. Louis. I love reading the comments about the city.

Guest		03-Mar-2010 15:58
I grew up in the Bluffs above East St. Louis and went to school there St. Philip and Assumption. Tennis star Jimmy Conners lived there and went to school there until his softmore year of high school. In the day when asked he always replied Belleville as his boyhood home......not a day in his life. I dond't understand that mentality. I am proud to have lived there and could care less what people think.

estl		03-Mar-2010 12:46
I used to visit my grandma Ethel Freiberg when I was young in the 60's and 70 's who owned a Cleaners on State St Just down the edgemount hill on the right hand side and her house was located behind the cleaners and I'm looking for a lady name Rosy don't remember last name she used to that care of my grandma and her house and watch us during the summer on your visits and have not see her since I left for the military in 1983 and them at my grandma funeral in 1994. She always showed us the the best of what east st louis had to offer and was the best time of my life in those hot summer days in estl. please contact me at estl90@yahoo.com

All over the town!		27-Feb-2010 09:28
It is obvious that the contributors to this site's discussion are writing about two different cities which occupied the same geographical space. All contributors have written about that real estate just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis, but have described the area in such different terms that it seems impossible to reconcile the contrasting views expressed by people who claim to love the city in which he or she was raised! For example, I was born near the Sunken Gardens, then lived at 10th and Tudor, then spent much of my life in Alta Sita, then lived in succession on N. 24th, N. 30th, N. 32nd and N. 89th Streets. I never lived in, nor had I heard of, "East Boogie"! I remember Ray Keeley's Tavern at 29th and Bond; another contributor to this site remembered Blackmon's Tavern at that same site. I hold in my heart my memories of East St. Louis as fondly as does the poster who speaks of "East Boogie" and Blackmon's Tavern; it's just that we remember different cities on the same piece of land! Things change, and every city in the United States has undergone change since the time I was born in the thirties, some for better and some for worse. Our "cities", claimed by residents or former residents of different ages and races, has suffered more decline than almost any other city in the country for so long a time, but the posts on this site DO speak to a great place in which to grow up regardless of economic circumstance, and that tells me that it wasn't the location of the "cities", or the buildins and infrastructure, but it was the people of East St. Louis and the people of East Boogie that mad us remember it so fondly!

Guest		26-Feb-2010 00:40
Dr. Scrivner delivered two of my sons but his office was in Belleville then, I didin't know he worked in ESL

1959 All American City		26-Feb-2010 00:06
I agree with most people who say they are proud they are from ESL. With one exception. The time period from 1930 through 1966 my family and I were proud. The remaining time we lived there, from 1967 through 1974 was HORRIBLE!! The few remaining companies started to leave because of serious crime and HATE for the white man. Between 1967 through 1974 both sets of my grandparents where Robbed at gun point! My sister was RAPED! My next door neighbor and his son were MURDERED in 1972! Our good friend Mr. Price who owned Prices Drive-Inn was MURDERED for $68 at his liqure store in 1971! YES! I always make sure when people ask me where I am from I tell them EAST ST LOUIS ILLINOIS!! I have lived all over the country and every person I talk to know of East St. Louis. But they don't have a clue about its glorius past! I tell them! The sad thing is after my generation dies no one will know of ESL's great past! Because no one who lives there now could give a DAMN!! What a shame.

GUEST		25-Feb-2010 20:17
East St. Louis was a great town to grow up in the 50's and early 60's. My grandfather built the Murphy Building. Dr Scrivner delivered me and all 4 of my kids even tho we moved to St Louis. He was a great Dr. Got to talk to him at a Fund Raiser at the Old St. Mary's many years ago. I told his wife that his patients thought he was a GOD. HE MADE A HOUSE CALL WHEN I WAS PREGNANT WITH MY SECOND CHILD. We lived on Bunkum Road and he came to the house 2 times.

scott		25-Feb-2010 04:28
Picture #6 is the old Union Bank across from the old McDonalds.

rickell		24-Feb-2010 19:06
my name is rickell tolise n im from the home of the flyers the home of the licoln tigers i love my home town no matter how grimey or bad some of the neighborhoods maybe i grew up in charlie park the fireworks n the hole grab my knowledge from brown elementary nelly curtis miller academy n east side high i can tell you exactly where most of the pictures take place i love east boogey but i must say its time 4 a change there n the only way to see one is if we all work together to progress one

bmiller2		24-Feb-2010 18:53
My daughter was born in Christain Welfare Hospital. She always thought that it was actually a welfare hospital. Does anyone have any pictures from back when it looked good? She was born May 20, 1963. Dr. Scrivener delivered her. Does anyone remember him?

Guest		23-Feb-2010 00:07
could you please tell me what the picture is of number 6....second row, second pic..it looks familiar to me but I'm not sure...thank you

Hazel Liddell		20-Feb-2010 05:22
I was raised in ESL and I wouldn't trade the good times I had there for anything. Sure the city has it's share of problems, but that's a whole other issue. I went to Garrison, Webster and graduated from St Teresa in 1971. The rice, snoots were to die for. I go "home" as often as possible. My family reunion is there every year. Did any of you play softball for Mr Cleveland Chandler? I played 1st base and would love to get in contact with anyone that did play. We were the "shitz". I remember going to the Southend center to see The Young Disciples. I know that being from ESL and experiencing my youth there was the catalyst for my success in life. I thank God for good those times. This is Hazel Liddell-Johnson (maceedrew@aol.com)

Angela		20-Feb-2010 03:32
To brendadavis I am so sorry about your mom, my mother passed 5 years ago and never helped me find my people in east st louis, I moved from the gompers in 1970, I am looking for my fathers people, my grandmother was on the police force in st louis I lost contact with her when I was about 11-12years old. her name is A. Lewis and the few times I did get to visit her she took me to church at pilgrams rest church at 5000 bond, I am now 46 years old, and I dont know if Ihave other brothers or sisters out there someplace, to tony my aunt hazel liddell played softball as well as did my cousins the cullys, does anyone know any McNesses??????? please let me know at KSfox42@yahoo.com

TexanTimm		20-Feb-2010 03:17
When did the areas around Landsdowne, Washington Park, and Rosemont start getting bad? I lived near Loisel Village when we moved to Texas in about 1970. My grandparents lived near Landsdowne and St. Martin's respectively. I don't remember those areas as being bad, but I was only 12.

Linda Sanders Burton		19-Feb-2010 22:36
I lived in East St louis from 1949 to 1981 - Went to Webster school, Rock, Clark and graduated from East Side in 1967. Grew up on 12th and Cleveland. As a child growing up in the fifties, I can remember how great East St Louis used to be before "white flight". We had no problem with the white's fleeing but did not realize they were taking all the jobs with them. I can remember moving from "Goose Hill" to 11th & Gaty - whites had previously owned these homes and immediately moved out to the suburbs when we started moving in. Of course we followed them so they all moved to Bellville and other cities.When I go back to visit East St Louis I am saddened by what the city has become, but I know she will come back. I am told that white developers are buying all the land once owned by blacks for peanuts and just waiting. Soon there will be high rises, expensive condos and million dollar homes in the inner city. That is when East St Louis will thrive again. I am proud of being from East St louis and always correct people when they say St. Louis. I now reside in Houston, Texas and have met several of my "homeboys and girls from East St. Louis". We are all successful and lead great lives. We are proud of the lessons learned in East St Louis.

Tony Houston		19-Feb-2010 11:53
I remember going iceskating at Joneses Park in the winter and going swimming at the pool in the summer, as well as playing fast pitch softball there too. We had a lot of fun as kids growing up in E. St. Louis.

Guest		19-Feb-2010 01:39
Wow, that's the area where I grew up! Again, if anyone has memories of Lansdowne Baptist Church, please share them with me. I would love to hear about it. That was my church for a long time. Does anyone remember the easter play? My dad was Pilate!!

Guest		19-Feb-2010 00:31
I lived on 45th street, and went to Hawthorne elementary, lansdowne and east side. WE always went ice skating at Jones Park. I have such warm wonderful memories that time.. Does anybody remember the great Fish fry"s a t Holy Angels???

TONY HOUSTON		18-Feb-2010 18:30
i have many fond memories as well as not so fond memories of growing up in E.St. Louis. I wouldn't trade a one of them. We were a unique people. Especially in Rosemont and Washington Park. We stuck together when other gangs of guy's came into our neighborhood. I remember several neighborhood gangfights. We didn't use guns or knives, we used our fists and an occasional bottle or club. No one ever died from these fights. We were different from Collinsville, Belleville, Edwardsville .... We were tougher. Many of us grew up without a Father, poor but happy. I will always be proud of being born and raised in EAST. ST. LOUIS.

Guest		18-Feb-2010 13:38
Rick, Jimmy Sams lived right on the corner as I recall. We used to play football in his back yard. I also new the Mitchells. Ricky and Kathy and Mickey.

1959 All American City		17-Feb-2010 23:44
WARNING! All of my fellow neighbors from Washington Park/East St Louis/Lansdowne area. Latest report is that 40th & Waverley Avenue is the epa Center for murders in the Nation. Please make sure that if you do visit the area( most of of it is gone) drive a Hummer and be well armed!!!

Rick		17-Feb-2010 20:07
I lived on Hollows from about 1958 to about 67 or 68. I had a good friend Jimmy Sams that lived around the corner and Micky Mitchel that owned Mitchel's market. I moved from there to 72nd Street and attended Harding, Edgemont, Clark and then King. Lots of good memories and a few bad ones too. My older brother Garry attended Landsdowne.

Susan		17-Feb-2010 01:04
My Aunt and Uncle, Ray and Katherine Poston owned and operated the Coachlight Tavern on Bond St. for many years. Does anyone have pics, memories, information about their tavern. They were wonderful, honest people with such beautiful smiles. Thanks for any help.

Guest		16-Feb-2010 13:43
Oh yeah, Cleves Grill. I would not change a thing about growing up in these neighborhoods. Honest, stand up people. Far from wealthy but proud. I dont get to see many old friends but I have them with me. Tell Gloria I said hi. I think she will remember me. It has been a pleasure stumbling on to this site and conversing with you. Ron Mifflin

Tony Houston		15-Feb-2010 21:47
Well, there was Cleve's Grill on Forrest Blvd, just off Kingshighway, and then there was Kingsway ( I think that was the name ) on Kingshighway just before you got to Forrest Blvd. Yes, Gloria is my little sister. My older brother Steve use to run with Dickie. I knew him pretty well too, though he was several years older than me. the kimbrells are my cousins. bonnie and I are the same age. She is 2 mos older than I am.

Guest		15-Feb-2010 18:22
To Tony Houston. Sonny, Dickie and Bruce are my cousins. Ricky, Bonnie and Becky Kimbrell were my good friends. Ricky Prices younger brother Darrell was one of my good buddies. I dated Janet Ridgeway. Froggy Clark? Are you related to Gloria Houston? I vaguely remember the Gay Inn. What was the name of the greasy spoon with the all night chili on the corner of Kingshighway and Forest Blvd. Across from Cress License. My brothers band played at Hudsons Roller Rink quite a bit. They also played in the Rec Hall in the Roosevelt Homes. To Rick. When did you live on Hallows?

BJ		12-Feb-2010 22:02
I too lived in E. St louis and back then it was a good place to live. We moved there around the 1950's until around 1968, if memory serves me right. We lived on 7th street close to the Polish hall or church. We were close to St. Clair ave. Our neighbors were mostly polish people. Does anyone know any of these people? Marlene & Evelyn Hess & they had a brother not sure of his name. Over on 8th or 9th street the Darnell's, Bomars, Cannons lived. I can't think of any of the other neighbors. I worked at Lees Grill and Bills grill on St. Clair ave. Later we hung out at Mavis tavern on Collinsville ave. Mavis was very close to Judge Parnell. Some of the people that hung out there were Glen & Jack Hardin, Joann Bell, Bill Hunter, Jack Elliott, Buddy Harstrite (mispelled I'm sure)Patsy Darnell, Betty Swift. There used to be a band that Duke Patey played in there. Later I worked out on Bunkum road at a restaurant,can't remember the name. Gee this brings back so many memories! Also knew Sonny Reed, Dick Bridges, Glenda Roach, Fern Lavere. We also hung out sometimes at 1123 State St. at a bar there. Anyone know any of these people or places? I feel so bad now for what has happened to E. St Louis. Shirley Whitten was shot & killed by a robber at Dairy Queen I think in the early 60's. Looking forward to touching base with anyone that knows any of these people, it has been so long!!

Rick		11-Feb-2010 16:26
I grew up on Hollows Ave, accross the street from the candy store and 3 doors down from Wilson School. I remember Jonnys tavern and the Straw Hat tavern. I learned to ride a bicycle in the school yard at Wilson.

Tony Houston		10-Feb-2010 20:05
I knew the Mifflins. Sonny, Dickie, and Bruce. I grew up hanging out in the Roosevelt Homes too. I am related to the Kimbrells, Terry, Jerry, Tommy, and I ran with Mike Clark, Ricky Price, Earl Ridgway, remember them ? I am a bit older than you, I was born in 1954. I remember all the places youa mentioned. I remember " Jimmy's Gay Inn " on Bunkum Rd by Pochecks I.G.A. remember that place ? I was young when it was open.

Guest		09-Feb-2010 21:01
I grew up in Rosemont around 49th and Bunkum. Born at St. Marys in 58. Attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School then to Landsdowne Jr. High. Spent a lot of time hanging in the Roosevelt Homes. My grandparents lived right behind Artells Confectionary on 44th and Bunkum. Bunkum liquor was a hangout. Vaughns Service station. Pochecks Grocery Store. Wurth Dairy. Johnny and Bennys Tavern. Red Feather Inn. Cygans Restaurant. Kingsway Drive Inn, home of the original Pizza Burger. The Straw Hat. Oh yeah, we cant forget Art Mowes. Stephans Hardware Store. We had great times. Do you remember any Mifflins?

Mifflin		09-Feb-2010 17:59
Memories. I grew up in Rosemont on 49th and Bunkum Road. Later moved to Hallows ave. in the Park. Born at St. Marys in 58, attented Woodrow Wilson grade school and Landsdowne. It was a great place early on but became dangerous. Had relatives in Roosevelt Homes. Grandmother lived behind Artells Confectionary on 44th and Bunkum. Anybody remember the Mifflins

TexanTimm		06-Feb-2010 02:36
God's will is for everyone to have an abundant, productive life. Unfortunately, too many East Saint Louis residents choose to ignore this great fact and destroy eachother and cause many fine people to live in fear every day. I remember when the Landsdowne Towers were built in the sixties. Those apartment should still be in decent condition for their age. When we give people handouts and let them act like animals, things get destroyed. No gratitude, no respect, no hope for the young people...

tpnupe2		05-Feb-2010 20:08
I just want to thank all of you for your stories. I was just looking at old pictures of the crib and fell upon this which is great. My god I thank him for allowing to grow up in East St Louis I was born in Christian Welfare May 28, 1964 and it is still not torn down yet! God has a plan for the city and it is so rich with stories like these it is so strong when you go to another city they just seem so weak to me comming from home that is mentally weak. I pray that His will be done in the city for all to see His work!

All American City 1959		05-Feb-2010 16:29
While driving through my home town ESL, a thought came to me. I remember reading an article regarding a gentleman from Detroit who has come up with a brilliant idea. Start farming the city of Detroit. Detroit like ESL is becoming void of buildings, homes and people. Scheduled homes to be torn down in Detroit is 60,000 plus. 18,000 have already been torn down. Detroit's population has decreased by 1,000,000. The population of ESL has decreased by approximately 50,000. I believe the same concept could work for ESL! The Fed's need to come in and tear down the remaining homes and buildings that are condemned. My guess is around 10,000 plus. This is Mississippi River bottom land and it still has to be fertile. Also its cheap! Maybe this could be the answer to bring back my home town.

Guest		02-Feb-2010 16:20
I was born at CWH in January '74. I was sad to hear that not only had it been shut down for the past 20+ years, but that it was such an eyesore to ESL residents due to vandalism.

Tony		27-Jan-2010 16:15
I spent a couple of weeks in Christian Welfare hosp, after being hit by a car trying to cross State Street and 24th st. This was in 1961

All American City 1959		26-Jan-2010 18:34
Well another landmark in East St Louis is being put to rest. The demolition has started on Christian Welfare Hospital in ESL. This is after the thugs, thieves and vandals have stripped all the materials, metals and fixtures they could steal to get money from the building over the years. Rest in peace!

Brenda Davis		25-Jan-2010 23:58
My name is Brenda Davis. I was born in St. Louis, MO July 1968. My mother's name was Ora Lee (Smith) Tisdale. She was shot in the head 5 times by her husband James E. Tisdale. She died June 01, 1970 and was buried in Pine Bluff, AR. I'm told she had a best friend, maybe two, who lived in East St. Louis. I am trying to find anyone who may have known my mother during that time. I recently found out that her husband is not my father. If anyone out there knows anyone who may have known my mother, please email me at: brendadavis007@gmail.com Thank you and God bless.

Tony Houston		25-Jan-2010 11:55
Yes, I attended that Church. I got my first Bible from my Sunday School teacher there. It was in 1965. Tony. Houston.

Guest		25-Jan-2010 01:05
Is there anyone out there who attended Lansdowne Baptist Church at 39th & Waverly?? I have beautiful memories of that church and the people...is it still occupied as a church or something?

Guest		21-Jan-2010 17:18
John Gender....I too took elocution lessons from Betty Daugherty, with classes on 37th street. I loved your Preacher and the Bear.

GSU_Nickel		21-Jan-2010 06:38
Wow.. I guess this was my day to take a look at ESTL historically. (This is the 3rd ESTL websie I found today.) Born, raised and Well educated in ESTL by teachers and parents and neighbors that cared and would not be disrespected. I graduated from E.Side in 1974 and now live Los Angles. It’s sad to see that this city has not progressed, but it always was a city of corrupt politics, good times, and life in the past. As I read earlier comments reflecting on the good times, bad times, White Flight, Racism, and ideas of resurrecting of the city, it made me think of the mind set of those who have endured life in ESTL, whether they are black or white and now even Asian and Hispanic. What is the mindset of those who make this city home? There are extremely good hard working people in my home town and I still love this city, but most pictures or even when you drive through the city, it has the look and surroundings of a city that never left the 50’s or 60’s. So sad, but without business, manufacturing, viable retail opportunities, this city has become a true, welfare city. It is only an excepted mindset that could allow this to happen. Is there hope for such a situation? Yes, there is always hope. ESTL is still prime property surrounded by major highways, the riverfront and rail. All elements are there that were there when the city thrived in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. No longer can E. ST. Louisan’s allow the corrupt politics of the past, (Mayor Alvin Fields) and no longer can you allow the uneducated to remain uneducated. This city has produced great people, Josephine Baker, Hank Bauer, Homer Bush, Miles Davis, Donald McHenry, Jackie Joyner-Kersey, and countless other in the past and current day. And with the Grace of God, it shall and will again thrive. But the people must change, dream, hope, work hard, and pray for a future that is God’s will and not the will of “The Boogie”…

Elvira		15-Jan-2010 07:38
Born and raised in ESL. Love my home and love my people when I go home to visit. But I have actually cried when I drive around and see what has become of my childhood home. I still have hope that things will change one day. I have now resided in southern california since my mom moved us here in '75'. I've traveled the world. Some of my favorite places are Italy,France, Prauge,and Maui....But no matter what, I'm still drawn to my roots.I've had a dream, that when I retired, that I would have a home to return to.(Think they can bring it back in 5 years?) I've read all comments.That's why we all live in america. Freedom of speech and entitlement to our different opinions. Does anyone have pics' of old Webster elem., Washington elem.,Coffmans market, etc. CORRECTIONS: The new Lincoln Middle school sits on the site where Hughs Quinn Jr. High once stood. The old Sears Bldg. is on 10th street, and is now the school district (189) offices. Christian Welfare Hospital wasn't torn down as of 5yrs. ago, but it shoulb be because it's just a shell, and an ugly eye sore. Saint Joseph is now a pre-school like most of the catholic schools. This hurts me too. I attended Saint Adalbert,and our beautiful church now has a freeway running through it. Somebody e-mail me about the good 'ole days, and old pics of buildings if you have them. elvira_jones@att.net

topodaday		13-Jan-2010 22:33
I have found a class ring for the year 1960 for Lincoln High School. Maybe you could help me find a graduating class roster for that year so I can locate the owner. Initials are engraved inside. topodaday@gmail.com

Tony. Houston.		13-Jan-2010 18:00
Yes Mark, Mr Goff was my 6th grade teacher. I remember him well. My Mother had let me take an old Poem Book that had bEEN IN HER FAMILY FOR YEARS TO SCHOOL ONE DAY TO SHOW mR gOFF, SOME HOW OR ANOTHER i NEVER GOT IT BACK. bOY WAS SHE UPSET !

Jennifer		13-Jan-2010 07:22
Hello...this sounds strange I am looking for anyone who went to HAZELWOOD EAST HIGH and graduated in or around 1940's or knows anyone who has...I am looking for a woman who went to school there..she is my grandma i do not know if she is still alive...Her maiden name is Jeannie Foster if anyone knows any info please contact me...My mother and I have been looking for her...she gave my mom up for adoption to Lester Briggs and Norma Jean (theriac) briggs. thanks for your time

67Worldchampions		12-Jan-2010 23:29
Tony, was your 6th grade teacher Mr Goff at Harding in 1966-1967? Mark

Tony Houston		12-Jan-2010 17:53
I have many fond memories of East. St. Louis !! And always will. My first gradeschool was Slade, on 27th and State St. I love the fond memories i have of growing up in E.St.L. I am on Facebook and have tried to contact several old friends to just see how they are. It has been a slow process. I remember as a little boy my Mother use to take us downtown to Collinsville Ave, at Christmas season to the little red Santa clause houses they had on the street, to see Santa. I remember the old W.T.Grants on Collinsville Ave, the old Union clothing Store, and the old Sears on arond 6th or 7th and state St. My Mother use to work for the old Dyer o Hare, trucking co. and the old A&P warehouse in Sauget, as did I in 1973 - 1975. I will always have fond memories of my childhood in this wonderful city ! Tony Houston, william.houston@gm.com

Tony. Houston		11-Jan-2010 18:04
I grew up all over E.St.L. I was born at St. Mary's Hosp, on 5/25/1954. I lived all over. I lived in the Roosevelt Homes as a baby, I lived off 16th and St Clair Ave, Wabashaw Ave as a toddler, 50th and Bunkum Rd, in Rosemont, 51st and Caseyville Ave, 23rd and State St, Waverley and North Park Dr, 52nd and state St, Behind Robert Halls clothing store, on Circle Dr, 73rd and State St, ...., I went to Slade School on 27th and State St, Jefferson Ele, on 25th and Waverley, Manners, and Morrison Elementaries, and to Clark Jr High School. I hung around all over Rosemont, Washington Park, and other places on State St, I went to Joneses Prk as a boy. I have many many fond memories of growing up in E.St.Louis !!! I love to sit and listen to oldies once in a while and think back to my childhood days. I now live in Fort Worth Tx area, but have family all over Belleville, Collinsville, and the surrounding areas. I go home several times a year. My name is Tony. Houston, and would love to hear from any one who remembers me.

Guest		09-Jan-2010 02:37
@ All American City 1959, yes President Obama did visit ESL when he was a Senator. It was Aug. 2005. I'm proud to be from ESL, and I go back and visit every year.

jim		07-Jan-2010 11:59
i lived in east es louis manny years ago 620 rear trenley the best town i have ever been in 1935 till 1960

All American City 1959		06-Jan-2010 21:32
When I returned from my last visit to my home town ESL, a thought came to me. Where was the hope and change for East St. Louis when Obama was senator in Illinois?? Did the senator ever even visit the city? America you are in for a rude awakening!

J.T.		03-Jan-2010 12:35
I was born in St. Mary's Hospital in 1960. I am searching for anyone that may have attended Morrison School in 1960 to about 1963. I am searching for my sister that attended school there and would love to maybe find a photo of her. I can remember in the early 1970's about 5 new families came to my little catholic school in Millstadt, IL. They had moved from E. St. Louis with stories of bomb threats constantly if they did not move out. I was just in awe of these stories having grown up in an all white German town with no crime. When I found part of my birth family, they lived in E. St. Louis for years and finally moved to Belleville because my Aunt had been attacked walking to the store and the last time she was hurt badly, so they borrowed money from the family and left. They have great stories of E. St. Louis in its Prime...

Guest		03-Jan-2010 08:19
Someone ask about the old Christan Welfare hospital, I regret to informed you that that Hospital no longer there it has been torn down many years ago, back in the middle eighties.

Dennis		30-Dec-2009 19:51
I graduated from ESL High in 1988. I went into the military and I come home to visit about once a year(and to get a snoot). My family lived at 628 n 39th from around 1971-2002. I remember as a kid when the carnival would come over to the lot where the Tri-city grocery(around 47th and state) used to be. I still have family in ESL on Bond ave and other spots in the city. My most fond memories of the city is when I was a small child and things seem to be pretty good. I also remember my me and my grandfather playing catch in the park on around the 3100 block on Bond ave.

All American City 1959		29-Dec-2009 18:47
Well I deceided to take another spin through my home town with my buddy Joe. (Aren't we CRAZY?!) He did the driving while I took the pictures. As mentioned before I grew up in ESL from 1955 thru 1973. I did find more address's of my relative's homes and sites, so we went looking. As I expected 12 out of 14 homes, my church on 9th & Summit, Christian Welfare Hospital (were I was born) my schools, Parkside, Harding, Clark all GONE!! What in the HELL is wrong with these people!?? When my relatives moved out of these homes they were beautiful and well kept! And PLEASE don't give me this crap that they were old! So is the White House and it was built in 1800! It's called, Up Keep! DUH! I noticed that the population is below 30,000 now. I hope what ever good people are left can get out as soon as possible! Then the state of Illinois can level whats left of the city and put up a monument and a park from Signal Hill to Rush City, to pay tribute to the good people who once lived there, worked there, raised many great families and respected the city. I would send money for this! By my calculations in the last 45 years there has been over 6,000 murders in East St. Louis! This number would compare to any large city in the U.S or in the world 100 times the size of ESL!! People talk about the war in Iraq? Mr. Obama needs to send troops to ESL and clean up this mess once and for all and put these people out of their misery!! Maybe he could win that war. One last thing. This is another great example of the Liberal Socialist agenda, FDR'S "THE GREAT SOCIETY" And LBJ'S "WAR ON POVERTY"!! FAILURE!!!!!

CocoaBrown		21-Dec-2009 19:27
This is to LaMar Taylor, OMG...cannot wait to speak w/ you...I go on this sight everyday, just to make sure that I get the latest posts. They are all interesting...I emailed you...get in touch...Alvin Jones resides in Seattle...I cannot believe you guys are that close...anyway, check your email...Patricehumber@ymail.com

LaMar Taylor		20-Dec-2009 20:53
My name is LaMar Taylor a 1980 graduate of E.St.Louis Sr. High. I have read many of the responses here thus I would like to contact others. I have a positive memory of E. St. Louis. I am a graduate of Martin Van Lucas and Clarke Jr. High. I was good friends with Alvin "Bert" Jones, Kevin "fat daddy" Ramsey, Pat "J" Bynum Pickle Sister), Kendall"Lil Dog" Bush, Byron"Coop" Cooper, Anita Harrington, Edward Lofton (Chicken), Rado Perry, Bridgette Williams and Johnny Ramsey to name a few. I grew up mainly on Post Place. When I was growing up E. St. Louis was a decent city to live in. All cities have always had problems but for the most part most of us got along very well. Sports played a important part of our lives but it was a big part of friendships for us as well. The school system faired well for me and I now hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Technology, Master of Information Science, Master of Environmental Policy & Law and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence (JD). I would love to hear from anyone out there who knows me and would like to converse. I currently live in University Place Washington and I go home to E.St. Louis every so often as my family still lives there. Please feel free to contact: LaMar Taylor, JD, MSEL, MLS, BS Email: Ready L2003@yahoo.com

John		18-Dec-2009 10:37
I am deeply saddened to read and see how badly East St. Louis has decayed. Even in 1964 when I briefly visited there, the decay was pretty bad. I take a personal interest because (as I just discovered) one of the first settlers on this spot was my great-great-great-great grandfather, James Piggott, after whom Piggott Street is named. He would have been proud of the East St. Louis of the era before 1960, when it was thriving and growing. Not now, I fear.

LaWanda Scott-Mincey		15-Dec-2009 21:30
Judge less not be judged! As with any city, yes E. St. Louis has had its share of problems. However, I was born and raised in that city and learned valuable life altering lessons there. Furthermore, I was educated in a district that genuinely cared about academic excellence (Dunbar/Hughes Quinn/LHS)! I also had the privelege of partaking in cultural experiences that other cities I've lived in and/or visited do not offer. Therefore, I would trade nothing for my journey in East st. Louis. Most of my family still lives there, and I anxiously visit as often as possible. Don't judge the people there as a result of the few depictions you have seen on the interenet. If you want to get the true essence of the city, GO VISIT and talk to the hard-working, loving people living there!!!

Tom		14-Dec-2009 00:15
I left in 82 for Richmond VA which is a slightly less dangerous place to live. Growing up on 80th St in Edgemont was great until around 1975 or so when things slowly turned worse & worse each yr. In 1977 I went to St Louis to attend college in U City & then 1982 moved to Richmond, Va for grad school. Nobody here would believe I grew up there & was not a thug. My parents stayed in ESL until about 1990 after our neighbor got her front door kicked down from a gang that squatted in the house across the alley. The single old woman of 90 was hanging out of her bathroom window sceaming for my father to get his gun!! He did not have a gun but it scared the intruder off. My dad woke up to the danger. He realized it was too dangerous for an old couple in their 80's to stay any longer. I was thrilled they decided to move & not become another statistic. I am sad ESL has not recovered, has grown even worse! My Assumption HS is a prison now. Last time I visited in 2000 it was far worse than I had hoped. Can it get any worse? It has to turn around at some point, doesn't it? I would love to see it a safe place to raise a family again. Some really great people I knew from ESL. I would love to do something to help ESL back on its feet.

Tom		13-Dec-2009 23:56
I graduated from the original Assumption HS before it was turned into a prison.

Charlotte Hearn Alexander		11-Dec-2009 05:57
Tony, I too lived on north 47th Street (1449 N 47th Street) and went to Woodrow Wilson Grade School -- started there in 1951 through 4th grade(Mrs Williams first grade, Mrs. Devine 3rd, Mrs. Schutze 4th (I have a picture of our 4th grade class!) then on to ? Landsdown? 5th and 6th grades until we moved to Belleville in 1956 - My Dad worked at the Aluminum Ore (ALCOA) plant on Missouri Avenue from 1929 until we moved to Arkansas in 1961 (he was transferred to the plant here). My Mother worked at the Majestic Candy Kitchen adjacent to the Majestic Theater prior to my parents marriage. I remember Christmas shopping and going downtown Friday nights with my parents where Dad would bowl and Mom would shop! I took accordion lessons at Sunny Shields, Arlene ? was my teacher. Our accordion band often played on the Admiral in the summer time. Kids today don't know what a "dime store" is! I too think it sad that most of these places we knew as children are gone -- I now live in Little Rock Arkansas in the house where my husband grew up - same neighbor hood he roamed as a child and the school across the street he attended first through 6th grade - nothing much has changed, neighborhood very safe and all homes are occupied. Little Rock has no areas of decay like those described in these posts. I've read all the posts about what went wrong and thing it all quite sad.

FormerlyESL		03-Dec-2009 04:35
I really enjoy reading these posts. Born and raised in the "All American City" until drafted in 67. Returned and until 1979 I was a mailman-I walked EVERY FOOT of ESL. I attended Morrison school, Clark and East Side. Enjoyed skipping classes and going to Shop City Bowling Alley. Fun times at Custard's Last Stand, Prices Burger, the A&W and Hannigan's (all in Edgemont) and the best ribs around at Sam's on Route 50. Yeh, I would bus it to the Majestic and Esquire theaters and skated at Hudson's Roller Rink. East St. Louis, its memories and its future, is what people make of it. Go FLYERS!!!

Judiann Edwards-Burrus		02-Dec-2009 11:49
Guest Would love to have someone who remembers the names of as many of the old E.S.L. neighborhoods as they can contact me. Doing research to write a book about my life for my sons and grandson. I lived in Edgemont during the 50's between what was State Street and Saint Clair Avenue. Attended Harding Elementary, Clark Junior High, and East Side. I remember a couple of the neighborhood names, like Washington Park and Ping Pong. Thanks much. Judy Ann judyann_edwards@yahoo.com

Guest		01-Dec-2009 22:13
Thanks Richard, I started 1st there in 1949. Do you know of any photos on the internet of Wilson? Tony

CocoaBrown		30-Nov-2009 16:00
For Cedric, Did you bring up some names or what?! It is good to know you are well and are thriving...life can be a BEEOTCH! I am surprised that you didn't know, but very shortly after high school, Bridgette Williams became involved with this sleaze ball, his name was "Perry"...he had Bridgette out there real bad...she is still out there as far as I know. My old childhood chums are doing well. Most live outside of the state, but there are a few in the surrounding cities as well. I get together with them whenever I can. I travel a lot as well my job has afforded me that luxury. Just came from Amsterdam and France November 08...bananas! You should try to touch base with Reggie Hudlin, he is in LA, he is currently directing episodes of Modern Family and The Office...he graduated from AHS as well in 1979. My cousin is in San Diego with her husband they both attended ESH ...one whom you may know-Kelly lives in Vegas

Richard		30-Nov-2009 15:12
Tony the school in Rosemont was Wilson, I lived 3 doors down from the school. Accross the street from Gregory's confectionary.

bobby		28-Nov-2009 22:07
does anyybody remember pudgeys bar?

Cedric		25-Nov-2009 16:40
Hi, CocaBrown… Back in the 70’s everybody knew everybody, I went to school with Alvin Jones. I had friends that went to assumption and excuse me if I misspell their names, “Tammy Howell & Edmund Jones”. I had another friend that went to Lincoln and his name is Patrick Patterson. One of my closes friends of course went to East Side and her name is Bridgette Williams. I have no idea where any of them are now but I hope all is well. For me, being born and raised in E. St. Louis, a part of me will always be there; therefore, when I go back home, I’m not afraid. I just feel at home. I reside in Southern California now and it is just as crazy as home. It may look different but it is just as crazy. My parents (Eddie & Gloria Anderson) live in Fairview and my Sister & Brother in-law (Derick & Anita Hobson) live in Bellville. Our home was on 35th & Bond, across the street from Virginia Park. I do have uncles and aunts that still reside in the City. My wife and I do travel a lot and I do try to make it back home as often as I can. Sorry that you feel afraid but I can understand why. Any info on the reunion my e-mail address is cedr1105@aol.com.

CocaBrown		24-Nov-2009 19:39
This message is for Cedric...I went to Assumption, graduated in 80...where is everyone...I used to date Alvin Jones. OMG. I just seen Kevin Ramsey in AZ, I have a lot of family out there now...do you remember my sister, Pickle(Dawn Bynum), she went to East Side. I hate coming home...I'm too afraid I won't make it back to my family in Massachusetts. It really sucks...more murders per capita...

Cedric		23-Nov-2009 23:12
All I can say is that I enjoyed my time in E. St. Louis and will never forget it. I graduated from E. St. Louis Sr. High School in 1980 and look forward to returning for our 30th class reunion. My question is, will there be a 30th class reunion?

Tony		23-Nov-2009 16:36
Just came across this forum while doing Some Genealogy Research on my family. I grew up in East St. louis from 1943 until 1958. Went to grade school at Cannady and what was Rock Jr High. I started Grade school in what used to be Rosemont when we lived on N. 47th Street, but I don't know the name of the grade school. I do remember "Gregory's" had a soda fountain shop across the sreet. When I grew up on Natalie ave, I would take a bus from 15th & Natalie to the Majestic Theatre, I was only about 10 years old then and it was completely safe to ride the bus to collinsville ave. While I had some bad memeories of East St. Louis, I had plenty of good ones also. Is anyone doing Genealogy on there family while living in East St. Louis during the 40' & 50's?

lloyd		22-Nov-2009 00:24
ESL could become the Prototype City for Obama's Economic and Environmental Agenda: My wife was born in ESL, Eastside grad. Her family remains and we have visited annually or at least every 18 mos. since 1998. After observing the condition of the City and reading about its glorious history, I began to think about ways to revitalize this area. Finally, we developed a strategy that is tailored specifically for ESL, i.e. the non-traditional approach to economic development. Our approach is to create JOBS first unlike the typical model which is to focus on the physical space (HOPE IV). Jobs will become the catalyst or the multiplier for other development such as small business growth, a stable tax base, home ownership, edu and cultural amenities. If you would like to join our effort to make this a Prototype City, please contact us at lwynn123@comcast.net or lloyd@restudents.net.

Guest		20-Nov-2009 00:42
I was born At St Mary Hospital,in East St. Louis Ill, we moved after my father passed to Detroit, Mi. I think of ESL so many childhood good times.I attend Attuck Elem. school in the early 1960s. I just returned to attend the furneral of my great-neice who was Tenikia Harvey,one of the three girl killed in their car. I visit my old place where we lived 8 north 22st street across from the skating ring. We moved in November 1965 I miss and still love East St Louis Ill

Guest		18-Nov-2009 22:25
What is going on in ESTL, right now?! There has been in the last two weeks, three young ladies shot in their car, all with babies inside...a five year old girl..dead...stray bullet. Alvin Parks,please send in the National Guard, get some law and order up in there..YOU should address this like you addressed the opening of "clubs" and allowing them to serve alcohol until 6:00AM are you serious!

Guest		16-Nov-2009 18:00
I am a a former resident of the eside i do still live in the area trying to make contact with all assumption grads 1983 to 1986 jim collins eastbeeast@yahoo.com thanks be blessed.

Guest		11-Nov-2009 06:07
Gloria, many schools closed in district 189; but new ones opened. We reallllly need people who care. Keep an open mind. I am 60 and went to school when it was care free and safe. It would be so beneficial to have caring teachers in a district with so much poverty. District 189 was at one time a very highly paid district. GOD BLESS YOU

Cherrie		10-Nov-2009 03:51
Hi,I was born(1961) and raised(1983) in E.St.Louis back then everyone called me by my nickname "WORM". I lived 626 North 8th Street, my first phone number was 618-274-0708, went to Longfellow Elementary then A.M.Jackson, Rock Jr. High and East Side. Where are the folks from 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, Alexander St, Hall St, Frederick St, Pennsylvania St St.Clair St, Ohio St, Summitt St, Veronica St, Washington Place, Wabasha St, College St, Belmont St, Collinsville, Gray Blvd, and etc? If anyone who lived in these areas from 1966 - 1979 please go to classmates.com to get in contact with me

Gloria		09-Nov-2009 16:01
I have been reading this website all week-end and have been quite amazed. I use to teach at Lilly Freeman from 1977-1980. I currently teach and live in Las Vegas. First, I would like to say that my first teaching job was in East St. Louis. I LOVED teaching there and can remember how the students wanted to learn and was very enjoyable. The teachers at that school really worked hard and it was just a wonderful place to work. I can remember when each child had their own dictionary and a ruler...I thought that was the greatest! At that time I headed up the Brownie Scout at Lilly-Freeman and the girls loved being involved and felt good about themselves because the principal made sure that they were involved in many school activiities. It was small and personal working for District 189. I remember as a teacher how we would go to the district office for lunch and they would cook burgers and cat fish on Fridays. Many times during my teaching career, I have wanted to return to District 189 to teach. Actually, I stop by the district office one time and inquired about returning and was told that I would probably be layed off after a year because so many schools were closing at the time. Now that I am going to retire, maybe that is a possiblity. Children are children and they all really want to learn and feel good about their accomplishments! Thanks!

Guest		07-Nov-2009 09:23
Thanks Cocoa Brown. I kne about the zoo and arch but did not know about the Burger King and McDonalds. How beautiful and safe ESTL used to be.

CocoaBrown		06-Nov-2009 16:09
There is NOTHING for pre-teens let alone teens do in ESTL...it is insane! There are plenaty of "free" activities in Downtown St. Louis for the children. The St. Louis Zoo, The St. Louis City Museum...that was really awesome, you can spend all day in there. There is the Arch...call these places for specific times and scheduled for free tours and such, you can always finish with lunch on the McDonald's or Burger King boats that are docked and with walking distance of the Arch. The last time I was home, my cousins, whom were also visiting from different states...we love home, but damn. I am not going to lie...I couldn't bring myself to go out to a club...too afraid I wouldn't make it back to Massachusetts, it's funny-they were all set and thankfully came back to the hotel safe and sound! I left ESTL shortly after graduation from High School...thank goodness, I honestly don't know what my future would have held if I stayed...hhhmm!

Guest		06-Nov-2009 03:07
This is for E. White. What do you have that every other small town has. Have moved backed recently. I can't find a theatre; skating rink; horseback range; a safe park or anything for the youth. I am here only for a short time. We are taking of my grandmother until she can once again be on her own. U would love to take my nieces and nephews on outings and show them where their family use to play when they were young. Majestic, Thunderbird and Hudson skating rinks are gone. No horse back riding at GrandMarias and Jones Park no longer have their boat rides. What are kids to do. Don't want to venture to far away so tell me wnat there is to do near 25th Street?

Guest		04-Nov-2009 16:24
Lnne Lewis. The place for snoots was Nichols. I, too, grew up in your error. We never locked our doors. East St Louis was so safe. It is a real hell hole now. Statistics state it is the worst place to live. Two years ago it ranked second worse place to live. I will always be proud to say I am from there.

Lynne Lewis		03-Nov-2009 16:05
I went to all private schools in East St Louis, Ill (Namely) P L Dunbar grade 1946 to 1952, Hughes-Quinn Jr High 1952 to 1955 and finishing off at Lincoln Sr High 1955 to 1958. I had the best teachers, they cared about the students. Back in those days, we had corporal punishment, the best thing for us,from lining up to enter Dunber, to not having homework, missing test questions,and being late for school. Nothing was wrong with any of that, even your neighbors could spank you if you needed it. In 1963 I saw a documentary about E. St Louis, Ill, saying "It was the worst city in the State if not the nation". what a shame. It has always been my home and my beginning. Lincoln Park on 14th and Piggott was the best park as I was growing up. We had adult supervision on all the rides and playgrounds. My neighbors were care givers to all the children, a person was not afraid to walk in any neighborhood. Even the drunks at the cut rate liquor store would not bother the children that had to past by them to get to the park and Kramers grocery store. The Vets was the popular hang out for the adults, and Rockway for fountain sodas, snoots (forgot where),and Mr Teers pool hall. Mr T. Polk sitting in his yard with 'Henry, doberman pinscher'actually watching the children and the tennis court, which he could see from his front yard. There are so many pleasent memories of East St Louis, Ill,it's too back people don't remember the good things. Broadway, The Deluxe and the Majestic down town, movie theaters. I am proud to say that I am from East St Louis, Ill - to anyone that asks me.

Guest		03-Nov-2009 01:09
E. White, you sound foolish when you make such claims. I hate to take you to reality but East St. Louis is the biggest slum in America. It is the worst place to live with the worst crime rate in the entire country. Worst Places to live in America: 1. East St. Louis, Illinois 2. Gary, Indiana 3. Cairo, Illinois 4. Camden, New Jersey

E. White		01-Nov-2009 23:31
25street, East st. louis.We have things like every other small town.

The Nubian		29-Oct-2009 20:48
To the person who said that Blacks came to East Saint Louis to work when there was a strike going on is wrong. There was a federal works project going on and East Saint Louis was a pass thru on the rail line. It was the paranoia of a few White people that started the panic. There was a riot. My grandma lived through it with her family. She's still alive and can remember it like it was yesterday. Her family was taken to Aluminum Ore where her dad worked to be safe. One of my uncles was too sick to moved so my great- grandfather and great-great grandfather stayed with him, and they hired men to protect the house. Read and get your facts straight.

Runner		25-Oct-2009 23:52
I lived in E St louis from birth(1964)..Until my family followed the rest of our family..we moved out of the city 10 years later..I do have good memories growing up,and the friends I had were great. I remember how safe and beautiful it was. I hope one day the city comes back. I visit the city on occasion...but only during the day. I have to admit...when aked where I was born...I never say "E St Louis"

Guest		18-Oct-2009 02:21
Graduated in Jan 69 from EastSide. Does anyone know the where-abouts of Fern Jordan?

Guest		16-Oct-2009 06:09
Martin Luther King Jr. High was torn down a few years after it was built due to constant flooding. It was built in an area that was previously swamp lands.

Guest		14-Oct-2009 04:20
(con't) and the whole area was completely flooded back in the mid-50's. The homes were submerged in water almost to their roofs. They never should have built in that area.

Richard		13-Oct-2009 21:05
My dad use to work at Switzers, I remember it well. What ever happened to Martin Luther King Jr High (77 Ridge Ave.)? I went to it the first year it was open and have tried to find information on it but it's like it was never there.

Guest		11-Oct-2009 05:07
I was just talking about East St. Louis today and how there used to be a park/playground at 78th & State that had the best swings and sliding board ever. Now there is a new school built on top of it all...same with Custard's Last Stand at 56th & State that we used to frequent, a new Clark Jr. High School where that used to be. Lot's of new changes on State Street. I do remember smelling the licorice while crossing the Eads Bridge so long ago. I also remember the smells of the old Sears store that used to be at 10th & State, where they had a snack counter that sold hot dogs which were grilling on rollers right where you could see them and the candy counter with chocolates and the best butter batter fruit cakes at Christmas time. There was also a bell that used to ring in the store but I don't know what it was for. Even though these things are gone physically, they will live forever in my memories...

Guest		11-Oct-2009 03:37
I have taken the liberty to read majority of your comments concerning your fun memories of growing up in EAST ST LOUIS, and also, your horror stories of EAST ST LOUIS. I understand that some of you have a heart felt sadness for the dimise of the place you once called home. Many of you think you know why the GREAT EAST ST LOUIS fell so hard, and why it can not come back as the glorious place it once was. I ask you all a question. How much do you really love the memory of this place? As so many of you stated, your lives was formed right there, that precious land have a piece of souls, and that is why you have spent the time to share your memories, with complete strangers. Step up be heard. We as GOD'S people and JESUS followers is the key instrument to helping revive your home town. IAM ASKING YOU ALL TO STOP CONDEMING, AND BECOME APART OF HISTORY, BY HELPING RESTORE OUR BELOVED BIRTHPLACE EAST ST LOUIS. I DONT BELEIVE THAT JESUS IS A RESPECTOR OF PERSONS. ALL PEOPLE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE OF HOW AND WHAT THEY DID WITH THEIR LIVES ON EARTH. I CHALLENGE YOU!!!!! LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE EAST ST LOUIS THE PLACE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO LIVE AND WORK. THINK IT OVER, ITS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. IF YOU ONCE LOVED YOU CAN LOVE AGAIN.

Guest		10-Oct-2009 13:31
I commented before about my father and grandfather who worked a Broadhead Ford on Missouri Ave. I was just there 10/1-10/5. Whenever we visit my mother we visit ESL. Although there were many empty buildings and strret lights that were replaced by stop signs, there were places on State Street that looked renewed. Does Eastside have a new football feild? In my last comment I neglected to mention my aunt who worked at Heitman Poultry at the stockyards for 60 years. She is 90 years old. My son and I visited St louis and used the EADS Bridge. Does anyone remember Switzers licorice. You could smell the licorice when you approached the west end of EADS.

Guest		24-Sep-2009 00:02
Hello Jayson. Thanks for allowing all of the comments. You have allowed us to share so many good memories of our childhood. How and why did you start this walk down memory lane? If you have to take the time to edit and read all of these comments I again have to thank you. I am sure you could at some point be doing something you enjoy more. For all of us oldies that have been able to go back in time I thank you from the bottom of my heart. People come and go and children get married and move away; but memories are cherished your entire life. THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS.

Guest		23-Sep-2009 23:52
Guest of 9-22-09. What year was the train derailment. I must have missed it. I graduated from East ST Louis also. I graduated in 1974. I was always told I walked around in a bubble because I didn't pay attention to my surroundings. I was never threatened; hurt or abused except for verbally. I was called the fat a-- white bit--. It hurt my self image. I got over it. Still fat and still happy. Good education. Good memories.

Guest		22-Sep-2009 14:30
I was born and raised in East St Louis. Graduated East Side High in 1973. Loved my school and city --- and I am a white female. I was one of the few whites to survive my entire school education in East St Louis and graduate with a positive attitude toward the city. I blame white flight - my definition is that of whites too afraid to accept the changes around them, too afraid to accept people different from themselves, that they chose to abandon their homes and heritage. Yes it was a dangerous place, but the danger came from people - both black and white - not willing to see each other as just people. In school I was well known because I interacted with everyone - was in band, choir, on the newspaper, on the yearbook staff, went to the basketball and football games. I did not try to isolate myself from those around me. I admit that my security also came from many black friends from these organizations that looked out for me. The only times of fear came while working at the old Neider's Dairy on a evening shift where we were robbed practically every day. I missed an armed robbery where the owner was shot by just 15 minutes. What happened to East St Louis was instumental in the formation of my core being. I saw a town that had half of its residents' homes destroyed by a train explosion (during my high school years) come together so that their children could still finish their school year. I saw dedicated teachers - white and black - continue to fight for the excellent education of the youth. I saw a city depleted of the tax paying middle class and taken over by graft and corruption and gangs - all for the love of money. Politics is what destroyed East St Louis, along with ignorance and fear. I love my city of birth and mourn that I can never take my children and future grandchildren back to see the home I grew up in nor the schools I went to as these have been destroyed.

Guest		20-Sep-2009 03:19
Arjay Ratliff reveals his true self. A HUGE RACIST, blaming everything on whites and taking no responsibility for himself. I hope he still lives in East St. Louis; he belongs there. Do your research Arjay! You don't know anything about East St. Louis and blaming 500 years of slavery on the people of East St. Louis is absurd. Illinois was never a slave state. It was an industrial city of immigrants who moved there long after slavery ended. The fact that trainloads of blacks from the south moved there as strike-breakers in 1916 doesn't reflect very well on the blacks, does it? The white immigrants were dirt poor and were fighting for their families and livelihood. What did the strike-breakers expect: welcoming parades? The strike-breakers were outsiders who were jeopardizing the very lives of the East St. Louis workers. THAT's what caused the LABOR RIOT of 1917. It wasn't a race riot at all; that's another myth. The fact that you believe that blacks are being raped today for fun like going to the movies is so bizarre that you really need to be admitted to an insane asylum! Now it's time to stop your racial hatred and go find a city in the south you can use to blame for causing slavery. We just want to enjoy the photos from Jayson and talk about the great old memories when East St. Louis was a great town and a fine place to live. Why don't you let the rest of us enjoy the photos and memories without your turning it into a bizarre racist conspiracy. If anything, you might open a book and learn that slavery was in the SOUTHERN states and the northern states fought a war to end slavery. By the way, East St Louis had a thriving black business area even in the days of segregation. It was particularly known for its music and clubs on the riverfront and was celebrated the world over. The East St. Louis riverfront along with Memphis and New Orleans were the Big Three areas that were famous for Blues and later Jazz along the Mississippi. Until the "Black Power" movement of the 1960's, black East St. Louis was a welcoming place for whites. It's the youngsters today with all their racist conspiracies and sense of entitlement that are creating all the racial hatred and violence.

Pat Cunningham-Flannigan		19-Sep-2009 23:22
On an earlier message I fought to ask Carol Cunninghan-Flannigan if we could possibly be related. My name is Pat Cunningham-Flannighan. (cousins I beleive) I was born in East St Louis and graduated from Cahokia in 1962. My dad was a dentist in ESTL on 45th & State and mom was a dentist in Belleville. My mom took over her dads practice and assumed his last name. My fathers brother, out of Chicago, married a young girl with the same maden name as my mother (How odd is that) They were killed in an auto accident before I was born and I believe her name was Estelle. My uncle was Frank Jr. You would have been raised in the Chicago area by your mothers family. I believe you were two when your parents passed. If you are the parents of Estelle and Frank and would like to communicate the door is open.

Arjay Ratliff		19-Sep-2009 04:29
Hmmm! Ok Now the gloves are comming off! Now I'm listening to all this crap about how bad you had it and all these other things! How is any of this different from what had been happening to men and woman of color for the last 500 years! Except they didn't have the option of moving away or even telling a parent or family member!Often enduring mind knumbing pain, petrifying fear in an ongoing siege of evil and violence! Unanswered and UNAVANGED mind you! Or are these things just a figment of our imagination! There were blacks being raped and murdered for the simple reason that it was something to do! Like going to a football game or the movies it was intertainment!This was happening since the 1500's to the mid 1970's. And as quiet as it's kept ( so people think) still going on today in some way shape or form! So again i've done my research COMPLETELY AND DEEPLY! I'm sorry for the Misfortune any of you suffered! But it pails dismally to the atrosities endured by the African American's in this country! At this point I don't cared who feels upset! Truth is truth! Get a history book then get a clue!

Carol Cunningham-Flannigan		16-Sep-2009 22:38
Arjay, I do agree with Pat Buchanan, Joyce from 9-13; 1959 All Americanand Guest from 9-16-09. The white business that took wings to flight were robbed, burn't out and threatened. I beleive we did our research as well as you. Only we used diferent material than you. I grew up there in the 60's. The white girls at Clark Jr High had their body parts touched every by black students. We were threatened within an inch of our lives. Times were different then. We would never have come home and told our parents because they would have gone to school and when word got out our home would have been burned. You can not tell me that you don not beleive white people would have left if the work was there. Your right about one thing most businesses were owned for many years by whites. All were burned down or owners killed. DO ALL OF YOUR RESEARCH NOT JUST THE PART YOU WANTED TO BY THE BLACK COMMUNITY.

Arjay Ratliff		16-Sep-2009 16:30
Boy let me tell you, I'm am loving the dialog that my last two posts have sparked! I have come to the realization that I may need to define "White Flight". First of all these are not my words. They have been used for years to discribe a type of economic decline that is not discussed. East Saint Louis (Illinois Town) was founded June 6 1820. Now we all know who founded this city! In time many industries saw the value in the area due to the river and rail access. Thus spawning tens of thousands of jobs, subsequently skyrocketting the economy.Now in order for these newly formed corperations to have maximum revenue, they started recuiting southern blacks. Why? Because they would work for lower wages and were very reliable. Now mind you, that slavery wasn't abolished in the US until 1865!So after this point the slaves that were fortunate enough to be released came flocking to the north. A great many settling in the ESL City limits. It's too much to write. But I implore you to research the events that took place in our city in 1917. Now back to "White Flight" There were never any significant black owned business in ESL. When I say Significant I mean factories and other business that spawn residual revenue (New Money). Now any other business such as all retail or commerce, are strengthened or weakend by the residual revenue. Which means that if people are not working and making residual revenue (New Money)then all the other business suffer because no one can afford to shop. Causing other business to down size or close their doors all together. Records show that over 95% of the retail business and 100% of Factories untill about 1980 was white owned and opperated. In order to excape total financial ruin as well as rapidly growing racial tention these people ran (Flight). Thus spawning the term "White Flight". It's not nessesarily a derogatory term! But is a very accurate discription of the economic decline of East St.Loius.This is just a brief synopsis. Please don't take my word for any of this information! Read it for yourself and draw your own conclusions! Knowledge is power!

Guest		16-Sep-2009 04:39
Arjay Ratliff is exactly right: East St. Louis is a shambles because of white flight. The militant black gangs ("BLACK POWER!!!!) who drove out all the white residents in the 1960's ended up completely destroying the city because they wanted the city for themselves. They wanted a black city under black control without any whites. They got it and look what they did with it. East St. Louis is a testament to 50 years of complete black ownership, corruption, and mis-management, a crime ridden black city in ruins, always demanding a handout and blaming everyone else. Now people like Arjay Ratliff want to re-write history to blame the whites for leaving the poor helpless blacks alone and letting them have exactly what they wanted? He thinks that East St. Louis is a mess because whites left poor incompetent blacks to run their own lives? What an anti-black (and anti-white)racist sentiment Arjay Ratliff proposes!!!!! There haven't been any whites in East St. Louis for FIFTY YEARS! At what point will the current East St. Louis residents start taking responsibility for their own mess? Analyze the census reports Mr Ratliff! Most of the current residents have moved into East St. Louis during the last fifty years (or were born of mothers who moved into the city from the south during the last fifty years). These people LIKE East St. Louis the way it is. They moved there because its cheap and they wanted to, not because they were LEFT BEHIND in Ratliff's imaginary racist conspiracy. East St. Louis today reflects its current residents (despair, entitlement, crime, drugs, political corruption, racial hatred) just as the East St. Louis of 100 years ago reflected its residents (hope, optimism, hard work, the American Dream, political corruption, racial hatred). East St Louis is exactly as it should be, a city that truly reflects its residents, virtually all of whom live there because they like it, not because anyone forced them to.

1959 all American City		15-Sep-2009 16:54
EAST ST. LOUIS IS GONE!!!! As I mentioned before I was born in 1955 @ Christian Welfare(Burned down) Hospital. Lived on 39th & State(Burned Down) and 70th street in Parkside sub.(Burned down). Both sides of my family are from ESL. I was 4th generation. (By the way my granfather's homes are also gone and they were beautiful!!) I went to the following schools: Slade: (burned down)Mrs. Goldsburro. Parkside (closed), Mrs. Peerman, Miss Wolfram, Mrs. Clancy. Harding(burned down), Mrs. Easily & Mr. Goff. Clark(closed, gutted, fire), Mr. Morey, Miss Vanderbelt, Mr. Olendorph. Mrs. Temper. East Side(Should be condemed), Mr. Isam, Mr. Koenig, Mr. Solaman. We moved in 1974, finish last sem. @ Collinsville High, THANK GOD. We left our home and on 39th street which my grandfather paid $8000 in 1959, some women bought it for a dollar!! We got nothing for the house. We moved because it was getting very dangerous, I had to plan my walk to East Side everyday, including how to get home without being mugged or killed each and every day! You talk about reverse discrimination!! I did nothing to these people!!!!!!! We had a next door neighbor who was a cop, he was shot and killed and then his son was murdered. Mr. Price who owned Prices Drive-In on St. Clair Ave was Shot and Killed by some thug in 1972. Then there was an old security guard @ Lacled Gas Co. on 41th & State St. shot and killed! It was a war zone even back in the 70's!! I have thought about why ESL became so Horrible, there are two main reasons, One, the Liberal Democrates politians, and two, the massive crimes and hate for white people that caused white people/business to leave. In closing I will say if it wasn't for my friend Shelby Graham, I wouldn't be alive today. He was a Black man who protected me from the thugs. I wonder if he is still living in ESL? GOD FORBID!

Joyce		13-Sep-2009 18:52
Denny Reynolds, we went to school together, I believe. I was born in 1953 and attended St. Elizabeth's until it closed, St. Joseph's, and St. Teresa's Academy before we moved to Belleville. We lived at 472 N. 23rd St. Arjay, I was interested in your comments about the "White Flight." We loved East St. Louis. Our neighbors (black and white) were the best. We played together, ate together sometimes, mourned together, and genuinely liked each other. We left East St. Louis out of necessity. It was the spring of '67 or '68 and there was growing racial unrest. Black Power was growing and angry activists (who had some legitimate complaints) instigated a lot of violence. My school was (STA) was vandalized, I was chased home from the grocery store (Dollars owned it on 22nd and Ridge), and a brick came through our bathroom window injuring my sister. Our nextdoor neighbors, the Browns', who were black, were also threatened. It was not an indiscriminate exodus because blacks lived there. It was our community and we loved it. It was very sad to leave, but my mother could not risk us being hurt or attacked. Blacks and whites were attacked. They were working to separate the races, we were not. Many whites stayed longer. Several years later, the Pfeiffers, for instance, were help hostage in their home. Luckily noone was killed. The Nersesians, who owned the cleaners on Louisiana, lost their son, Sammy, was shot and killed during a robbery. The facts are much more complex than you may realize. As far as the food is concerned. My dad was a butcher and, like you, we ate the scraps from and my Circle Packing...I don't really know what we ate, but my mother made it taste wonderful. My brothers still come to E. St. Louis for pig snouts. Please don't judge those who left. You may not have all the facts.

guest		12-Sep-2009 14:35
i grew up in edgemont and washington park, and it was a great place to grow up in ...dont blame white flight on the demise of these cities, blame it on lack ofjobs and education, but most of all, crooked politicians...iwould rather walk in downtown e. st louis than washington dc ( at least our mayor wasnt busted in a crack sting) have many good memories of these towns...graduated from Assumption in 81, and my years at assumption were the best of my life

Mike Sanders		10-Sep-2009 20:00
My mothers parents, both Lithuanian immigrants, came to ESL in 1927 from Chicago. They owned a corner tavern, and after my grandfather died, grandmother made bathtub gin to support her family. My Father's parents came to ESL from Mt Carmel IL in 1936. Grandfather was a boilermaker for the Southern Railroad, while grandmother stayed home to raise 10 children. Both families lived in several different houses in ESL. Some are still standing, and every time we come to the area, we make a "pilgimage" to the old homesteads. My mother met my father at the serviceman's club, where it was live at first sight. My sisters and I were all born in ESL. We moved to AZ in 1953 along with my mothers mom for health reasons, and because we were very cramped in our 3-room shotgun house on 8th Street. It is so sad to see the utter deterioration of all the area my parents and grandparents called home for so many years. All we have left are old movies and photos. I hope that some day, the"City of Champions" (as it says on the Welcome to ESL billboard) will find a way to Live a "Life more Abundantly."

Arjay Ratliff		09-Sep-2009 16:35
I see that my last post has been met with some opposition. That's good, because this topic is long overdue. First off if your going to make any type of comment you need to be armed with facts. I will not sign my name to any written matterial unless it can be substanciated. I emplore all that love ESL to delve into the history of our city! What you find may utterly shock you! Again I do not speak on any subjects without doing research. Let me help your research efforts by giving you some questions that can be pretty easily answered with just a little surface scratching. 1. What happened to all the civil funding? (Sanitation, Police, Fire, Street repair) 2. What happened to the once thriving business sector of ESL? #. What happened to ESL's over all economy? If you just start with those 3 questions a lot of ESL skeletons come falling out of the closet! I'm not trying to make anyone upset! If you do your research and get the truth then anger subsides and enlightenment prevails! In closing, I don't know how many of you are home owners. Of those of you who are, do you live in homes that are 60 to 80 years old? Now for those of you that own your home, how costly are your repairs? Well repairs on a house that is 60 to 80 years old (which over 90% of the houses in ESL are) can be difficult for someone making a decent living, and down right impossible for someone near at or below the poverty line! (85% of ESL is in that catagory and have been there for decades.)I don't know about you, but when I drive around in ESL the problems that I see are much more complicated than some fresh paint and cut grass!People WISH that were the only problems they had with their homes! And as for leaving because of lack of work. Over 95% of ESL residents work else where! This is all fudimental information that just goes by the way side. We have to know where East St. Louis came from before we can ever figure out where its going!

john gregorian		09-Sep-2009 04:30
Hello Carolyn Jentsch, and everyone else from ESL. Carolyn we may have been class mates. I was born in 1947, and attended Harding, and Clark Jr. High on 33rd and State street. Ms Easely was my 5th grade teacher, Mrs Compton my 6th. Some of my class mates I remember are Dennis Harris, John Rodman, David bauer, Bette Laws, Sherry Gardner (My true love). I remember Hannigans at about 80th and State, Moor's grill about 55th and state, and of course Custards last stand. Do you remember The Malt Shop (next to Clark), Velvet freeze, or Sam Lucas Confectionary (73rd st.)? I have so many great memories of those days, I would love to talk more to ESL folk about them. sign off John g

Guest		07-Sep-2009 22:59
My entire family is from east st.louis and continues to live their today at 23rd and state. I was born and raised there and I am proud to be from there.

Guest		06-Sep-2009 17:41
This brings back memories. My greatgrandmother and greatgrandfather bought land 50th and Bond ave. My grandmother lived her entire life there. My father went to Eatside. He and his father worked for Broadhead Motors. I was born at St Mary's in 1951. I grew up near the junctions of 157 and 163. For the 15 years of my life I lived in ESTL. It was later changed to mIllstadt, and we never even moved. My GGM and GGP were French. They lived in an area called "Frogtown". nw my grandmother's house is gone ,and the interstate is nera what was their backyard. My grandam had a large garden. She sold eggs and produce. My great uncle owned a store on Bond Ave. As a young adult, I worked at Broadhead Ford and Mixon Buick. I have fond memories of ESTL.

Guest		02-Sep-2009 23:43
Hello my people... I was born in East Saint Louis at Christian Welfare in 1951. I went to Holy Angels and Saint Teresa's...lived on 23rd street..... my house no longer exists but I have great memories Of Jones Park and CYO dances. Anybody remember Waghalters Drug Store and the IGA.. Why I even remember dancing about 6 feet away from Tina Turner at a dance at St. Martin of Tours.... Left a good job in the city... workin for the man every night and day....and the Admiral...cathy b

Richard		01-Sep-2009 15:46
Wow, I haven't been back in so long. I was born in St Louis in 56 and moved to East St Louis in 58 and went into the service in 73. We first liven in Rosemont on Hollows Ave accross from the Ohio Market and Greagrics candy store and later moved to 72nd street. I went to Wilson, Harding, Edgemont, back to Harding, Clark and then to Martin Luther King the first year it was open. I noticed a post by David Klopner, we had shop class together at King, Mr. Pain was the teacher but we called him peanut head. I still have fond memories of Jones's Park, swimming and fishing, Hanigans Drive In, going shopping down town at the Jupiter store. Ballcardbill I lived around the corner from you, I didnt go to that little 2 room school but my younger brother did. You remember Norris and the Pryors?

deborah		30-Aug-2009 14:02
I to was rasied in east st. louis all my life had very good child hood&teen years,I lived in the orr weathers high rise E-4building apt 201 my parents was James&Lena Otis whom both have pased on.I too am sadden to see what east st.louis has become today.Iwent to johnson elem.school&hugquinn school.i had much fun growing up in the orr weathers,we moved out of them in 1970 to north 18Th st.I Have so many fun memories of east st. louis,and bad memories as well,Mt home was broken in while me and my husband an kids where sleping,in the middle of the.when we relize what had happen we called the east st. louis police.they treated us like we were the criminals.that was enough for me then,I knew then that it was time to move,THE OFFICER THAT CAME OUT DID NOT EVEN TAKE A REPORT,he asked us was the back door left unlocked,he said he would see what he could do.east st louis has went down because of the none careing aldermans and they know who they are.I to still love east,and still call it my home.please post updated phots.de

Patty Buchanan		28-Aug-2009 15:13
This message is for Arjay Ratliff from Aug. 27, 2009. I, too, was born in East St Louis. I can't believe you said what it is today is because of "White Flight". All people leave the area when there are no more jobs. Both of my parents worked in ESTL. Mother a cook at Woolworths and father worked as a guard at Jones Park. Woolworhts closed and the park did not recieve funds. My father, a good hard working white man had to relocate because everyone in the area said he was to old to hire. He was 60. They moved from the area for employment which anyone would do no matter what their skin color. We didn't trash and run down the neighborhood before we moved. It was after we moved. (1972) I still love ESTL with all my heart and am so proud to say I am from there. It does not make any difference what color your skin is; you can take care of your property. If you can push a mower and put trash in a can and an ocassional paint job all will stay clean. So please don't blame "White Flight for the condition of ESTL. I have many black friends who I have stayed with when we were flooded and just because it was to late to drive home. I have many family memebers who I would not stay with AT ALL. So there are people of all races that are extremely hard workers and take care of things. Also, many of all races that are lazy filthy bums. You truly seem like an honest person who deeply cares about ESTL. I do as well. Born in 1954 at St. Marys. Went to Hawthorne; Landsdowne and good old E. Side.

George Mickens		28-Aug-2009 12:23
Hello all my name is George Mickens and although I was born in Detroit, all of my family is from East Boogie, the Baldwins, Meyers, Norman's, Edmonds, Jackson's and Mickens all hail from East St. Louis. Although I haven't been there since my grandfather George Mickens died in 1978, I'll always love my 2nd home no matter what. I have a lot of fond memories of my summers there especially skating at the Martin Luther King Skating Rink on 22nd st. and Broadway, my Aunt Daisy lived right across the street and my aunt Nancy lived next door. My cousins Hosea aka Zip, Marvin, Pete and I use to really tear up the rink in our day LOL.

Arjay Ratliff		27-Aug-2009 19:38
Hello! My name is Arjay Ratliff. I was born at Gateway Community Hospital on September 3rd 1974. At that time it was known as Christian Welfare Hospital. My mother was a LPN working for that very hospital as well as my father was a security guard at the facility. Along with his security duties he also drove cab in the city, as well as held a full time job at the meat packaging plants in nearby National City. I have been to just about every major city in this great United States and lived in a few. I have been researching the plight of the older urban areas of this country. My studies have brought me full circle, back to my home town East St. Louis! I must say that ESL is the worst and most complete example that I have seen of white flight and economic decline. It was once said "If you can't find a job in East St. Louis, you can't find one anywhere!" of course now it's the exact opposite! But, everyone always speaks of ESL as a waist land or even in the same context as the mythical lost city of Atlantis. If you can look past all the debris, overgrown lots and uncollected garbage, one can see the beautiful vision that our forefathers concieved. Now just as in every part of "American History" when "African Americans" were involved, we always got the scraps and left overs. Well ESL is again a gleeming example of the mentality "It's broken and we don't wamt it anymore! Give it to the N words" Sad but none the less true. The entire "African American" culture was forged from this very premise. Look at our traditional "Soul Food" All derived from what were effectivly throw awy items! Parts of the Pig or Cow that were considered less desirable. Foliage left over from a harvest! (Greens) These things had to be heavily seasoned in order to be eaten. But yet are sought after by all races! I'm giving you all this little History lesson, this AMERICAN HISTORY lesson to help change your mentality and thinking about the city and people of ESL. In all actuallity it's a american SUCCESS story! A time capsule if you will. My fellow modern day East St. Louisans are simply working with the sraps that they were left with, some for 50yrs or more. Some Can't leave while many others choose not to leave. Your home is your home no matter what condition you find it! So who ever reads this, black, white, red, yellow, plaid. I don't want you to feel sorry for the hearty city of East St.Louis I want you to be proud of us! Because after all the misfortune that has been heaped upon our broad sholders, there is one thing that we will shout loud to the heavens "WE ARE STILL HERE, AND WE AIN'T GOING NOWHERE! NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU WRITE US OFF OR LOOK DOWN ON US!" No other city in the US can say that. We are called the city of champions for a reason! Everyone who is still alive and kicking and still calling ESL their home are the Champions! Please don't get offended by my words. I feel it's time for someone to defend this beautiful, ugly city! In closing I would like to say that I love East Saint Louis, past, present, future, FOREVER! Thank you.

onlyme49		22-Aug-2009 15:01
Does anyone remember the Hi-Lo grocery store at 26th and Missouri Ave. They had some of the best donuts in the early morning and also ice cream. There are to many memories that I have of East St. Louis. It is still my home even though I have been away from there over 40 years. I usually go back to a funeral of someone that I know back then. I live on Missouri Avenue next door to the Saversons on one side and the Davis family on the other side. Ms. Perkins had the best candy apples. Mrs. Reese made the best popcorn at Crispus Attucks. You could leave your door ope at night and would not have to worry about anyone coming in. We use to play hop-scotch on the side and jump double-dutch rope. There was a woman name Ms. Euella who would take us fishing all day. Maggie Montgomery would do our hair for Easter. There are so many fond memories of this place when I was growing up there. The park at 24th and Gaty where we would go an swing all day.

Skippy		21-Aug-2009 17:34
I was born in ESL in 1939 at Christian Welfare Hospital, attended Longfellow Grade School, and Rock Jr. High before moving to Belleville in 1953. I was graduated from Belleville Toenship High School in June 1957 and joined the Navy in September. I was always proud to say I was from ESL. However, years later when ESL became a haven for criminals and developed a bad reputation, I said I was from Belleville. I was living in the Samuel Gompers Apartments on 5th & Ohio Avenue across from the Mound House Tavern. Anyone of you who were in or around that area in those days I would like to correspond with for old times sake. I was graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1965, took a commission in the Marine Corps, served two tours in Vietnam, and retired from the Corps in 1987. I moved to the Washington, DC area, and lived in Alexandria, VA before retiring from my civilian job, and moved to Florida. I have fond memories of the Majestic Theater, the Avenue Theater, the Playdium bowling alley, Hoods confectionary, Eddie's Market, Labor Day Parades at Jones Park, etc.

Bill Yakstis		20-Aug-2009 22:01
This post is meant for Donald M Weeks who posted a message in 2007. You mentioned Loraine LaChance. She was the organist at St. Patrick's when I attended there from 1957 to 1964. I started attending services there again in 2005 until the Diocese consolidated it with 2 other East St. Louis Parishes. The funny thing was... Loraine LaChance was STILL the organist and still lives in the same house within a block of the Church! I was working with her on a history of the Parish a few years ago. I'm sure she would be thrilled if you contacted her.

Johnjohn		17-Aug-2009 20:36
I too was born in Christian Welfare Hospital and I have to say the last time I was home was a sad Occasion. My oldest son, who was serving our country passed away. I have great memories growing up in the center of the city at 18th and Martin Luther King Dr. I remember the Baileys store right across the street and the ice cream on Sunday. I remember snoots...lol... and...shrimp st pauls. I have not been anywhere that or Krugers gooey butter cakes. I went to Monroe, Rock, Lansdowne, E Side, and State Comm College. E Saint gave me some strength that I could not have gotten anywhere else. One day I hope to go back home and tell my story from there to where I am today. Thanks East Boogie..john-john

Diana Steele-Cole		12-Aug-2009 03:58
Hello All, I was born at Christian Welfare in 1953. My family lived at 35th and State,Clark Jr. High was our backyard! My grandparents and uncle and aunt lived across the street. My siblings and I attended Park School. Would love to picture of that. Also attended the First Baptist Church across from the old Sears store. My dad worked at Sears. Sometimes during the Christmas season, my mom would work at the Union Clothing Store. She grew up in Washington Park. While my dad was in the service she lived in the Roosevelt Homes. I have fond memories of ESL. Would like to hear from anyone who attended Park from 1959 to 1963. We moved to Belleville ca 1964.

Casillas		02-Aug-2009 15:53
I was born at Christian Welfare...I grew up in East St Louis.I went to Jefferson School and Landsdown Jr High 60s-1973. A lot of good memories and friends.. East St Louis made me who I am today and of course my parents!!The best of Luck to everyone from E St Louis..

Pat		30-Jul-2009 17:02
Hi Carla. You may know my mother. She also graduated from Lincoln High School around that time. Belinda Myles

Guest		30-Jul-2009 02:10
To John Gender....Didn't you take elocution lessons on 37th street...I recall a recitation about a big bear.

carla		29-Jul-2009 14:42
Hello everyone in east boogie( smile) iam a product of east st louise Ill. and very proud, i graduated from Lincoln sr high in 1979. I attended East side, Rock jr high and my family still lives there today. Regardless of how it may seem we all have fond memerize to tell and a lot of good people have come out of East st louis Ill. I Pray that God looks down on this city as well as others and that as a people we start putting positivitie in the mouths of anyone speaking on East St. Louis. One person sad it clear all city's have an East st louis in it. I need only say thank god for my upbringing there, and ill always pray for and be a part of east st louis much much love love

Mary		28-Jul-2009 06:31
Hello to all! I was born at St Mary's Hospital in 1953. My twin brother and I made the front page of The Metro East Journal that week, because of the fact 3 sets of twins were born that week at the hospital. That was such an event back then. We lived in the Lansdowne area, then in the 1700 block of 43rd. Went to school at Holy Angels (graduate of 67) and then St Teresa Academy, (graduate of 71). Worked at the W T Grant store on State Street before being transferred to Zion Illinois. We also lived at 40th and Caseyville, next door to the Eisele's who ran the local drug store. Road the bus numerous times to St Louis and back, without incident, while working my way through high school. Worked at Woolworth's in downtown St Louis, across the street from Stix, Baer and Fuller department store. We played at Jones Park and my dad was an usher at the Majestic when he met my mom. Many great memories. Neiderer's Dairy on Caseyville Avenue was my first job. Live just south of Seattle now, but have seen Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, all across the United States. East St Louis will always hold a special place in my heart.

Pat		27-Jul-2009 22:20
Thanks Barbra. I really appreciate your compliments. I'm too looking to leave the DC area very soon. The cost of living is too dang high here...lol But I'm greatful. Take Care

Barbara		26-Jul-2009 14:21
To Pat, I'm glad you told us about yourself. It's good for East St Louisans to let people know we have made accompliments. I don't know you, but I'm proud of you. You are just another person who can show people that there is still productive people coming from East St. I left Washingon DC/Maryland in 2007. I visit East Staint every chance I get.

Pat		26-Jul-2009 04:07
Hello beautiful brothers and sisters. I am too a product of East St. Louis, and I truly proud to say that. I grew up in the Roosevelt Homes for much of my childhood. Everyone in my immediate family; aunts, cousins, uncles, grandmother, etc..., all had an apartment in the Velts. I remember staying in the house all day until the sun went down because it was too dang hot to go outside, then around nine we would all go outside and play basketball till the wee hours of the morning. Man I miss how I used to serve catts on a platter on that hardtop. That's why in the Boogie my name ring bells. But anyway, I moved to Alabama at the age of 17. From there I went on to graduate high school with a 3.8 GPA, go on to college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and receive a BS in Criminal Justice, received a Masters in Intelligence Terrorism Studies from American Military University, and now I'm working for the United States Secret Service protecting our very first African American President of the United States. I say all this not to brag on my accomplishments but to say that East St. Louis molded me into the man I am today. It is only when one have gone through trials that he/she can overcome all tribulations that life may bring to blossom into someone that others can look up to. I still visit ESTL every single year. My entire family still live there. I am currently residing in Washington DC but if anyone ask me where home is I would proudly tell them I'm from East St. Louis, IL. Not MO, so get it right. Much Love people Be Blessed P.S. I am erie about putting my name on the internet but if you want to contact me feel free to hit me up on my email. I would love to hear from old classmates and friends. If I had not left I would have graduated in 2001 I was a student at the following schools: Hawthorne Elementary, Wirth Middle School, and Cahokia High School, so if you think you may know me hit me up.

anonymous123		21-Jul-2009 18:53
I was born and raised in East St. Louis. I'm really disturbed when people talk so bad about our city. Yes, it does needs improvement! Yes, it can be dangerous! Honestly, I feel that it is given it's credit as being such a "dangerous" city because the dominant race there is black, and not saying all, but many whites, not all, are unfamiliar with the black community, therefore aren't willing to make that step to help a city in need. As well, people think East St. Louis is St. Louis. I've been to the West coast, East Coast, as well as the south, and many people look at E. St. Louis as St. Louis, so much of it is given the "bad" name because of that aspect. Some areas are absolutely beautiful, others not so attractive. I feel that it is a working progress and if my generation can make the neccessary steps to complete this progress, things will look better in the future. It produces some bright kids, it's just so many young people are side-tracked because of the negative sources in their surroundings, which is why I definitely encouragement my generation to talk to them, let the young people know that people are watching them, hoping for them to succeed! You would be suprised how much that can do for a child! Just as any city, it has it's ups and downs, but the ups are regularly overshadowed by the downs. We need to mitigate these unexplainable events and pull together as a community first. Each community has to want a change, then all things will fall in place. After the community, then the city, and the state will see the progress! Trust Me! I graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 2006.

DENNY REYNOLDS		20-Jul-2009 19:03
I was born in 1952. Lived off 23rd ans State until I was 19. When I was a young boy several kids in the neighborhood would walk from 23rd and State to Jones' Park and swin from 6:00pm until 10:00pm. Walk home and never think about any problems. Wouldn't try that today. I still drive through East. St. Louis and see the old neighborhood and it sickning how it looks and what the people who live there now have done to the city. What a waste and what a shame. My only hope is that the rest of the country doesn't turn out the same in the future.

Darrin Larkins		19-Jul-2009 16:55
Whats good people? I just so happened to come by this site on this beautiful Sunday morning, and I am glad I did. I read a lot of comments on here both positive and negative, and I think in all fairness everyone is correct. That just goes to show that there was and is life in East Boogie. I grew up there and I still tell people that I am from there. Like many of you, I too have traveled all over and I have corrected people when they say "Oh....you from St. Louis?" I say with conviction, "No.... EAST ST. LOUIS!!" Only because I am proud to have had to go through the struggle with others and make it out with not only book smarts, but a Masters Degree in street smarts. With that knowledge, I have been able to adapted to any city in the world, because if you can make it in the Boggie, you can make it anywhere. I graduated from E. Side in 86 and like many of us, I got a scholarship in music at the University of Arkansas @Pine Bluff. I now live in Houston, TX where I have my own trucking company. I am still struggeling like anyother red blooded American but by being a product of East St. Louis, its not a shock to the system when times get hard, cause we already been there, and we know that with a little hard work, and God as my guide, everything is going to be just fine. To those that made comments about the Monitor Newspaper, my mom was the Managing editor for that paper for many years after the death of Mr. Jordan. It was and always will be a paper for the people and by the people. It was a way for the people of the Boogie to stay up on what was going on within our little town. I mean for .35 cents, what more could you ask for...lol. I have not been back for quite sometime, but I will never forget where I came from. Check me out at BlackPlanet.com/dino34mc, leave me a note or sign my guest book and give a shout out to EAST BOOGIE. "E. Side High will ever be, charished in our memory. We will sing our praise to the, and forever LOYAL be. Hail to the O' E. Side High, may your spirit never die. Sons and daughters ever true Alma Mater we LOVE YOU!!!" Or did yall forget?

Guest		19-Jul-2009 00:29
To person who's father own the confectionary at 24th and Missouri Ave. I used to play with you and visit your home before I left and went south. I would go by and see your father everytime I visited E.St. Louis. You may contact me at haptbh@hotmail.com M. Hammock

Guest		15-Jul-2009 05:17
I grew up in EST, attended public schools until 9th grade, and still have family in the city. My father owned a business at 24th Missouri Ave. for over 30 years. My memories of the city and the wonderful people that I have known over the years will always remain. My Dad recently passed away, and again it was the love and support from friends, family, and others in the community that got me through. Yes, it has changed, but in my heart East St Louis will always be home.

Guest		15-Jul-2009 04:21
I am a white person who grew up in an almost all white suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota and didn't ever meet a black person until I was 19 and went into the U.S.A.F. I've made many friendships with blacks, hispanics, and orientals over the years. In 2002, I drove through Gary, Indiana and could literally "feel" the disparity there and thought that that place was was where Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, decided he'd get his family out by creating a musical group and hoping for a better life. After looking over the former notables from East St. Louis, it seems that sports was the way out for many residents. With the horrific crime rate and the historical demographic decay, I really wonder if this city can actually save a sinking ship?

GregoryS		12-Jul-2009 05:18
Hello, I was born in East St. Louis on 27th and Market. I can remember going to Lincoln Park, to swim and play baseball. I can also remember going to the Mary Brown Center, for dances and summer recreation. I used to play in a few bands and can remember playing at The Place on 26th and State. I played at Alta Sita, Clark Jr. High School and East St. Louis Senior High. I had a great time growing up in ESTL. When I played in the band we played at Jones Park in the grandstands and Virginia Park it was great. I now live in Indianapolis. It's cool here but I do miss home. I still come home from time to time and still have a great time with family and friends. I miss the snoots, St. Paul's and Pork and Rice. Downtown really looks bad it's not like I ever imagined it would be. But ESTL is and always will be home in my heart. And Danny Mosely was my coach at Clark Jr. High and Coy Nunn was my coach at East Side.(You know we used to beat everybody) :) I can remember going to the Fox Theater, the Senior Picnic at Forest Park, playing Lincoln, Belleville West; and winning of course, I remember Blackman's Liquor's on 29th and Bond. I remember playing Sunday football in Virginia Park, playing Southend, Polock Town, Centerville, Alorton. Gregory S. 5/29/57

John Gender		11-Jul-2009 04:25
John For Guest 65: Probably the Jefferson Elementary School. My aunt, Helen Aiken taught there for many years. The East St. Louis Senior High School (until 1958) and The "Rock" Junior High were on 10th. I believe the Jefferson School was around 16th Street. For Wanderlust 707: For years all of the East St. Louis District 189 School plumbing contracts went to the Alvin G. Fields Plumbing Company. If the East St. Louis Journal stacks still exist somewhere, you will find that every time the State came down to audit the School District, the warehouse with the District's records had burned down the night before. One good thing the Board did was to rent the old high schoold building to Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, in 1958. Many of you got good educations because of that. Full time tuition at that time was $60 a quarter. We had the good kind of diversity. For a while there, it looked like there was a chance to put things together and build a united community. And then in the mid sixties people started setting off sticks of dynamite; and that was all there was to that.

Teneka Jefferson		08-Jul-2009 05:58
I grew up i East St. Louis. I lived at 624 N. 60th Street. On the corner where Morrison Elementry stood. I attended Martin Luther King Jr. High from 7-9th grade. My mother moved us to California in 1989. I miss the Lui. I will be going there to visit in 2010, if it's God's will. I have cousin's, aunt's, a brother, and uncle's there.

Guest		07-Jul-2009 02:01
It's been a long time since I have posted something on this site and I have to say it brought back some good memories. The comment about getting a snoot, St. Paul sandwich and Tripe totally had me rolling. I am planning a visit this Summer and look forward to seeing many of my family and friends. Ursula Whitfield

Guest		29-Jun-2009 18:18
To Tammy: In search of the "Samuel" family. You may want to contact Marie Samuel, I think she is the daughter of your Great Grand father. She lives in Belleville. Hope this helps in your search, if not. God bless your journey in finding them.

Milly		27-Jun-2009 01:00
This comment is for Cornbread from 10-15-2005. How can you say lets pretend E.St. Louis doesn't exist. Everyone has memories of their childhood. Mine are the best ever. Growing up in E. St. Louis and having parents who grew up there gives you a since of pride. My father was born in 1911 and worked his butt off to give us what we had. The first black child to start in my grade school was the kindest and smartest young man. If I would have grown up anywhere else or with a silver spoon in my mouth I may have grown up to be a stuck up B. However, I grew up in a town that saw a lot of change. From it I learned that everyone is equal until proven to be otherwise. That's ok. I still listen to when I can. I use to listen every morning and at work. I am retired now. By te way I retired at 55. Yes, 55. That is due to the good education and being taught to work for EVERYTHING you get. Let's here from you and your birth place and memories and we can compare stories. One good thing thing about frowing up in the 50's and 60's is that all the teachers in E. St. Louis were our parents age and we respected them and learned to respect evey person no matter what race they might have been.

brenda		26-Jun-2009 21:13
I grew up in e. st. louis on 8th and state. Attended Webster; Rock (cheered in the dungeon for the basketball team)and graduated from the best high school in the city--Lincoln Sr. High--Go Tigers. The city was and is an okay place. There is negativity in every city that an individual may live. What can the individual do to assist in correcting instead of speaking negatively about it. Hold the city up in prayer because too many people have torn it down physically as well as literally

Guest		26-Jun-2009 04:24
In 1962 my father took the job as Director of Student Activities @ SIU-E, his office was located in Rock Jr. High School. There was a student that worked in dad's office named Danny Mosley, just a super great person. I was in E.St. Louis June 13th 2009, Rock is gone, but they have put in a very beautiful elementary school.

Guest		25-Jun-2009 14:05
The residential development around N. 18th and 19th Steets between Wieman and Exchange Ave is very encouraging. Does anyone know the story on that development - how did it get started, plans for expansion, etc?

Mary H		19-Jun-2009 23:51
I was born at Homer G. Phillips in 1949 and lived in East St. Louis in the 2400 block until Dec. 1961 when my father was killed. I attended Crispus Attucks and Rock Jr. High School. After my father's death, we relocated to Ms. Everyone one else was coming north and we went south. I house I lived in, next door to the Saverson is still standing. I come to E. St. Louis every once in a great while. When I come I just bring my old memories. I did find my mother's grave in 2004 when my cousin died. I also have connected with friends that I grew up with. I was 12 years old when i left and I loved E. St. Louis.

lenny		19-Jun-2009 18:52
Jennylynn, I believe the tavern that you are refering to was called Ruby's Lounge on 15th Street.

jennlynn		12-Jun-2009 20:17
Does anyone know of a tavern I'd say in probably 1967 or 1968 that was owned by a woman? She had a daughter around 15 years old at the time and lived in a house near the tavern.If you do please email me and tell me....email is jennlynn6988@yahoo.com

Guest		10-Jun-2009 12:31
This is for Tangy Harris. Hi Tangy! We grew up in the same neighborhood, and yes, I remember you and your family. We were the Fields on 18th and Bond Ave. I recently moved back here. There are issues, but none that I feel as a community, we can't handle.

Milly		10-Jun-2009 01:27
I hate to hear people talk about East St Louis. Compared to St Louis we were small. We had everyrhing to do that St Louis had. We had Majestic theatre. It was absolutely the most beautiful theatre. They often had the children come up on stage and put their pictures in the East St Louis Journal. We had Jones park for hours of fun with boat rides and the biggest Labor Day parade. We had an ice cream parlr on 54th State. I believe it was called Custards Last Stand. The same lady ran it until she died at 94. We went horseback riding at Grand Maris park and also at a ranch called Almost a Ranch. We had Nichols for BBQ. Stoplight for chicken and Prices for Nightmare sandwiches. We had a hamburger joint called Bob & Jerrys. The hamburgers were the greatest. (7 for $1.00) There were 2 roller rinks. (Hudson and Thunderbird.) For those of us who lied to dance there was a dance once a week at the Greek Orthox Church at 77 and State. I can't think of the name of the Italian Restaurant on State; but it was great. Stolight for chicken. Nichols for snoots. We played on the tracks; road bikes; sprayed with the hose. Not to long though. We dunked for apples and played hide-n-seek. We caught fire flies. We slept with windows open and never loocked our doors. Why lock the door. If anyone wanted in everyone had the same key for their home. It was called the skeleton key. My house is gone now. I lived across the street from Morrison school. Remember playing on one side of the school. The boys had to play on the other. We had sloppy joes on Wed at school and we all stood in line to get ours. Forty-four years later I can still smell them. There was a bible school in back of a drug store across for Hill Bros shoe store and we couls go on Thursday during our lunch. They would provide a hot dog; pot chips and kool-aid. There was so many things to do. No street lights anywhere so whem it started getting dark we had to come in and do our homework. Yes, it waS at the kitchen table. We watched Lassie and Sky King. TV was not an option. If you were well you were outside with the heat and mosquito's. Sears Roebuck had the best chunk choc. We got one piece every Sat. You paid your bill by dropping the payments in the slots at the gas, elec; phone company and the bank for the house and car payment. Never thought of writing a check. Always cash. In the entire 18 years that I lived there as an adult not one time was a payment missing. Some of the most honest; bighearted and compassioate people came from East St Louis and to this day I still and will always call it my home.

Guest		03-Jun-2009 03:13
I was born in East St. Louis in 1951 in St Mary's Hospital. My fondest memories are Jones Park Labor Day Parades. Horseback riding at GrandMaris was a special treat. Majestic theatre and Thunderbird and Hudson Roller skating. Custards last stand for ice cream and Nichol's BBQ for snoots. Then there was the Stoplight for the best fried chicken. I went to Morrison grade school, Clark Jr high and graduated from East Side in Jan 1969. There was no better place to grow up than on a dead end street with many other children to play with. I have friends from that neighborhood for over 50 years.

Jeron Tutton		02-Jun-2009 06:32
If the funds were available to ESL as other cities; it would be as it was 50 years ago. When funds are removed from the city the worst it can become outwardly; but happy inwardly. What we have given to us from our youth is mind blowing and upcoming. We are everywhere and no matter where you go; you are and always will be EAST ST. LOUISIANS! Enjoy life and build there on?

Cocoa Brown		28-May-2009 15:57
This is to guest-May 27, 2009, 18:34...Are you insane?! Was there anything in my note that even came close to saying that I am ashamed of ESTL? I graduated from Assumption Catholic High School in 1980, at the top of my class-thank you very much! I am very proud to be from ESTL. I have been blessed enough to see the world. I just came from Amsterdam-The Netherlands and Marseille, France through my job. I am currently an Event Planner. Before that a Corporate Travel Manager. There are very few blacks in my field, but I got my balls from going to Assumption and my street smarts from living in the "boogie". I AM a PRODUCT OF ESTL. All I am saying is that there are too many excuses. Parents need to be accountable. Sexual health education should be one of the first things to teach the parents-the ones under 18 years old. There will be no hope until these issues are addressed. What no response to the information I gave you regarding the Monitor?! It is shameful...look it is the 21st century and you still cannot access the Monitor online. Listen at this point they don't even have the correct software...sonder where all of that money is going into-not the community. Have they sponsored any team uniforms?, have they been belpful in ensuring that our kids, at least one out of each High School are offered an Internship for Journalism?! I doubt it. Even if they did, who would want to show anyone that "newspaper"...Oh, I'm sorry the toilet paper! Have you even bothered to read about ESTL lately?, you and your rose colored glasses. Get a grip. Here's a new bulletin for you...the ONLY CHARTER school in ESTL just lost their accreditation. NOW WHAT?! I have plenty of family still there, but my Aunts are University professors. My Granddad, whom has since pasted away was a chemist at Pfizer. My Grandmother whom still resides in ESTL. was one of the FIRST REGISTERED BLACK nurses at Scott Air Force Base. All of my younger cousins attend Althoff, they love it! Again I say, parents get off your asses and raise your children...or they will become a statistic. That is a reality!

Resilient		28-May-2009 01:58
I was born in St. Louis and raised in ESL. With all things being equal, the same socio-economic class, thank God I wasn't raised in St. Louis! It would have been Misery (St Louis, Misery - get it! LOL) I was raised in community where everybody knew everybody. All the teachers knew my parents PERSONALLY. I excelled in academics because of the resulting parental-teacher involvement. I learned to hop fast moving trains and roll under slow moving trains. These kind of activities build character and strength of heart which would serve me well in many endeavors including bootcamp later on in life. My educational skills are not lacking and I have good oral and written command of the English language. If you see in mispellings it is because I pride myself on not having to use crutches such as spell checkers and even calculators most of the time. In the words of Malcolm X, "Being born in an oven does not make one a biscuit". In 2002 I was involved in a very bad automobile accident in ESL. Ironically after having driven from all the way from Seattle WA without incidence. Everybody (including those knowledgeable about the medical field) said I probably would not have survived had I not been rushed to the Kenneth Hall Medical Center (the old St. Mary's). It is/was, in fact, one of the best trauma centers in the country. All in all, I am not seriously traumatized by being raised in ESL and may even owe my life to the treatment I received in 2002. I see ESL as the NEXT BIG THING. I believe that because of it's location along the riverfront, with the help of speculative and visionary outside investors, 10-15 years from now ESL will be the trendy place to have a loft or luxury apartment overlooking the St. Louis skyline. Like Johnny Cash "I've Been Everywhere" I have lived a lot of different places. A whole lot of places. I have met people from ESL all over the states, even in Cheyenne WY. I'm currently in Dallas TX, yet ESL retains a special place in my mind and heart and there's no place like it. Nowhere else in the world can you get a snoot, a deep fried tripe sandwich and a St. Paul sandwich. Well maybe someplaces in St Louis ... copycats as they are.

Resilient		27-May-2009 20:04
I was born in St. Louis and raised in ESL. With all things being equal, the same socio-economic class, thank God I wasn't raised in St. Louis! It would have been Misery (St Louis, Misery - get it! LOL) I was raised in community where everybody knew everybody. All the teachers knew my parents PERSONALLY. I excelled in academics because of the resulting parental-teacher involvement. I learned to hop fast moving trains and roll under slow moving trains. These kind of activities build character and strength of heart which would serve me well in many endeavors including bootcamp later on in life. My educational skills are not lacking and I have good oral and written command of the English language. If you see in mispellings it is because I pride myself on not having to use crutches such as spell checkers and even calculators most of the time. In the words of Malcolm X, "Being born in an oven does not make one a biscuit". In 2002 I was involved in a very bad automobile accident in ESL. Ironically after having driven from all the way from Seattle WA without incidence. Everybody (including those knowledgeable about the medical field) said I probably would not have survived had I not been rushed to the Kenneth Hall Medical Center (the old St. Mary's). It is/was, in fact, one of the best trauma centers in the country. All in all, I am not seriously traumatized by being raised in ESL and may even owe my life to the treatment I received in 2002. I see ESL as the NEXT BIG THING. I believe that because of it's location along the riverfront, with the help of speculative and visionary outside investors, 10-15 years from now ESL will be the trendy place to have a loft or luxury apartment overlooking the St. Louis skyline. Like Johnny Cash "I've Been Everywhere" I have lived a lot of different places. A whole lot of places. I have met people from ESL all over the states, even in Cheyenne WY. I'm currently in Dallas TX, yet ESL retains a special place in my mind and heart and there's no place like it. Nowhere else in the world can you get a snoot, a deep fried tripe sandwich and a St. Paul sandwich. Well maybe someplaces in St Louis ... copycats as they are.

guest		27-May-2009 18:34
First of all to coca brown, who are you to talk about a city that you were raised in? Yes it has its faults but what city doesn't. I guess you are one of those people who forgot where you came from and you think you are better than everybody else. If you so ashamed of this city then don't come back and when this city flourishes don't claim that you are from here because you too good to be from here.

cocoa Brown		27-May-2009 14:31
Well, well, well...I have to address this to Bridget Alexander Johnson. Why would anyone move back to East St. Louis, IL? I grew up there and I can tell you, if your sister had other options, I find it hard to believe that she made a logical choice to move back. My last visit was in December 08'. I flew into St. Louis, US Air lost my luggage. Later on that evening, they called to let me know that it was there, where would I like them to deliver it to. I informed them that I was staying at the Sheraton Four Point in Fairview Heights, just a few miles from ESTL. They refused to deliver it. They claimed that their drivers are fearful and would not deliver to the area-to be honest, I didn't get it. You can bypass ESTL by simply taking the highway. Also, you don't want to request ANY issues of the Monitor. It is pathetic, just ripe with typos, mispellings. The paper is almost a representation of the school system. Does the Monitor even use today's software, ie. Microsoft Word, Powerpoint. It is embarrassing. you can't even show the paper to outsiders. To all in East St. Louis, get off your asses and raise our next generation-What the HELL???!!!

Guest		26-May-2009 18:01
Dear Guest When I read your comment the first thing that came to my mind was. What promted the State Trooper to feel compelled to escort you from the city? Were you lost and needed some help getting to the highway? There are a lot of decent, God fearing/ God serving people that live in E. St. Louis. There is much to be done here. Crime happens everywhere. Just ask the Mendez boys- Oh, by the way they lived in a gated community. My main question that I hope you answer is what led a State Trooper to pick you out of all the traverls to give you a personal escort?

Bridget Alexander Johnson		21-May-2009 15:38
Hello everyone. I am so glad to see that there is a website for East Boogie. I was browsing the net to find old obituaries of my family that passed away in East Boogie and I stumbled onto this page. I am glad. I was born 12-15-72 and I lived on Virginia Place and then John Deshields. I attended Alta Sita, Hawthorne, John Robinson, Lucas then Hughes Quinn. My step father was killed in 1983 at work by David Taylor, then my uncle was killed in a car wreck 1/1/84 then my best friend sister was killed soon after then my classmates mother was killed shortly. The death of my moms closest friends was very hard to handle not only for her but me as well, just being 11 years old with two younger sisters. My mom decided to move away after someone broke into our apartment while we were upstairs sleep. I really miss beingin East St. Louis, but I don't think I could go back to live there. Not because of the crime, but because it makes me sad. I sometimes feel like my life would have been different if I had grown up in the city instead of moving to country Cotton Valley, Louisiana. I still have a few family members that live there. I go visit often. My little sister relocated back to East Boogie about 10 years ago and she says she isn't leaving. Does anyone know where I can find old obituaries of my friends and family that past away there? The paper was called the Monitor when I left in 1984. I would love to read some of the old news from back then. Can someone help???

lenny		18-May-2009 18:54
Ms. Uselton, St. Mary's Hospital is still standing, however it has undergone a name change (Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital). The Windsor Medical Arts Building was added to the hospital several years ago. Unfortunately, the hospital officially closed the first of the year due to a 3 million dollar annual operating deficit. The Windsor Medical Arts Building is still in operation, and the hospital now only offers Inpatient Psychiatric Care and Emergency Services. This almost makes the statement that a lareg part of our residents are either mentally challenged or violent. What can I say?

Marylin Joyce Uselton		17-May-2009 21:28
I was born in St. Mry's Hospital in Eadt St. Louis in 1934. Is the hospital still standing? Joyce

Guest		15-May-2009 07:38
The last time i was there, i was escorted out by a State Trooper who was concerned about my well being.He was surprised to see me and wondered how i got so deep in the heart of the city with out being robbed or killed.I never thought about racial issues at all, I mean we are all Americans I guess it was for my own good. Sad to see a town loved by so many in this condition. I would love to go back but he advised me not to return.I wish all residents Peace and Harmony and good luck in your quest to get your city back on track.

Linda		11-May-2009 18:28
Wow! I was born and raised in ESL. My dad built a "new" house on 80th st in Edgemont after having lived on 23rd st. until I was 2 1/2. My granddad had a house in back of Midas Muffler just off state street, 37th I believe. I went to Harding grade school and then to Clark Jr. High. I was born in 1954 at Christian Welfare and my dad retired as Chief of Detectives in 69 on the police force after having been on the force since returning from WWII. It was such a GOOD place to grow up. We had annual back to school bike rides to Joneses Park to swim and watch ball games and then later as I got older we went to the roller rink and Hannigans and up to Bellevilles pool. That was the thing to do back then. We took the bi-state bus to school, no school buses and I walked to gradeschool. I remember at Harding, the boys used one set of steps on the north end of the school and the girls used the other south steps, ha! Just popped into my head, strange. We would go out at recess and play red rover, well, I am sure anyone during that time remembered, and we had to wear DRESSES!. We moved away to Wisconsin in 69, so never got to go to East Side, but my 2 older brother Kerry born in 50 and Jim born in 45 both graduated from there. My granddad lived there til in the 70's before he sold his house. This website sure brings back alot of memories to me. I still have my best friend Judy that I keep in touch with almost daily from the time we started Clark at the age of 12, those friendships are the best kind. I also remember the corner grocery store on 80th, it was Thomas Brothers, but we called it "Mames", she ran the register. We would go in there and get pickles from the barrel and the penny candy. Then we would stay outside and play all day, til dusk and my dad would whistle and we would go running home, you had to be within hearing distance on that. Anyway, good to see this site. Thanks to whoever started it.

mike lawson		09-May-2009 13:09
born 1941 Christian Welfare..left in 1960..I remember walking any street safely..my home near 50th and Bunkhum..kids buying buckets of beer for Dad at Johnnies tavern.. St. Martin's, Assumption, and East Side..movies at the Avenue for 9 cents giving a dime and getting a piece of candy change, the Colony, Majestic and dime night at the Esquire..carhopping at A&W at 89th and State..tamale vendor outside Parson Field during football games....Memories can't be taken away by the decay that has taken place. My own observation of the demise of ESL is the South mogration of jobs such as the packing houses due to years of gains made by unions who gradually chased the busines out of town. Now there are no jobs or tax base. The same thing is repeating itself in Detroit now. I am pro union but sometimes they cut their own throats over time.

Guest		08-May-2009 03:53
I followed my first husband to East St. Louis in 1972. We were a biracial couple having to get the hell out of Mississippi. We lived on 14th and State, then 21st street. I recently went to visit my son in Belleville. I had an old friend take me around to those neighborhoods and there was hardly anything recognizable. Things had just started to get bad when I moved there. The neighborhood we lived in had stores and buisnesses and in the five years I was there all of them were shut down because of crime. It saddened me to see the city in such disrepair.

lenny		03-May-2009 16:26
Lenemoe, I believe the name of the school you refer to was Parks. I also believe that it was a Vocational/Technical School. It was actually located in the 500 block of North 27th Street. This school was torn down awhile back, and is now the site of Annette Officer Elementary School. Hope this helps.

Guest		01-May-2009 06:10
I was born and raised in East Boogie and I couldn't imagine being raised anywhere else. I lived in Atlanta for 13 years and now reside in Chicago, IL. I graduated from East Side in 1986 and had the time of my life growing up. I remember going to Pantera's Pizza in Fairview Heights, and the dances at East Side. I remember the Debonair Dolls dance group, the Dogs, and the Loverboys. I can also remember riding my bike from Summit to Lake Drive where my grandmother and grandfather lived and feeling safe. In fact, I had my first crime experience when I moved to Atlanta to attend Clark College and young man whom appeared to be maybe 17 or 18 pulled on gun on me and the guy I was dating all because I didn't respond to him. I now live on the Southside of Chicago by the lake and there are times when I am afraid to walk in certain areas. What's my point? My point is this, crime and is everywhere. I know that we must do something to change the living conditions in East Saint Louis, but we need to change the living conditions all over the world. Let's write about our hopes and dreams, and what we plan on contributing to this great nation, and to our communities in which we live. I wish that I could blame the politicians and the police department, but we all play a role in how this crazy world turns out. By the way, the person that made the comment about the newly hired officer falsifying documents. It wasn't true, and it damaged his reputation. A retraction was later printed, but the damage had been done. In order for us to make progress in East Saint Louis and other cities, we must first recognize that there is a problem before we can make changes. I am interested in reviving the Khoury League baseball field in East Saint and would love to hear feedback from others. I am dedicated to changing the community I live in and the community that helped me become the person I am today! I have been given a second, third, and fourth chance, so please don't give up on a city that had such a positive impact on our lives! Let's get it done! Peace

Tangie Harris		28-Apr-2009 19:25
Hi all..Born & raised in East St. Louis. Born 5-18-66. I was trying to google to find an old picture of Lincoln Senior High School. We are preparing for our 25th reunion. Just recently I have been visiting family & friends more who still reside in East Boogie. I lived on 17 & Converse & 17th & McCasland during my childhood years. I have been visiting McCasland. My family still stays on McCaslnad it was known as the family street. Harris-Smith-Samuels-Wicks-Claypools-Evans..The church is still standing..I have visited over the last 3 months. It is called the HOLY GHOST corner. Brings back so many memories. I can go on & on..I LOVE EAST SAINT LOUIS DEARLYYYYYY...

Guest		28-Apr-2009 17:59
I am from East Saint, and I still have family there. Every other weekend I return for sunday dinner with my grandma and mom. Are there serious problems in East Saint? Yes, but it is slowly changing. I would hate for my hometown to be annexed into another city. We have a rich heritage that should be preserved. Right now I am doing research on my families geneology and thats how I found this site. It is not a safe place to be compared to other areas. I am proud to say I am from East Saint Louis and I feel safer there than in St. Louis, MO. We need new leadership, companies that offer decent wages and not just the strip joints and chinese food places. We need our schools to be equipped with technology and educated teachers. Stop letting our leaders give jobs to their cronies. Stop hiring people that are stealing the town blind and take personal responsibility for ourselves. I grew up on Bond Ave and I can tell you that if I did something wrong the neighbors would call before I got home. You try that now and you are liable to get cussed out. If someone is trying to help stop getting snippy and be happy that someone is trying to help. I personally believe that there are people in power who want the city to continue on its downward slope so they can come in abd buy the land for cheap. Off the Tudor exit they have had people coming to their door asking to buy their land for what seems to them a windfall in really its little or nothing. Then, the plan is to expand St. Louis. It will probably be called something like St. Louis Heights or some other god awful name. My family won't leave its their own home and they have a history there. I would never ask them to leave it either.

Marianne Wilson		28-Apr-2009 15:49
There is something more evident than anything else in so many of these posts. In spite of the violence, poverty, corruption and discouragement that exist in East St. Louis, the city has always had more heart than so many other communities. I believe it is the reason that so many posters express pride in being raised in this community and the reason that so many exceptionally talented, successful and famous people have roots in this city. It should be noted that East St. Louis has a long history of political corruption, long before the city administration became Black. It was originally run quite corruptly by White administrations.

lenemoe		24-Apr-2009 03:28
I'm a native of East Saint Louis and the other day my son tried to remind me about a school I atended around the 25th and State Street area. I cannot remember what the building used to be, but it was part of SCC I attended electrical classes there. If anyone can help me please do.

Brenda Rich Smith		14-Apr-2009 04:52
I'm always interested in trying to connect back to East Saint Louis, If there is a June 1965 graduate of Lincoln High School that was then located on Bond Ave... please send me an email .. I'm still trying to connect the dots to many things .. as much as I'd like to hear from everyone .. I really need questions answered and only those who lived in East Saint Louis and graduated during that time or close to that time may be able to provide the answers .. it would also help if you lived in the John DeShields or John Robinson Homes .. hopefully, these persons would be able to provide the kind of assistance i'm seeking thanks .. and God Bless! .. Brenda J. Rich (lived in John De-Shields,.. Brothers: Leon, Norman, Herman, Milton ..Sisters: Carolyn and Ella Mae

yvonne		13-Apr-2009 12:12
To KAT - I have lived in ESL for over twenty years. If I had the money I would move. You do not want to cross the river and venture over here. There's nothing to see other than poverty and crime. Dope dealers on every corner and cops who can't/won't do their job. Politicians with their hands in the government's pocket while the children lose out on an education. The filth is horrendus and the morning air stinks. Pot holes crater the roads and there aren't any street lights. The traffic lights don't work either so stop signs have been posted on every corner. Most people carry a pistol in their pocket and are waiting for the likes of you. For your own protection, stay away. The comments listed are for the most part are nostalgic. A sad but relatively safe picture has been painted and it is completely false. This is a violent, desperate city, take heed.

Barbara		10-Apr-2009 18:34
To holyshaktialways,I was born 1952, my grandmother use to attend a church in the southend on Tudor Ave. Back then it was like you said, friends were like family. Living in a small town ment everybody new each other. Remember when any adult could put you in check if your parents were not around. I remember the days of the block cheese and eating spam. Most of us were on relief or ADC. But most importantly, we were poor, but rich with love from family and friends and closeness. God Bless East St Louis - I still love it. Barbara (harbrb9@aol.com)

holyshaktialways		10-Apr-2009 00:41
Well, I was born in ESTL in 1951. I loved it then and I still love it now. I remember the time when your neighborhood was your home, not just your house, but the whole community participated in your growth and development. We were poor, lived in the southend in a shotgun house but we had pretty flowers and trees and dogs and cats. We loved nature, GOD, our mother, our father, our neighbors and our friends. I STILL LOVE EAST ST. LOUIS. Let's return to our roots and bring back love and caring for one another.

ESTL History Lover		08-Apr-2009 03:21
Wow. What a great blog and interesting feedback from residents and non-residents alike. I Love history and am fascinated by ESTL. I have lived within 20 miles of the city for 35 years but never in the city, however, I have taken an interest in collecting memorabilia from ESTL including old signs, pottery from stores, taverns, brewery collectibles etc that were all very big business's in the city in the early 1900s. I do believe that the city will rise again. It's too close to downtown STL to not happen. But I think it will take a bulldozer for most of it to happen and then new condo's etc with a view of the arch and the St Louis skyline. Just need a bulldozer, some money and start with new schools. Fences might help too :)

Carolyn Jentsch		06-Apr-2009 00:08
This has been an interesting evening. I accidently found this web site as I was goggling Warren G. Harding Elementary School on 74th St. in East St. Louis. I come from a family that has roots in the Lansdowne Area of East St. Louis since the late 1800s. I was born in St. Mary's Hospital in the last 40s and grew up in Edgemont. on 70th, 73rd, and finally on 69th St. I went to Harding School, Clark Junior High School and granduated from East Side in 1965. Yes, I'm an old gal! I went back for a 40th class reunion about 4 years ago, and was able to go into East Side. What a wonderful surprise, the old school looked great. There were some minor comestic things that could and probably should be done, but the over all school looked just like it did in the mid 60s. My old Homeroom 104 looked the same, just a little older. The biggest difference was vending machines in the cafeteria. Yes, East St. Louis has gone down hill and most of the old hang outs are gone, but I truly hope that it will come back. Hannigan's is gone as is the A & W Rootbeer Stand, And Price's Restaurant with their notorious Nightmare Hamburgers. But, all of us and our parents and grandparents who grew up there, will always remember the good times. It is sad to see what has happened to Collinsville Ave. I worked for 2 years after high school at the Telephone company across the street from St. Mary's Hospital, and I never was afraid. Maybe some day East St. Louis will get a face lift and families will be proud of it again, as all of us were when we grew up there. I left in 1968 when I married a AirMan from Scott Air Force base. I get home every couple of years and I always go home.

i73ke		03-Apr-2009 15:25
I left ESL in 1973. It was the year my father was killed. His name was Ike Hurt and my mom (Flora Mae) passed away 2 years before him. We lived on 32nd street where there seemed to be hundreds of kids playing on a daily basis. My brothers are Daryl, Rod, Tony, and Steve Hurt. My cousin is Daryl Darden, who was a local guitarist from St. Louis. My brothers always played music and would put together bands in our backyard. Every now and then, Daryl would get to play at a club when Johnnie Taylor came to town. I don't have many memories but I clearly remember attending Slade Elementary in first grade and my father bringing home the best pork fried rice ever! I'm trying to piece together some more information so if any of this sounds familiar to anyone, please respond.

Sue		31-Mar-2009 17:24
Does anybody know about a bar or a club or a gentleman's club that burned down on a New Year's Eve probably in the late 1990's?

Tibbs		26-Mar-2009 00:05
Wow, I was just surfing the net and found this, I also am from east saint, and left there in 89. It just breaks my heart when I go home and see the way it looks there. It used to be such a great place to be but now it looks terrible but I will always call it home and will always go back to visit, its what has made me the person i am now and that I am thankful for. great pics of a city once thriving and look at it now.

Tammy		23-Mar-2009 18:14
WOW!!! This is exciting! I am doing a family history on my dad's side. He grew up in E.St. Louis. I've been there several times as a child. Our family name is SAMUELS. My Great Grandfather was a pastor of a pentecostal church, LOVE JOY COGIC, LUKE SAMUELS. My great grandmother is really the one I'm searching. Her name was ALBERTA SAMUELS. I wish someone could tell me more about her. My daddy was a graduate of LINCOLN, he is WYNN SAMUELS. Then there's uncle PRINCE SAMUELS, his sisters, PEARL and others. Our last name was once spelled without the extra "S" on the end. DOES This sound familiar to anyone?

brendarich		22-Mar-2009 23:25
I'm so happy to have found this board. Just today, I was frantically looking on Facebook trying to connect back to my High School Friends .. those who I can remember smile .. I was born in 1947 at St. Mary's Infirmity Hospital in St. Louis, MO. But, of course we lived in East Saint Louis. I think all the babies from East Saint Louis were born there. So, I'll say, "I was born and raised in East Saint Louis". I lived there with my Father, StepMother and six siblings at various addresses; one being 1100 Baker Avenue and a "D" Street in the South End. When I was six years old, the entire block on one side of D Steet burned to the ground. So, they took me from my first grade class, from John Robinson school where I attended; and I along with others .. stood there and watched our houses burn down to the ground. Of course, the Red Cross got involved and soon we were moving into a brand new development which was still under construction. Our new home was called, the John DeShields Homes; located on the other side of 12th and Bond Avenue (on the back side of Lincoln Senior High School). We were one of the first families to move into the John DeShields Homes. Growing up in East Saint Louis was natural and normal for me. I was raised in a Pentecostal Environment and not allowed to engage in "worldly" things with "worldly" people; so I grew up stand offish, very shy and very naive. As a little girl, my Step-Mother worked for a dentist named, Dr. Davis on 15th and Broadway street .. he was Miles Davis Father. Once we visited the Davis' Milstead Farm. As a child, I remember being surrounded with very lively, warm, loving, strict, no nonsense people. Yes, there was chaos too, by some people's standards; but "order" was a surety and I always felt safe. We were not in a threatning environment. We even slept outside when it was too hot inside. We never locked our doors; and even slept with the doors open. I had a fun childhood. We jumped double dutch, played hop scotch and we had a play ground right in front of our house. I loved the swing sets and the sliding boards .. oh and yes, we played Momma peg. Those were fun days .. I remember the drug store on the corner of 15th and Bond Avenue .. right across from John Robinson elementary School and across from St. Paul Baptist Church. In my mind's eye, I can still see the man who ran the store; but, I can't remember His name. We used to get an ice cream cone for a nickel .. and a piece of candy for a penny .. and a cookie for a penny .. I remember the Rock Way (another store) a few steps away .. where we also bought ice cream, candy and cookies .. My childhood memories are wonderful! Ike and Tina Turner used to rehearse in one of the houses across the walkway .. it was fun, peeking in .. i also peeked into the Kathryn Dunham dance school rehearsals in the Center across from our house .. we had a basketball court right there in front of our house, right across from Lincoln High School where I later attended. I can remember hearing the tardy bell ringing and running from my door to be inside my classroom in a few seconds. I started school at John Robinson Elementary, then to Hughes Quinn Junior and of course, then to Lincoln Senior High. We walked everywhere; our everywhere was to school and to church; sometimes downtown and sometimes to 15th and Broadway to eat Johnny Wong's Chinese food! Our church was in the South End on "I" street (a great distance) but, we walked from 12th and Bond Avenue to 1900 "I" street. We went to Church on Wednesday Night, Friday Night, and 3 times on Sunday; and sometimes in between those times for choir rehearsals and usher board meetings etc. It was not a problem or an option; it was our way of life. We were duty bound, and when it was time to go to Church, we went to Church!! As I look back today, I know living my life in East Saint Louis put character into me; and strength and stamina and a triple dose of an "i can get through anything" kind of spirit. I think East Saint Louis can only be loved and appreciated by those who "lived" and "loved" there. I believe East Saint Louisians; past, present and future are a special breed, a one of a kind destined people. Intertwined in the very soul of us are our hopes, dreams, and memories; be they good, bad, or ugly; all because of being there! All because of living our lives there! I believe East Saint Louis has given birth to and DNA'd into our very being the essence of who we are today. I thank God for my roots in East Saint Louis; and am very happy to say, "YES" .. East Saint Louis is my Hometown.

U.S. Soldier		18-Mar-2009 14:22
ESL has a lot of great people with great hearts. These people are the ones who can change the city by not putting up with the crime and drugs. Elect honest people who actually care about the people more than their pocket books. Don't count on Obama to help. He is just keeping people on welfare and encouraging the continuance of relying on government for survival. It's up to the individual to take charge of his or her life and their environment. Teach, love, and respect one another. We change our world one person at a time.

stldave		17-Mar-2009 13:54
I have lived across the river from ESL for over 10 years now and the thing I wonder about as I drive past ESL is who is burning down the old homes along the Interstate? For a while there a house was burning about once a month...

Guest		16-Mar-2009 20:20
"Our city may not be the best, but it definitely is not the worst" No, it actually is the worst. It is the laughing stock of the US. Name a city worse than East St. Louis.

Veda		16-Mar-2009 14:57
I cannot believe that so many people are this gullable to think that E St Louis has anything to do with your lifes purpose. Life has nothing and everything to do with your environment. I am a product of E. St. Louis. Due to the way I wanted to live my life, had my first child at 15 and by the time I was 22, I had five children. As a result, I knew that I had to change my life and live for five other people. Our city may not be the best, but it definitely is not the worst. Oh yeah, did I tell you that today I am a cetified teacher working on my PHd. You can live anywhere, our lives were destine before we were born. B yourself and love yourself.

modernshui		11-Mar-2009 18:57
I went to school in St. Louis in the early 1950's. Loved nightlife which was non-existent in STL. But, oh my, the good times were in ESTL. And the after hours clubs which only the In Crowd knew the location. I look back fondly on those times. Adlai Stevenson cleared us out when he became Governor. I found this site quite by accident looking for a song titled "A Little Bit Left of East St. Louis" recorded by Hank Crawford and Jimmy McGriff.

Broadview Hotel - CDC		11-Mar-2009 03:31
I am amazed to see so much personal history and knowledge of the ESL community being posted on this site. We were just awarded and have just undertaken a $30 million renovation of the Broadview Hotel (former SIUE building). I need help in documenting some of the interior design features and former businesses from the original 1927 design. We plan to develop a restaurant on the first floor with offices and some retail. We intend to provide a Historic Restoration to the entire facade and focus on restoring the stairway to the lower level and second floor. Throughout the main entry area, the elevators, staircase and flooring will all be restored. We also intend to provide 6-8 hotel rooms with the remaining upper floors being offered as loft style apartments. The Ballroom Level will provide banquet facilities with access to rooftop gardens and greenspace. The view looking back to the west is exceptional, a stunning evening skyline. We have outlined a 4-year development plan to be implemented in Phases through completion. Please respond if you are able to provide detail of original interior features and fixtures. Cornerstone Realty/CDC Development/Emerson Park Development Corporation

Guest		25-Feb-2009 13:46
Hi everybody, My aunt lives in Saint Louis.I have only been there once when i was a little kid.We where driving to Oklahoma and i had to peeeeeee!!!!! Anyway Some people are right it isint that bad. But sometimes i get scared but it's so sad for those people wan't more info about ESTL?? thirdworldtraveler.com/Third_World_US/SI_Kozol_StLouis.html-44k-

John		25-Feb-2009 00:53
I am very aware of East St Louis. I was born their in 1953 and lived their until 1968. Do I ever have good stories, Loisel Village, skating rink on about 73rd off of State,Washington Park where my Grandparents lived, the Old Polish Hall in the Downtown area, matter of fact, my family frequented the downtown area quite a bit, so much more, some good, some bad. I remember going to the First McDonalds opened in the downtown area. PLEASE tell me, I was told that the airport is being brought back up into shape and that someone is considering adding one million sq foot of warehouse space adjacant to it. IS THIS TRUE??? Do look to hear back from someone. John

Barbara		20-Feb-2009 23:35
To KAT, the lady from Europe. I use to live there, and it is bad, but like any other city, it has crime, but also some great people. If you know a good family there who be willing to drive you around, take you to church or to the nearby mall or to dinner, I'm sure you will be ok. But don't go by yourself, it really has little to see, but like I said, there are a lot of beautiful people there who have a good heart. Looke at me. I'm from there, went into the military (retired out of the reserves) and retired from my job out of Washington, DC. harbrb9@aol

k_a_t		20-Feb-2009 06:32
Hello, I'm from Europe and I've been studying in STL for a year but still haven't had the chance to go to ESTL - everybody's been talking about how dangerous it is, and I didn't feel like wandering around there alone. but I really do wanna visit there, do you think is it ok to go for a young woman like me?

Emma		09-Feb-2009 04:33
I like the memories that you all share of ESL. I know that the city is worn down and decrepit now and has seen better days. I grew up on 62nd street. I walk to school to Morrison school, then to King Jr high and then to Eastside.I remember walking with my brother and sisters to the salvation army for church and other activities, and playing in the parks especially Frank Holton.I had a very nice and fun childhood and I grew up in the 70's and 80's. But, we need to face the facts. ESL is not the worse city in America. Every city is worse than it was 20 and 30 years ago, our grandparents complained to our parents about how things are worse than when they were growing up, our parents did to us and now we are. There are bad people everywhere and good people too. Times are changing everywhere. The bible says evil men will wax worse and worse. That's not just in the "Ghetto".White peoople have been killing, eating people, raping, kidnapping, serial killing, killing their hard-working surburban parents for the money that they worked for instead of waiting for an inheritance, making dungeons and impregnating their own children and all other crimes that u can think of and that you, rarely, if ever, heard of in ESL. Oh yeah, they sell drugs and litter too. Yeah, ESL is dirty and have some undesirable people, but the people who think that they are too good to associate with other races and talk down on them because they are doing better, need to clean out their dirty closets and the closets of their kin folk. people need to hope pray and put a plan into action in order to see changes. IT CAN HAPPEN.

Barbara		06-Feb-2009 02:23
Does anybody know Jackie Gladney? I was married to her uncle a million years ago. I would love to come back to East St Louis, but I know it's difficult finding work. I would love to come back as a teacher. The young kids there are our future. I think one way to help is to make sure kids can read, and investment come to the city to rebuild. If I ever hit the lottery, I'll put ESL back on the map. I love the ESL I knew in the 70's. Barbara harbrb9@aol.com

lenny		05-Feb-2009 18:57
Guest1 Money. How can you operate two schools, or build another when you are struggling to keep one open? Heritage! If your parents left you with a family heirloom that was work a decent amount of money, and you and your family were starving and homeless, and you had run out of options to put a roof over you head and food in you and your family's mouth,would you sell the heirloom? High drop out rates. Don't you know that the amount of funding a school gets is proportionate to its enrollment? Do some homework my man. All things considered, if one of the two had to go, the logical thing to do was to close the smaller less accessible school. Nothing to do with heritage. Peace!

lenny		05-Feb-2009 18:37
Jackie, White Flight may have been a decent excuse 20 years ago, but it's been over 40 years. Don't you think that is enough time to have turned things somewhat around?

Barbara		01-Feb-2009 23:40
Barbar I can relate to you. Although I am few years older than you, I do the same thing when I visit East St Louis. I grew up on 12th and Missouri Ave. Hughes Jr High was nearby and 15th and Broadway was the spot to be.

James Drummond		01-Feb-2009 11:10
This is interesting. I’m reading the comments on this BLOG and at the same time I am talking to a young Soldier and he seems to LOVE ESL. He is from Jordan and he claims his family owns all of the Crown gas stations in the city (and a few more establishments). I have no reason to disbelieve because he is naming places I had forgotten about. The reason he loves ESL is his family has made millions off of our people. He also claims that his uncle has spent millions in the Washington Park area on schools and other public establishments. I don’t live in ESL but I visit often and it seems like every time I go there I see improvements i.e. new businesses, housing..... By the way he mentioned the Cricket phone company (family owned) again this is a 20 year old Soldier stationed at Ft. Benning Ga. So if they can see the worth in the city and in its people why can't some black folk do the same? Including me!

illinois		31-Jan-2009 03:50
I went to Attucks Clark but moved away my freshman yr(83) and now live in Seattle married with 2 kids, East Boogie will always my Home, reading some of the comments brought memories some good and some bad. I am going to buy as much land as I can in ESL in hopes of the city will some day turn around Steven

Barbara		29-Jan-2009 17:52
I never knew this sight was available for all to see. I was raised in East Saint Louis right there on the corner of 15th and Broadway in the Orr Weathers me and my 3 sisters and brother and I can truly say that time has truly brought by a change. I know live in Belleville but I am always down in the city (I still have family that live there). I make it my business to travel to work in St. Louis by going pass my old Apt. building and reminiscence. My daughter always say, mom you already said that the other day, why do you always go that way and get depress. I remember the store on the corner (Ms Clariss) the drug store (Daut's and Sykes) the record shop (oh i'm old school 52 yrs old) and walking where ever I wanted by myself and no one would bother me. If there is anyone out there who knows where I'm coming from...respond

Misa		29-Jan-2009 00:51
Does anyone know what happened to Slade Elementary or Winstanley Baptist Church? If you know of any photos, I would LOVE to see them! Thank you.

Bob		20-Jan-2009 03:35
Yes East St.Louis is not the city many of us remember. I was rasised there, attended Holy Angles graduated in 58, graduated 62 from Assumption High School and do have many fond memories. Lived on North Park Dr. across the street from Jones Park, went to football games at Parson Field,and many picnics in the area. The Labor Paradestart at 25th ans State St. and end right in front of my home, with the Black Knights preforming in center field after the parade. It was a great town to live and work in back then, but now I feel sorrow for the good people who live there in fear of their very lives. Who do you blame, God only knows and until people standup for what is right and good nothing will ever change. Always remember the good times, old friends, and special places we had. You can not change time and what takes place, but only hope that some day in some way things will turn around.

Guest		17-Jan-2009 23:03
Denise To guest1 more than likely the reason they closed Lincoln instead of East Side is that Lincoln is much older. I grad. from East Side in 1964 and it was basically still a new school. The original was on 10th street and this one was opened in late 1959 or 1960. Lincoln was a much older school and probably would have taken more money to bring up to par.

Guest		17-Jan-2009 19:23
I was born and raised in E. St. Louis. I left for good in 1965 at the age of 20. At that time, I still felt comfortable walking down Collinsville Avenue at midnight. I thought that E. St. Louis was the greatest place in the world. I returned for a visit two years later (1967) and everything had gone bad. It's been 40 years and the deterioration continues. The residents continue to elect and re-elect crooked politicians and then cry that they need state and federal money. That is nonsense as the local politicians will steal everything that they can get their hands on. It is unforetunate to say this, but I think that the best thing would be to just let E. St. Louis wither and die.

Guest65		13-Jan-2009 22:18
My dad was born and raised in East St. Louis in the 1930s and he left in the 50s. He lived on what was then the 700 block of 8th St in the 1930s and 40s. Can anyone tell me what elementary school he would have attended? Also, was there a place called the Silver Dollar Saloon?

Lynandro		11-Jan-2009 21:22
This is for guest1 reference why the district closed Lincoln as oppose to East Side. First of all East Side hasn't been a white high school in almost 40 years, at least since I've known it. I graduated from East Side in 84 and I can tell you I can only remember 1 white student in the whole class of 84 let alone the school. Now I do not really care about race because I hope one day we will eventually get over it. Hopefully with Obama in office during the next 8 years,(yes he will win 2 terms) we'll become a color blind country. Now for the 2nd reason. East Side vs Lincoln as for structure, location and every other economical reason is the reason Lincoln was close vs East Side. Now just because East St Louis is a city in ruins in some areas there's no need to continue that mind set by keeping Lincoln open just because of Lincolns so call blackness. Think about it really hard...do you really think the district made the wrong decision. Think with your mind not your heart. Think hard okay.

muffie		11-Jan-2009 14:20
I was born and raised in E St Louis (Rush City) MY WHOLE Family stills lives there I visit abo 3 times a week. I wouldent say I would willing live there cause I would b lying and I 2 thght eastboggie was a great place to live untill moved 2 cali and I cme 2 vist aftter 3 yrs of ntr seeing I moment looking around the sity it was depressing sad 2 see. Must of the people out there r city people they never leave its all they know it looks ok 2 them becaue that's all they haver ever seen most of the females are blunt monkeys othere want to get out but don't knw how a lot of the men are petty drug dealers with no dreams of ever leaving they stand around trash all day long selling drugs man trash everwhere I was there the other day and I said I wonder what this city wuld look like 10 years frm now east boggie is a very sad place where nobodysleeps they r always on something

Anthony Arnold		09-Jan-2009 06:29
I stumbled across this site just doing some random reaching out. I was born in 1976 in Centerville Hospital, and lived in ESL until i was 13. I went to dunbar til beginning of 6th grade, trsfred to hawthorne (via foster care), I attended the last year of Hughes Quinn, and then moved to Chicago(Evanston). I'm now 32, married with 2 small children. i've spent the greater part of my life in the chicago land area (greater=years of maturity), and I can honestly say that i know for a fact that I am the person that I am because of where I came from. I LOVE THE FACT THAT I'M FROM ESL. I'm sure people in my life are tired of hearing me say that, but it's true. I'm so proud to have come from such a humble way of life. I appreciate many things that poeple up here have no clue about (gettin whoopins AT/IN/DURING school by yo mama AND/OR the teachers...I owe you Mr. Mckinny)... wrapping the MAYPOLE during the Mayfestival held at Lincoln....I live in the John De Shields... the 3 building right across the street from the rice house on Bond ave, and i used to sit on my back stoop and watch the Band practice after school ( so when drumline came out...it almost brought me to tears ) To this day... my "friends" also include my classmates from Dunbar '82-'88...some of whom i haven't spoken to in many years, and would give anything to see them again (Micah Brown, Avis McNeese, Lloyd Evans, Vashawn Milton, Kendrick Jefferson, Danny Miller, Toni Polford... and the list goes on) all this to say that only God can take such a despondant place like ESL and use it to make people of great substance and worth... i.e. ME.... I WILL ALWAYS HAVE LOVE FOR EAST BOOGIE!!!!

guest1		06-Jan-2009 03:59
What are your thoughts on closing Lincoln down (Historical Black H.S.) and sending everyone to Eastside? why would a black school board membership close a black H.S. with the history of Lincoln H.S.? I could understand it better if whites closed it to Keep their H.S. but that not the case,189 school board leadership decided to cut part of their own heritage. Lincoln was known for academic, The arts, athletic excellence. Why didn't our own people make sure Lincoln remained open and Eastside closed? Are they could have built a new Lincoln. Could someone help me understand this decision. I'm not trying to stir-up trouble but if it was working why fix it? I believe the city and educational community still have not recovered from disaappointment that this decision caused. If ESL is going to see better days, a strong high school is a must.

Elise Connors		05-Jan-2009 08:36
I recently graduated from ESL Sr. High in 2005. These pictures are a bit disturbing. This is the downtown area, which I agree, is definitely an eyesore. However, this is not all of the city. I see no pictures of the recent renovations on 25th and State, or the many new schools that have been built, or the developments in the Edgemont area. If you focus on only the negative, sure, anything can seem like the absolute worst. However, if you look on the bright side, the city is taking proactive (albeit slow) steps toward being a good city again. Also, I don't feel at all underprivileged growing up and being educated in the city. I came from a class that quite possibly had the greatest amount of scholarship dollars received and admissions to colleges/universities granted. So, while there is crime and everything in the city, please don't fool yourself. There are positive people making positive changes in East St. Louis.

Don		03-Jan-2009 23:53
Wow...what are the chances that I would happen across a blog about ESL? Ive been reading the posts for the hour or so. It all STILL sounds like the same ole sh*t people have been talking about for 20 years...what we "need" to do...who's fault it all is...on and on. No matter what though...it will always be home. I may not recognize it but it still is. I may not like what I see...but it still is. I may not like what some have to say...but it still is. Went to Dunbar, King and Lincoln...class of 78. Anywhere I have ever lived...I get RESPECT for my hometown.

Guest		02-Jan-2009 09:04
Mr. George Mickens, you should not hate yourself because you didn't return to East Saint Louis, just remember that it is not to late. If every native of East Saint Louis had the same insight as you and actually act on it that would be a beautiful thing. And to the guy Chris that attended Rock and Landsdown Jr. High School, what the hell is parks and field? Next time you decide to speak negative about anything you should atleast know what you are talking about and get some help with your spelling. Keep your dumb ass where you are.

Lynandro		30-Dec-2008 11:16
I always sit back and think of the possibilities that are there for the taking for East St Louis. For God sake we're located right on the fiver front across from a major city. The possibilities...

gary		28-Dec-2008 23:44
just wanted to say thanks for the memories grew up in washington park on 62 and hill. Its not the same, but then again yesterday not the same as today

montez thorton		26-Dec-2008 08:59
Montez I grew up on 52nd state street, Growing up around that part of E.ST.Louis really made me realize early that it was a dead-end. I struggled most of my teen years because of the outside forces that pulled me into the streets, I didnt have a father and my mother was on crack. My grandmother took me in and she raised me as her own, Does this story sound like someone you know from that area!!! Yes, this is the struggle that happens everyday and it is the norm, I am married and have children of my own, we dont live in E.St.Louis but I go home every year and its the same. I am in the Army and due to go to Iraq next week to begin my 2009 year off, how you like that! Its life! All of us need to make the choices to help out the children and try to rehab the adults, the young men need more to do with their time! I wish I had the answer,,,, thanks for letting me post> God Bless

guest		26-Dec-2008 03:25
I am from a small farming town in Indiana. In May of 1999 my girlfriend and I went to the St.Louis Zoo(great zoo by the way),then we went to the arch and after spending the day sight seeing around St.Louis we decided to go to the river boat docked at the Illinois side. When we got to East St.Louis I couldn't believe how run down it was. At the time I was 30 years old and I thought I had seen everything but I was wrong. It looked like a bomb went off and everyone evacuated. I seriously had to pinch myself. Even in Indianapolis there is not anything that looks that bad, even in the worst part of the city. I never new anything about East St.Louis prior to that visit. Now I do!!!!

Col. Walt Johnson		22-Dec-2008 02:22
I grew up on North 13th just yards away from State Street. Went to Rock Jr. High. We moved as my families work moved. Laying blame on what happened gets no one anywhere. The industry left and went south for cheaper labor. Most northern cities suffered greatly, East St. Louis just suffered more. Add to the the political corruption, organized crime and the city simply did not have a chance. The time to lay blame has past. The time to do something about correcting the problems is long over due. It is ashamed though that a person who has served two combat tours in Viet Nam, wounded four times would have to be concerned for my safety if I were to visit my home town again. Last time I was there I got as far as Landsdowne Jr. High and was turned around by a cop who told me I was too white to go any further... If any one has any photos of the area I grew up in or Jones Park I would appreciate getting them. As far as President Obama is concerned, his job is to pull our nation out of the mess it is in. It is the responsibility of the citizens of Illinois and East St. Louis to do the same with the town. God Bless all. Col. Walt Johnson

tee		20-Dec-2008 22:15
I was born and raised in East St Louis and it really does look bad. I grew up in Edgemont and I took a tour down my old street and it looks pretty bad. I hope that someday people will care and try to fix East Boogie back up again. It's said going back to where you came from and everything has changed.

Concern EST Citizen		19-Dec-2008 05:01
I am proud to be from E ST.Louis! I know that things don't look very well right now,but some how we must move forward! We must elect officials that care,we have to start all over,we need help! we need to come together as a people and make this happen. What a challenge! we need to tear down,rebuild,come up with a game plan,we're gonna need help from the state,we need to change our images, not liquor stores on every corner,we need self morale, we need to take our city,this is alot! we are getting no-where pointing the fingers. We need law enforcement officials,we need to clear the crooked city hall,we need a totally different mentallity.Where do we go from here? we need answers!!!!!! We need to clean up our city,stand up for our city,we needd to PRAY for our city,it's a never ending story, we,we,we,we, need to look for answers to move forward,we need to keep the fields cut,the streets clean.There are some good people in the city,but we have to come together some kind of a way!!!! we need a PLAN!!!!!!!!don't knock us HELP US!!! This is HOME!!!!! How do we get started on making this change? we can,yes we can!! we don't have to live like this, we are just as better as a white neighborhood,I believe in us/our city We NEED, WE CAN,YES WE CAN! we have to want better for our city,kids.NO is not an option!our kids follow our paths,let's set good examples.we don't have to fight to resovlve we are one (THEY) enjoy us at each others throat we don't owe (THEM) anything,we can compete with (THEM) and we can defeat (THEM) we're smart,let's use our smarts,take over our city,run our city,be proud of our city,enjoy our city,be rightous in our city, you know we are proud of our children athletes,let's keep up the good work and always encourage them,they are our future,let them be apart of our change.we have to star with ourselves,We NEED, WE CAN, YES WE CAN take back our city!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest		19-Dec-2008 01:48
I was born in St Louis and raised in Fairmont City which has an East St Louis mailing address. I went to Holy Rosary grade school in Fairmont and to St Theresa catholic high in East St louis.

T		10-Dec-2008 19:10
I was just there in my for my fathers funeral, i AM ONE OF MANY OF HIS CHILDREN (Turkey Breast)(Ed Sherrill) Anybody know him? WOW what a horrid place.... Any way I went to a small Catholic school and church there St. Mary's would anyone know how I could find a picture of that school and church? I would greatly appreciate it. THey tore it down...

Guest		04-Dec-2008 19:51
These are true pictures of ESTL, however where are the pictures of Loisel Hills, the homes on lake drive and many of the other beautiful homes that are in the city. I grew up in Washington Park and ESTL. I read the book Savage Inequalities and found some of the information to be accurate, however, I felt that some of the information was placed in the book in order to get people to read the book and exaggerate stories of poverty. I am truly disturbed by the fact that when people think of the area it is simply negative. People are not concerned with helping the city. The same people that say they are scared to death of ESTL are ironically the same people that are on the Casino Queen gambling in this dilapidated city.....

uofi_megan		02-Dec-2008 19:48
I am a Tourism Development student from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and I am now working on a project to help East St. Louis. It mainly deals with bringing family reunion tourism dollars to local businesses and parks in the area. Right now, there is a pavilion built in Jones Park, which has greatly improved, and you can rent it through the East St. Louis Park District. If anyone is interested in inquiring information about a reunion in East St. Louis or would like to somehow contribute to the project, it is being run through the East St. Louis Park District and by University of IL tourism students.

Guest		01-Dec-2008 00:50
this seems like a wonderful place to take photos. but not worth getting my chalkie ass shot up over

Guest		18-Nov-2008 03:13
My negative opinion of ESL comes from reading ALL of these comments...not to mention looking at these photographs. Say what you wish about racial blame, but I have never seen a city of 30,000 whites that looks like this. Sadly, it is a reflection of not only financial poverty, but moral poverty as well. As an Obama surporter, I hope our new president will bring the plight of ESL to National attention. If we could rebuild Europe after WW II certainly we can help this city...from the inside out.

Guest from ESL		16-Nov-2008 00:16
THIS POST IS IN RESPONSE TO JACKIE! White people " Jackie" are not the issue or responsible for the destruction of East. St. Louis. Whether or not buildings and homes have been "abandoned" does not give anyone the right to trash them or turn them into crack houses! With the city being the highest crime rate in the nation, its up to everyone there to do something to change it. Drugs, gangs, voilence, & neglect are reasons that East. St. Louis has a bad rap! Not because some white person moved and left a building!!! Its sad that instead of writing about the beauty that there is in ESL, you choose to place blame on a race so now everyone that reads this has a negative view on ESL, thanks to a ignorant person like you! Sickening!

Guest		15-Nov-2008 09:45
Kerry Touchette. Are you related to Bruce and Erie Belle Touchette? I graduated from East Side in 1949. Bill H.

Jackie		14-Nov-2008 00:40
It is amazing to me the number of people who make comments on this site who have no idea about the City of East St. Louis and the cause of its demise. Primarily, "white flight" caused the delapidation and overgrown areas. Whites who fleed (as they always do, by the way, when Blacks are moving in around them) abandoned their homes and businesses and did nothing to make certain the properties were either sold in a correct manner or torn down. Much of the destruction attributed to Blacks in the city was caused by whites who left and did not care whether their abandoned properties would create eyesores -- nor were they held accountable for those deeds. First, property owners had to be identified, then tracked down (which was not often successful) and the redistribution of their property had to go through proper channels and much red tape to be sold to individuals who wanted to use it or purchased by the government (City government or otherwise). I have worked with whites who say "Oh, I lived in East St Louis at one time, and my family still has some property there -- or they had a business there." They go on to say, "I think it might still be there and might be still owned by my family. We've never checked." Some still pay property taxes on real estate they either inherited through death and/or just plain haven't seen the land since they were very young. They just keep paying the taxes, which prevents the land from being sold, and since the owners aren't interested because it is in East St. Louis, it remains an eyesore, tying the hands of anyone who could make improvements. So, folks, don't go blaming East St Louis and its citizens for all of it. They share in the blame and, most likely because of their ignorance, don't even know they are part of the problem!! JACKIE

Le-Bo		06-Nov-2008 18:16
I born at Barnes Hospital, but rasied in East St. Louis. My mother moved from Mississippi to East Saint after World War II. My mother and father both graduated from LHS. I attend Alta Sita, Clark, and East Side. I moved to Kansas to complete 9th Grade. I have a wife and daughter. I have a Masters of Public Administration degree. It is said that the City of East St. Louis will not even return you calls when job searching. The City Manager of East St. Louis is a joke. The only thing he has done during his tenure was an interview with CNN. It is time out for all the national media attention. East St. Louis must create an environment where black business can grow. Although polluted, East St. Louis is still prime real estate. The State of Illinois, all the criminal/corrupted government leaders of East Saint Louis (minus Y. Young), and the generational pride loss in the black community, the white drug pushers and gun dealers from St. Louis, all the people that made it and never gave back, the economic red lining are all to blame. This is a shame that the only money making industry in East St. Louis is death or destruction related. I love my home, yet it is not enough to think about what was. Do something!!!

PAT		03-Nov-2008 02:18
i was born in depaul univ hospital,st louis,miss in 1970. i lived in alorton 4 7 years, then i moved 2 washington park. i went 2 alta sita,manners,landsdowne, & lincoln! i grew up when the chicago gangs 1st started in esl. i loved being reared in the whole area! the 80's was the best times! we had a form of entertainment call dance.that kept me an a lot of my friends out of trouble!!!! some of yall remember the loverboys , dogs, outside dogs? just remember all of us are not criminals!! 2 the 1's that grew up in the 50 60 & 70's KIS MY ASS !!!!!!! I LUV MY CITY !!!!!

Guest		31-Oct-2008 18:32
I was born and raised in East St. Louis IL, I witnessed a lot of teacher's going with the students, I witnessed drugs dealers bringing their drugs to school selling them to other students, I witness girls fighting girl just because they were pretty, I witnessed a lot of abused and neglect children, I witnessed murders in my face, I witnessed underage girls having babies, I witnessed people attending church evey Sunday and hurting people,I witnessed incest, Just because I once lived in East. St. Louis I didn't have to do what the other people done I managed to own my own daycare I'm a author, never been in jail or own any abuse substance happily married with one child God bless me, bless Jackie Joyner who once lived in East St. Louis, Bless Miles Davis, and others that succesfully accomplished. and to let the world know crime, abuse, neglect, and pain happens everywhere.

Kerry Touchette		30-Oct-2008 20:07
I was born in East St. Louis and now I live in Washington D.C. near DuPont Circle.I was raised in Edgemont and still have a great aunt living in the house my great grand-father built. My father's family have lived in the area since before 1790 in Cahokia and Centreville, my mother's family has owned property on the "Island" since before the Civil War.Every time I go home to visit relatives in Freeburg and Fairview Heights and Belleville I can't believe the war zone appearance of a once tidy,proud but poor community.I hope Obama or someone like Dick Durbin can effect some change to the hopelessly desperate landscape.

lenny		14-Oct-2008 18:11
There Is No Army Stronger Than An Idea Whose Time Has Come! -Voltaire Keep Watching! The time is NOW!

Michael Irvin		14-Oct-2008 16:45
My Dad and Mom bought a little house in Parkside subdivision (69th and State) in 1955. I was four at the time. I attended the first four years of school at Parkside elementary which was just four rooms at the end of a dead end street in the subdivision. I then attended Harding Elementary for 5th and 6th grades and Clark Junior High for a few weeks until we moved to 11th St. just across from the National store and Sears downtown. I attended Rock Junior High at that time till we moved back to St. Louis, MO. For the eight years I lived in Parkside it was like living on Leave it to Beaver street. There were lots of kids, the whole neighborhood was on the same level of hard working blue collar families. We knew each other and didn't know much about the outside world. We had the woods to play in as well as the tar and gravel street. We played softball just below the "ditch" and hid in the weeds playing hide and seek. When it was hot we played board games under the shade tree in our front yard. There were no worries, no wars, no problems at least not to me as a kid. Just fun. As I look back it was the best time of my life growing up. Now I live in a fine home on the other side of the state in a suburb of KC. My kids are grown. Even with a college degree my youngest is struggling to make it and is newly married. I'm remarried after losing my first wife of 33 years in a car accident a few years back. If it wasn't for her good job we wouldn't be making it. I'm in a small startup Graphic Design business and with this economy my business is suffering. I long for those carefree days when I slept with the window open listening to the crickets and frogs. Michael

Oakland Resident		13-Oct-2008 01:39
Re entry L. Mason Thanks for your great post.Reading your it brought back some great memories.When I started life my parents lived on the corner of 10th street and St Louis Ave. When I was 3 we moved to a house on Pittsburgh Drive(aka: N. 66th street)I remember the Sears store. It was across the street from a Kroger's and down the street from the A&P that mom worked at.In the summer the smell of Barbecue was always in the air.Granny had a pizza place called the Shadow Box on the corner of 66th and State.Today it's under an off ramp from the I-255.I went to Harding Elementary-started riding the bus when I was 6. Today I can't imagine letting a 6 year old loose anywhere by themselves.I know all cities have their problems and run down neighborhoods. Oakland has some really rough and undeveloped neighborhoods.The difference between the OAK and ESL is that in OAK there are still neighborhood jobs and the city has the funds to keep services going.I don't know if it's any better today but the last I heard the city of ESL was basically bankrupt. Hopefully some one somewhere will see all the open space and it's potential and invest in the community.With a lot of work ESL can again become what it once was. No matter what it looks like to others today I will always remember ESL for what it once was.

Guest		11-Oct-2008 18:34
It's difficult to read some of these posts ... how tragic and how sad. I was born in 1941 in Christian Welfare Hospital but lived in Caseyville until I married. Our first little home was on College Avenue - a rental behind the owner's home. What precious memories I have of those years. My father worked construction and spent a long time helping building the Sears Store ... my mother was an office manager at the Kroger's store near Sears. Jones Park, girl scout camp at a park I can't recall the name of, high school basketball, East St. Louis rocked then.

L. Mason		10-Oct-2008 04:58
I was born in 1947 in St. Mary's Hospital and was raised in or around East St. Louis. My family is orginally from the ESL area. It will always be my home in my mind with fond meories of the town. I am white (which is not really important) and we moved out to the Roxana-Wood River area when I was in 5th grade, not as a part of so-called white flight but just as a perceived better chance for a living. My relatives continued to live in ESL for many years. As I said, I have some fond memories of the town. I began school at Longfellow Elementary School. I remember my parents going horseback riding in Jones Park. I don't rememeber if it was Jones Park or another, but I remember a park that had a walking bridge over a small lake and you could throw pieces of bread into the water and a lot of large goldfish (carp) would come to the surface and fight over the bread. My aunt and uncle for many years use to own and operate Tony's Tavern on 10th Steet, across from the old Sears Store. Or, I remember the round shaped bar-b-que place down the street from the Sears Store, had great ribs. We lived on College Ave. just off of 10th Street. Unfortunately, it is now a vacant lot. Years ago my brother who still lives in the general area saw a TV news cast of the police engaged in a frontal assault on an apartment building taking out some drug dealers and recognized it as our old apartment building. It was also burned to the ground. I remember that the town back then was a beautiful city. As a child, I could take the city bus alone to school and not have to worry about being hurt. There was a beautiful sunken park, just down the steet from Longfellow School that was full of beautiful flowers. Our mother would take us there on the way home from school some times. I remember the circus coming to town at the Masonic Temple in downtown. I agree with one of the earlier writers, I get depressed when I look at pictures of what it has turned into. As stated, I also grew up there in the area in the 50's and early 60's. Back then it was a great place for a kid to grow up with a lot of good family neighborhoods. Several years ago, I took my wife down to visit my hometown area. I immediately turned around and left because I feared for her safety, and I was a cop and carried a gun at the time, but did not feel safe, I am sad to say. As another writer wrote, I also lived in the Gompers apartment buildings. These photos are a recording of a sad demise of a truly '50's town, where even the Gompers were tidy, and cared for, back then. I think a big part of the problem was started when they tore down what then were known as the slums, down near the river. The federal government built the projects and herded people into them like cattle and took away their dignity. Another reason to not always trust in the government. We were poor also and people back then had dignity, whether well off or poor. Today's world is dependent upon material possessions. However, I like a few other writers think the city will eventually turn around. Not sure when but it is inevitable. It may take a few years. With the I-270 bypass being opened up to Jerseyville, Illinois, St. Louis can only expand east across the river. Once the time is right, and possibly after this current financial and real estate crisis when the country rebounds the area may also be ripe for development, I hope. However, like some other writers stated, they need to get rid of the local politicians so development money can come in. Voters need to do that. And Obama is not the answer. He will only bring Chicago style corruption to the nation, like he is a part of up here in Chicagoland. His form of corruption will replace the ESL style corruption on a larger scale. But, the people in the town also have to be willing to get invovled and make changes, not just relying on the government to do it for them. I hope the city does rebound, it has great potentil.

cocobrown		06-Oct-2008 17:54
some people left in East St. Louis, IL are so ridiculous and ignored. This is to Guest signed in on September 23, If you think hanging out at a Casino Club is cool, you are NUTS-I'm sure that you could find something more constrcutive to do than to still be "CLUBBIN" shen most of your community is slowly dying!!!!!!!! Man shot near Club Casino in East St. Louis News-Democrat A man was shot multiple times outside Club Casino in East St. Louis early Sunday morning. Police did not identify the victim, but East St. Louis Detective Marion Riddle said he is from St. Louis. The man was standing outside of his car shortly before 5 a.m. when two male suspects fired multiple rounds at him. "We received a call at 5:45 a.m. reporting a shooting," Riddle said. "The caller said shots had been fired and a man was down." According to Riddle, East St. Louis police were dispatched to Club Casino at 68th and State Streets. Two suspects in a burgundy car fled into St. Louis on Interstate 255 after the shooting. East St. Louis police pursued the car into St. Louis where they were joined by police officers from St. Louis city and county. The suspects were captured at Lucas and Hunt Road and Interstate 70 around 6 a.m. Riddle said police also recovered some weapons in the car. The two supects, who are from St. Louis, are currently in custody, he said. The victim initially was rushed to Kenneth Hall Hospital for treatment. Riddle said he was then airlifted to an undisclosed St. Louis hospital where he remains in serious condition. The victim had been a patron at Club Casino, according to owner Cedric Taylor. Taylor said the shooting occurred in front of the old Clark gas station, which is near the club. "Two guys were sitting in a burgundy car. The shooter shot the windows out of the car on the driver's side and in the back of the vehicle, too," Taylor said. Taylor said he and another man were leaving his business and he overheard the victim calling his brother to tell him that the guys they had gotten into a fight with a couple of days ago had shot him. "He knows who shot him," Taylor said. Riddle said police do not know the motive for the shooting, but they are still investigating the case.

guest		27-Sep-2008 22:33
East St. Louis is a city where the majority of its citizens are poor...no big deal there are poor black people in many cities across america, right? Yes there are, however there's not many of them that welcomes poverty but ESL leaders do. Oh yes they do, they get rich taking advantage of the poor. Mind you these are black so called leaders that take care of family and friends while the common citizen can't catch a break. Another name for this is economic racism, where I don't have a problem with the color of your skin, but your skin color doesn't mean anything to me when it comes to getting mines. I've always thought that racism was about economics more so than inferiority. You can drench ESL with money, nothing will change but the pockets of the city leaders will swell. Money is needed, of course, but leaders who care about the city and its citizenry first is needed. How can blacks do this to one another? Well, are young black men kill each other in the streets? Because we are of the same race doesn't mean anything to me. The only thing that means something to me, is me. That it!When you have no value for your race as a group of people, it sad to say it won't be long before we extinquish ourselves. But back to ESL, how can a convicted felon get out of jail and get a job running a middle school? You want to how? Get the people to vote for whoever and keep them in office and you can get any job you want and qualifications and character doesn't mean a thing. Enough said. But be proud you are from ESL because most of the people are decent but the power infrastructure is heartless and unashame.

Marilyn Magac		27-Sep-2008 12:32
I was born and raised in East St. Louis, went to St. Patrick's School and St. Teresas Academy. My sisters and I got together a few weeks ago, and we returned again to the Red Door and had pig snoots. Love those snoots. We went exploring and was disappointed to see the old firehouse on 25th St. was gone. There seems to be a thriving city though in that part of town. I live in Sarasota, Fl. and I would love to move back to East St. Louis and get a job cooking in the kitchen of the Red Door with all those wonderful ladies.

Guest		23-Sep-2008 05:38
I,ll be at Club Casino this Saturday

denise		21-Sep-2008 21:36
Denise, My family and I recently went to E. St. Louis and I was in disbelief. I had not been home in 24 years. I live in Los Angeles now. I was totally shocked to entire into Downtown E. St. Louis. I was actually scared of some of the areas. I could not believe that you can buy alcohol at your local gas stations. After spending one day there I was completely depressed. I went to my old elementary school A.M. Jackson and actually remembered be there. I also went to Clark Jr. High School and almost started to cry that they allowed that building to be abandoned. Every house we grew up in was torn down. Every other building was burned down. Eventhough, the houses are gone, I will always know in my heart that E. St. Louis is still home. I do plan to come back next year, but I liked Bellville, Fairview Heights and even O'Fallen. I would like to buy some property in E. St. Louis. I will not just critize this area, because I do believe many of us have abandoned our town. Many famous people, athletes, politicaians, actors was born out of E. St. Louis, but I hope there is a plan to reclaim once was ours. I believe that it can. E. St. Louis was a beautiful town to live in. And I believe that it still can withthe right people and investmets. See you soon.

Cecil		20-Sep-2008 06:46
I was reading JBuie and Kim comments...I rememeber The Eagle Stamps and The Booklet..I also remember The Food Stamp change..you get plastic coins like 50 cent,25 cent,and 10 cent plastic coins from National Supermarket on 10th and 11th & State Street...You be all day licking those darn stamps to get what $2.50 and then you can buy eithe Ice Cream Sandwiches or any kind of Junk food to watch the Bijou movie...To what Kim said about the Education system and the Job Market..The teachers were outstanding...Some of the best people graduated from East.St.Louis...I also believe and always will believe that St.Louis is most of the reason East St.Louis is the way it is even today...Because with St.louis doing their dirty work of dropping bodies that they erased and disposed into East Saint and made us the bad guys...So to Jbuie keep the memories in your heart never let go ovf them and to Kim...Thank you for your comment on the Education and Econonic view of East St.Louis....It all start with the people to clean something that is very simple..

Guest		20-Sep-2008 00:45
FBurton Hello all, I too have fond memories growing up in East St. Louis. I have quite a few sisters and brothers and most of us grew up on 22nd street in the 500 block. I remember walking to school for the most part. Schools like Park and then Clark. However, I only attended East Side in the tenth grade. My mom decided she wanted to move the end of the school year in '78 and Atlanta, GA was the choice. I try to still visit maybe once or twice a year, many of my older brother and sister are either in East St. Louis, or Belleville and St. Peters, Mo. I really don't see any of my old classmates at all, I believe most may have moved away or when they decided to go off to college they stayed away. Sometimes you don't know how 'bad' a place is until you get out of the environment. I'm not sure what it will take to rebound but again growing up there was great!!

savage23		16-Sep-2008 21:30
I would agree, after living in Chicago, VA and California, i would agree that ILL/MO area is one of the most repressive areas in the country with regards to diversity in all arenas of everyday life. I thank GOD i was able to raise my kids in more accepting environments.

Guest		16-Sep-2008 09:01
Hello all. I was born and raised in Granite City. When I turned 20, I joined the military and for the first time, got to see what a good majority of the rest of the country looks like. I was also lucky enough to get a chance to see some of the world, it was pretty amazing. I was never particularly happy in Granite or the entire ESTL area, but I never really knew why growing up. After having seen and lived in so many other places in the country, East St. Louis is the worst I've seen by far. Granite is a horrible place. I never realized it until I got to see what else was out there. When I got out of the military, I moved with my girlfriend at the time to San Jose, California. Beautiful city, so much to do, low crime rates, everything is so clean. I moved back to Granite recently because I wanted to finish school, and my schooling is free here in Illinois so I thought I'd come stay with my parents while I finish my degree. Unfortunately, I regret that decision every day I wake up. This area seems to be getting worse and worse. East St Louis ranks highest in the nation on almost all the different categories of crime, and the ones it doesn't, it's second or third highest. I truly wish my family would just leave. I'm going right back to San Jose when I finish school. For me, it's been difficult to get used to this area again after having traveled so much and living in other (what I consider to be much better) areas. I don't mean to offend anyone that lives in this area - if you like it, more power to you. I just don't see any reason to stay here. There aren't even good jobs in the area anymore. St. Louis may become a great city in the future (or it may not), but I really think that all the efforts to make the east st louis area better are somewhat futile. The area is dying. I'm also very interested in cultural diversity, which is something I think this entire area lacks. The demographics of the city of St. Louis is 51% black and 44% white, leaving a whopping 5% for others. Granite is 95% white, and the demographics of SIUE (where I go to school) is 88% white. Some of you may think that St Louis has alot of cultural diversity, but if you get a chance to ever visit a place like San Jose, you'll see the difference. Take care everyone.

r v wooo		15-Sep-2008 16:43
yes, east st. louis was a beautiful city years ago and there is still a beautiful life sleeping there. hopefully, the ignorance, prejudice and hatred that contributed to the present state can be overcome...i believe america and its people will overcome the adversity that has devastated its cities. people are learning to blend and unify and east st.louis will have a rebirth and like the flowers in spring, it will bloom again. what is needed is good leadership...hope is coming in the name of, OBAMA!

Oakland Resident		14-Sep-2008 05:19
11-Sep-2008 04:09 I agree with you completely. I am shocked to look at these pictures on this page.I was raised in ESL in the 50's & early 60's.Back then it was a great place for a kid to grow up with a lot of good family neighborhoods.Jones park and Holden State park was where I spent my summers.My family left in the early 60's because ESL was on the way down hill way back then.The crime rate was getting bad and buisnesses started bailing out.I think that that is when it started turning sour.My house and my neighborhood(66 & 67th street) ended up under the I-55. It's really pretty sorry the way that the city looks today,I hardly recognize it.I went back for a visit last summer.After driving through Belleville I reached the top of the hill at 89th and State.I took a look down State street and decided it didnt look too safe so I turned around and went back through Bellville. Thanks for posting these pics. I can see from them what I didn't see in person.

Guest		14-Sep-2008 04:58
I am also from East St..louis. My name is Deborah mcgill jamerson.I will always love East st. Louis.

Donna Newman		14-Sep-2008 04:48
I was raised in East St Louis, and lived in the Gompers during the mid to late 50's. I went to Webster School, Landsdown, Rock Jr High, and graduated from E. St Louis Sr High in '63. I did not realize how homey and cozy E. St Louis had been back then, until later, as corruption took office. These photos are a recording of a sad demise of a truly '50's town, where even the Gompers were tidy, and cared for.

Guest		11-Sep-2008 04:09
For all you people that are foolishly complimenting one of the biggest shitholes in America and saying how it was better in the 1970's, you are all dreaming. Here is a photo of East St. Louis from the 1970's: www.american-pictures.com/gallery/usa/book230t.htm The captions reads, "Without comparison, I feel, East St. Louis is the most depressing ghetto in USA today." That was in the 1970's and not much as changed. Places like East St. Louis don't exist all over the country. While there is blight and poverty in parts of many American cities, nothing to the extent of East St. Louis. The fact that it is in a metropolitan area across from St. Louis is hard to fathom. East St. Louis is a hot mess of hell on Earth!

lenny		09-Sep-2008 18:53
To guest 18 September at 18:21. There is no formal rivalry between to two cities. However you have to consider the fact that you have a red state and a blue state seperated only by the Mississippi River. Also, you have to consider the fact that St. Louis is significantly more developed and prosperous than East St. Louis and almost 13 times larger. The irony to all of this is that St. Louis has proportionatly a large number of homocides than East St. Louis. I beleive the seperatism would not be so pronounced if we did not have commonality in our names as well.

lenny		08-Sep-2008 19:30
I am truly greatful for the people who have continued to post positive comments about the City on this site. Your prayers, as well as your positive comments and thoughts are definitely starting to pay off. Comming very soon are the following projects: -Renewed Hope Housing ($1,678,670) -Bowman Estates ($6,004.050) -KM Group Housing ($1,275,976) -Eagles Nest Vet Ctr. ($1,732,000) -Riverside Quik Shop ($2,550,000) -Port of E. St. Louis ($60,000,000) -The Pit Restaurant ($450,000) -Mt. Siani Housing ($7,800,000) -Broadview Hotel ($35,000,000) -Downtown Redevelop Phase I ($10,000,000) Approx.) ($80-100 million total) -Bowling Alley, Supermarket, Theatre, mixed retail ($50,000,000) (10th Street and Martin Luther King Drive plaza). I think this is pretty good for starters. These projects are in the development agreement phase, and they will began the construction phases for some of them as soon as next month. Thanks to my prayer warriors. No thanks to nay sayers. Godspeed.

Guest		08-Sep-2008 18:21
I was recently in St. Louis and I mistakenly referred to St. Louis City as East St. Louis. The St. Louisian got very annoyed and made it clear to me that St. Louis City and East St. Louis were not related in any way shape or form. I was so intrigued by his response that I tried it again with other people who were native St. Louisians. Kim's entry dated 28-Aug-2008 08:20 "no East St. Louis and St. Louis ARENOT the same they are in different states" reflects a similar need for distinction between the two cities. Why is this so? Is there an unstated rivalry between the two cities? Please respond. Thanks!

King David's Seed		06-Sep-2008 19:08
I'm from E St Louis and very proud of that fact. My mother moved our family to Belleville in the early eighties and we caught pure hell. I 've never been around that many racists in my life! All the love that E saint gave Belleville poured twice as much hate. E. Saint Louis will always have a special place in my soul because that's where my entire family is from and that's where I met my beautiful wife. E Saint started to change for me after the murder of my closest family member in the Gompers Homes during the early 90's and seemed to continue until Lincoln High was turned into a middle school. I currently reside in Texas but I would assure anyone that asks, there is no place in this country like East St Louis! I wish i could ride down State Street one more time on a Saturday. I'll always have love for my hometown and will never have anything bad to say about "East Boogie". I pray that one day God blesses the city again. Peace to all my "Brothers Of the Same Struggle". Peace to everyone with love for East St Louis! R.I.P to Uriah K. Donaby

JBuie		03-Sep-2008 13:57
I grew up East St. Louis in the projects. My neighbors were very hardworking good people. I had a mother and a uncle on every corner. Every neighbor looked out for every child in the neighborhood. I remember playing jump rope early in the morning and hanging out clothes and getting them in before 7:00 a.m. I remember getting up early on Saturday mornings and walking to Sykes drug store, where every body knew me or B&F store to cash in my eagle stamps and get me a new paper dollor some marbles or a kite. Can anybody relate to that. Who is so weak that they let their surroundings consume you. So much that detest and blame an entire city for their shortcomings. I have nothing negative to say about East St. Louis. My childhood in East St. Louis has help shape me into the caring,loving, successful mother and wife that I am today. Like the gentlemen said in his comment, stop putting the city down and come back and do something, make something, move something. There are so many talented people that have lived and walked the streets of East St. Louis and obviously if you have such bitter feelings about growing up in East St. Louis, you are one those people that are making excuses for your shortcomings. I love the city, Johnson Elementary, Lilly-Freeman (Ms. Jamerson), Hughes-Quinn Jr. High, Lincoln Sr. High(Ms. Massenburg and Mr. Freed. Mr. Fennoy)and a few good friends I picked up a long the way.

Guest		29-Aug-2008 09:41
I grew up in Belleville during the 70's and 80's...joined the military and have lived on both coasts ever since. I'm very familiar with E.St.Louis, White Flight and the Racial Friction between White and Black.....There is absolutely nothing that compares to E.ST. Louis.......The Abandonment and poor living conditions are unmatched in this country. White Flight is long over for East St.Louis, but still, decades later, the city government is ineffective at improving the situation for residents. I honestly don't think "Good and Honest" people are ever going to prevail in this city. They may survive, but in general they will never prosper. It's absolute criminal that children are being raised in that enviroment when almost without exception, children everywhere else have a better deal and hand of cards to start their life with.

Kim		28-Aug-2008 08:20
I never heard so many negative commets from people who should be thankful. If you were able to be educated by teachers in East St Louis to able to grow and expand, how could it be sooooooo bad. Did anyone stop to think that people move away not because of sex, drugs and violence, but because of job opptunities. Their are not many companies hiring in this area(Metro East). Any city will have crime, however,E. Saint is unique due to the fact it is the centrals location of several small villages and town and a large city St. Louis(no East St. Louis and St. Louis ARENOT the same they are in different states). lets not forget how people bring all their mess( sexual affairs, druge transactions and dead bodies) to our city. These pictures do my city no justice. Who every took them were very one sided the negative one. My home has been in East St Louis for over 100 years. As long as I have lived here (30 yrs) I have never been a victim of a violent crime. To all of you that think negative of East St Louis remember Life is what YOU make it.

savage23		27-Aug-2008 21:58
my wife and i were born in east saint louis, il in christian welfare hospital in 1967. i would say this was about the time "white flight was nearly complete, between 1965-1975. we lived on 41st and st. clair and there was an old white couple lived down the street. i remember going to grants every thurs for dinner too. i attended hughes quinn jr. high on broadway. My wife has a BA and MA degree and is a commander in the US NAVY, and currently serving in iraq. I have BARCH degree in architecture from hampton university. i would ask everyone on this site to do a little research on the city's history. Since before the worst race riot in american history,attitude toward the city has been overwehlmingly negative. This was circa 1910-1920! i am currently working with the community on developing facade improvements for downtown, as well as historic renovation of some of its salvagable buildings. rather than call the city a shit hole, i challege anyone to visit some of the most beautiful people, hard working people in the world! we recently had our 25th class reunion for lincolnites (GO TIGERS) and i was happy to not only see great teachers who were great mentors and continue to be to this day. i looked around at my old classmates and saw Military officers, architects, engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc. ALL RAISED IN EAST SAINT LOUIS. I find it curious that the majority of negative comments are from residents pre- 1970? and to all who remember the "good ole days" of East Saint louis, I say, WHEN? FOR WHO? instead of wasting your valuable time complaining about not being able to "return home", do something about it. Volunteer!!! otherwise, continue your bitchin while i work on improving situation for my family, the children and elderly of the city. i welcome all positive comments, otherwise SHUT UP ALREADY! YOU DECIDED TO RUN INSTEAD OF ENGAGE INDIALOGUE> NOW YOU REGRET LEAVING SUCH A PRIME LOCATION! THANK YOU

lenny		26-Aug-2008 20:22
Carla, Your comments are very much appreciated, and "thank you."

T. Welsh		21-Aug-2008 04:04
I also was born and raised here in ESL. There has been economic and social divides for as long as I can remember in my 47 years. There is nothing about this city's decline that has not happened in othe cities throught the county. I think the statement...... STOP TEARING DOWN PEOPLE, AND START RESEARCHING AND GETTING THE TRUTH BEFORE JUMPING TO IGNORANT CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THINGS "CITIES" YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT!! IT IS THIS THAT KEEPS ALL "HOODS" FROM BEING ABLE TO PICK UP THE PIECES AND MOVE FORWARD. BUT HOW CAN THEY IF WE INSIST ON BEING SO NEGATIVE AND JUDGMENTAL ABOUT EACH OTHER????? contradicts itself. It seems pretty judgmental to me. Was there really a conspiracy theory? I find it hard to believe that white/mixed people got together and formed an alliance that would completely destroy a city! Being black I take offense the very idea that not one person of my race would not have the intelligence NOT to know how to pick up the pieces and form a real working community. Were there secret meetings that called for the last white/mixed out of ESL to burn down City Hall and make sure to take all the documents and the money with you? We'll split the take later! In my opinion we need to concentrate more on the problems than play the blame game. It is true, I may not know all things "CITY", I am just an underpaid school teacher.

carla		19-Aug-2008 23:33
I was born and raised in ESL. I moved across the water to STL, Mo for 10 yrs, but moved back to the Landsdown Area when both parents became sick. My parents settled in the area back in the late 60's. My father was born and raised in Atlantic City, NJ and came to Granite City, Il US Army Base due to being in the Army. My mother is from Kerr Island, that's Venice, Il for those who don't know the history. ESL was a striving city at that time. Here's a history lesson for those on this blog that pretend to know so much and demean past and current residents. First, ESL like most poverty stricken urban areas was ran by "whites". Just like most "white or mixed" areas when too many "blacks" regardless of economic and educational background move to the area, the "white/mixed" people move. When the "white/mixed" people moved,THEY STOLE ALL THE MONEY AND TOOK IT WITH THEM INCLUDING ANY DOCUMENTS OR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION THAT COULD HELP THE CITY CONTINUE ITS STRIVING ECONOMY. THIS INCLUDES COMPLETELY BURNING UP CITY HALL AND ANYTHING TO HELP THE CITY. So this city was DESTROYED due to "racism" when " blacks" wanted to move here for a better life. This lead to the " black government" of ESL and of course the elected officials not knowing how to "pick up the pieces". DON'T FORGET, MONEY WAS GONE AND ANY DOCUMENTATION OF WHERE TO PICK UP THE PIECES. The perfect way to explain ESL is comparing it to Sept. 11, 2001. Our nation was striving and in "the blink of an eye" the world as we know it has completely changeD, almost impossible to be seen again! IT IS FROM THESE INCIDENTS THAT LEAD TO AN UNSTABLE POLITICAL BASE,WHICH LEAD TO THE BUSINESSES MOVING OUT OF THE CITY,WHICH LEAD TO THE INJUSTICE IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, WHICH LEAD TO THE POVERTY, WHICH LEAD TO THE STEREOTYPES,WHICH LEAD TO THE LACK OF HOPE/DESPAIR,WHICH LEAD TO THE CRIME, WHICH LEADS TO MORE CRIME DUE TO NEGATIVE STEREOTYPING AND DEMEANING COMMENTS AND GESTURES FROM PEOPLE RIGHT OUTSIDE THE ESL AREA. To the young lady who's mother was stabbed to death, my heart goes out to you and I understand you have alot of resentment for what has happened, but it was not the "city" it was the person who "chose" to stab your mother, that it/was the ultimate problem. ESL has the same violent crimes as any other "hood" but just because it is East Saint Louis, Il it is a "crime of all crimes". SAINT LOUIS, MO sees more crime in one day than most see in one month!! But because ST. LOUIS, MO still has "white/mixed" company, it is not judged as harsh. People need to "keep it real". On my block, we look out for one another. We have block parties and keep each other lifted. We also, keep each other informed and do create petitions for change in our neighborhood and city. STOP TEARING DOWN PEOPLE, AND START RESEARCHING AND GETTING THE TRUTH BEFORE JUMPING TO IGNORANT CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THINGS "CITIES" YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT!! IT IS THIS THAT KEEPS ALL "HOODS" FROM BEING ABLE TO PICK UP THE PIECES AND MOVE FORWARD. BUT HOW CAN THEY IF WE INSIST ON BEING SO NEGATIVE AND JUDGMENTAL ABOUT EACH OTHER?????

Vickie Sue Like Browning		19-Aug-2008 04:56
I was born at St Mary hospital in 1958. I remember going to Hawthorne Elementary (there was a family bakery right next to the school that sold the best brownines in the world) and playing Jones park after school. My dad and his Church of God Men's group played softball there every Saturday during the summer. We the Like family lived on Bent Avenue. My grandparents Ollie Otis and Emma resided there unil there deaths. My family moved away in so my father could attend seminary school in Houston Texas. I have revisited only once for the funeral of my grandmother.The school I remembered had burned and hardly any of the homes on Bent Ave. were still standing; either by neglect or destroyed by fire. The memories I have are buying shoes at Hills Brothers because they were cheap and my family sure didn't earn a lot of money, travelling across the Eads bridge, watching them build the arch and original Busch Stadium, and buying sloppy Joes 2 blocks from the school for only 21 cents.I also remember the back to back World Seies wins of the St Louis Cardinals. My mother worked at the St Louis Missouri Athletics club and I got to meet all the players and it never occured to me that all the other children didn't. That was a long time ago! I now have 2 brothers and a son living in St Louis because that's where the jobs are. The decline of my place of birth saddens me.

Guest		13-Aug-2008 00:15
I was born and raised in ESL. We lived on caseyville Avenue. Down the street was Penny's tavern. Across the street was McConkeys market (not sure of the spelling) I was born at St. Marys Hospital in 1961. We lived in ESL until 1969. I remember Jones park, the concrete stadium, fishing, being robbed at a young age. Our family name was Donnell, Brothers, Scott, Jeff, patrick, and oldest half brother George Wallace. We moved to colorado in 1969, and I now live in Texas. I drove through ESL in 1988, and is was a bombed out warzone. The house i grew up in had long since been burned down. was such a nice city. My father was a union painter there.

guest		09-Aug-2008 11:46
I was born in ESL in centreville hospital in 1965, left for good in '78. Visited just once in '81. It is truly sad to see the neglect of my hometown by the powers that be, that saying, I have fond and troubling memories of the ghetto. I witnessed crimes that still shock people that I tell 30 years later. I am glad that I moved to Vegas because the chance 4 sucess is very limited there. I am a productive,professional citizen without a criminal record.

Guest		05-Aug-2008 03:37
I was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1955, raised in Edgemont, went to Clark and East Side High. I have so many memories of East St. Louis and I too am very disappointed that I cannot go back and see the places I remember from my youth. I loved going to Sears, Grants, all the parks and downtown shopping at Woolworths and Jupiter. If you would like to see what still remains without actually going there, check out google street views and satellite maps. Just type in an address, i.e. 4600 State Street, East St. Louis, Illinois and you can see what it looks like today. I knew many families that lived in the Park Side Subdivision and if you see it now, you would not believe how many homes are gone, just concrete slabs. Unbelieveable.... Shop City where Grants and A & P Grocery Store and the bowling alley used to be...just slabs / so sad.

Guest		04-Aug-2008 20:20
Born and raised in E. St. Louis. Still live in the area but not in the city. Work their after returning from college but wife did not want to live their. I do not think she felt safe anymore and she is from their. Wanted to get a better education for child but outside of east saint you run into racism. Housing not really all that great. Some decent neighborhoods but wanted to spend about $125k on a house and not to many of those in the city. Safety was an issue but I think thats an issue anywhere. Mr. Parks is the mayor and I am afraid he is just trusting the people that helped get him in without really checking into what they are doing and that may be his downfall. He owes everybody that helped him. Thats how the city is ran . Everybody owes everybody whether the favor the did for you was legal or not , you still owe them. Not saying this about the mayor but criminals owe criminals and that leads to mismanagement and bad and poor business decisions. I think the city may change sometimes but I really dont think in the near future. I am 41 and grew up going to Park , Clark and Lincoln and people have always said that the city will come back. Well I have been hearing that all my life and it has not come back yet. The property taxes are so high and the system is so corrupted. I person owned there home 30-40- 50 years and now cant pay the taxes and someone buys it at a local auction for 10% of the value so when the city does come back, all the people who suffered thru the bad times will not benefit and the people buying the houses and property at these auctions are not from east saint but from belleville, collinsville, edwardsville and other surrounding areas. There buying not to do anything right now but holding and hoping in the future when the city bounces back that they will have bought the property for the low and now it can grow. Its coming back. 10-20-30 years who knows but its coming back. It has to. St. Louis has grown, North, south, west and cant grow anymore but east from the downtown area. Its all a big scam. I still have family members in east st so I still visit . Last week 8 different unrelated shootings. check it out on the belleville news democrate site. Imagine that. 8 different unrelated shootings in a 24 hour period for a town with a population of about 30,000 people. Thats a shoting every 3 hours..but on the other hand you have a lot of positive people trying to do what they can . teachers, coaches , pastors and other community people tyring to encourage the youth. The youth are the key as they change has to start someone. I wish I had an answer. Lets all pray for a great outcome!

Guest		03-Aug-2008 19:42
I graduated from East Side High in 1959 .. born at Christian Welfare Hospital in 1941. though I lived and was raised in Caseyville, the Flyers are dear to my heart. I can still remember Jones Park and the fountain, the ice cream at Nieder's Dairy, shopping at Sears, the thrilling basketball games, the football games and being nominated for Prom Queen....

Guest		03-Aug-2008 08:10
Like most of you on here I to grew up in east st louis, born there in 1956 went to Holy Angels. Had good friends that I never got to grow up with, like a normal community. My family was basically forced to leave or be injured or killed. I was 15 when we left and to this day I'm still angry how things went down. Its not the city that i miss its the people that I never got a chance to grow old with. Every one scattered in the wind. I will never get over this. I missed out on this part of life and I know that most of you on here think the same way. It's not east st louis that you desire it's what could have been.

TexanTimm		30-Jul-2008 05:01
Fernando, I agree with you about the high taxes. An easy way to get the facts is to visit realtor.com or strano.com. These are just two real estate organizations that show listings in East St. Louis. The tax rates on decent homes in outrageous! And what do the folks get in return?

Fernando		30-Jul-2008 00:20
I hate going to East St. Louis because it is depressing to see how impoverished the city itself is and people act like it's normal. East St. Louis has become the way it is now for 2 reasons: 1) Decades of neglect (intentional or not) by different levels of government. 2) The majority of the previous generations lacked the RESOURCES to make an economical difference in the city or even in their own homes. However, while more fortunate and given more opportunities, the majority of my generation lacks the CONCERN to improve the city. I'm 25 years old. My mother moved us from East St. Louis when I was like 5 or 6 years old because of being robbed and attacked. I grew up mostly in Belleville and I THANK her for that. I'm doing very well as an adult and it's all because my mother has already done the struggling for me. I owe it to her to be successful in every way that I can and I give back to her how I can. If my generation had similar mentality, we could turn this city around. I'm almost at the point where it feels too late. Despite what outsiders think, crime is the least of the worries in East St. Louis. Poverty and the lack of assistance is what needs to be addressed. I have yet to do the research myself, but I heard the property tax on homes are ridiculous. What needs to happen is a major real estate movement. Most of the buildings in these photos have been run down and vacant for as long as I can remember. There are millions of dollars in revenue just sitting there and it's literally almost walking distance from downtown St. Louis which is being heavily rehabilitated.

frank		29-Jul-2008 09:58
It been a lot of negitive comment made on this site, but truth of the matter is there is no tax base in esl. Companies started leave in 60,so there for people are paying high tax for nothing. I relized one thing I may not live there anymore but we are hale responsable for the action the city as black people. you cannot escape that

Guest		27-Jul-2008 18:50
I moved to East St. Louis at the age of 8 years old. I attended Johnson and Robinson School. I went on to Hughes Quinn Junior High. I spent one year at East Side and graduated from Lincoln Senior High in 1972. I have read through several comments about East St. Louis {some good, some bad}, but I just want to say that I love my city regardless. I had some excellent teachers and mentors throughout my life who made a very big difference in my life. So much has been said, but what are we going to do? I presently teach in the East St. Louis school system. I want to make a difference in some of our childrens' lives. I want them to know that I came from the same place and I made it and they can too. We have to train our children the our mothers and fathers did back in the day. I refuse to give up on my city.

Whitey Waspington		27-Jul-2008 17:55
Read the Bell Curve by Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray and then take a look at East St. Louis. Case closed.

J. Farson		25-Jul-2008 10:23
I lived in Fairview Heights not long ago. To go to East Side was risking one's life. I have never seen a more hopeless, wretched environment. I wish the people could be temporarily relocated and that East Side would become a project for all the state universities . . . . training construction corps, civil engineers, businessmen, contractors, plumbers, landscape architects, etc. Our students would get NATIONAL attention (this could be a tremendous reality show), and the city would be revitalized. All the people could move back and "start again." It would definitely be a better show than KID NATION. People would benefit, and it could be a model for other blighted cities in our country.

FormerTiger		24-Jul-2008 16:20
I grew up about 25 miles away from ESL, and I can tell ya that EVERYONE I knew always knew the place to be nothing but trouble. I have even come to call it the "arm pit of the country" because the place is just absolutely horrible. I will not get any better in ANY span of time or amount of money pumped into it. I've heard plenty of stories of people driving through there, and they literally drive through!! They don't even stop at the stop signs, they just keep driving to get out of there ASAP. And Belleville isn't much better either, seeing how its right next to it. All the trash from ESL is slowly migrating into Illinois. Places like Collinsville, Alton, Granite City (although Granite City was horrible to begin with), Bethalto, even nicer places like Edwardsville and even Glen Carbon!!! Take my advice and evacuate that area now!!

Sociology Student		23-Jul-2008 16:57
You are absolutely correct that black people in E. St. Louis didn't make that city the disgrace it is all by themselves. The government and people in power know very well what will happen to any people who become segregated in poverty. Poor education at run down schools always leads to little job choice and lots of depression. That is the proven breeding ground for violent crime. E. St. Louis won't get fixed until people with money and power can be forced to invest what it takes to fix it. God Bless Everyone There.

Brit		23-Jul-2008 09:09
Hi you guys,there is always a solution to a problem,St louis was a great city, it can be again,you need help from govenment and the media,there is a lot of love for your city over here dont let it die,write to the Governer,write to the President write to the Queen. I wish you all well and hope for the future.A british subject

TexanTimm		22-Jul-2008 04:27
Nancy, I would have been a year behind you. I went to Holy Angeles for first and second grade: 1963-65. Had my first confession there. I remember Sister Angela was my first grade teacher, then Mrs. Ziaja. Went to St. Phillip after that and moved to Texas for HS.

All American City 1959		22-Jul-2008 03:38
I was born in ESL in 1955, at Christian Welfare Hospital. We had to get out in 1973. My family and myself were robbed, mugged and called everything that was racist!! Our home was purchased in 1955 for $8000. Sold for $1 to a crack Ghetto ho with 6 kids! Now the house is gone, nothing left but a slab! Both sides of my family were born & raised in ESL, 3 generations. Very sad to see what happened to my city. One time in 1975 my grandparents said that the city would someday come back but they would never see that day. Either will I or my grandchildren! The best thing that could happen is to mow it over and build a nuclear power plant!!!!! BY the way where is the rev. JACKSON!! What a Joke!

NancyTaylor (KUPSKY)		21-Jul-2008 17:25
I was born and raised there. Went to Holy Angels and St. Teresa's Acedemy. My sisters graduated from those 2 schools too. I graduated from HA in 1970 and STA in 1974. Went to the parish some years ago and it was being gutted. My old friend and I got the confessinal lghts. What a sad thing about our old city. Thre is a Holy Angels PArish Reunion Sept. 21 at 2 pm, Longacre Pwrk in Fairview. Call 618/397-0181 for more info.

cocabrown		17-Jul-2008 16:09
To Everyone-that would like to see the city recover. LOOK at what your stupid-assed Mayor is supporting. He is claiming that ESL is such a HIGH crime area, they don't have the pick of the litter, so he is all for supporting NEW POLICE OFFICERS whom can't seem to stay out of trouble. I would hope that they NEVER answer a call to one of my relatives that still happen to live in ESL. These men will be so easily lured by easy money. It's a moral obligation to have mature POLICE officers. Hey, I realize people make mistakes and deserve a second chance, but two and three arrests for battery, falsifying documentation-Bankruptcy-Can you spell I"I don't pay my bills?" DAMN! Please read-DISGUSTING...Mayor Alvin Parks said he stood by the hiring decision. "We're always concerned about any elements that could possibly impact public safety," he said. "However, we are confident that the police and fire board made a quality decision and that Mr. Arnold will serve the city well." On June 16, the city hired 10 new officers, the largest group of hires since 1994. A Post-Dispatch investigation found that one of the new officers had spent 15 days in jail for an assault, another had been released early from the Army for serious misconduct, and the driving records and financial backgrounds of several other new officers were littered with red flags. Three of the original 10 new hires already have been let go, including Lawrence Wood, who had listed an alias on his application. He had an outstanding domestic battery warrant out for his arrest under another name, Lawrence Johnson, at the time of his commission. He also had an extensive criminal background under the name Lawrence Wood. His wife, Debra Wood, works as an officer for the city, and swore him in at the June 16 ceremony. She would not comment on the case. Two other newly commissioned officers were released from the police academy earlier this month for failing the physical fitness test. City officials have acknowledged that they rushed to get many candidates in to the police academy by July 1, relying on a city investigation rather than waiting for Illinois State Police background checks. They also say it's difficult to find quality candidates in this high-crime city, where the starting salary for a patrol officer is a little over $34,000 a year.

cocabrown		15-Jul-2008 20:55
To Adrienne, What??!!! Alvin Parks is in over his head. Everything that he puts in place will be destroyed by the people that are suppose to watch out for him. ESL is a JOKE. I'm thankful for the childhood I had there, but that was due to my family and school, nothing else. I am so sick of people like yourself, "oh, it's going to come back"...when hell freezes over. I feel bad for you if you really believe that nonsense.

Guest		15-Jul-2008 18:54
T.A. Nelson I live in California and I vacation in East Boogie. I feel good when I go home. My mom, dad, and I fellowship together everyday that I am home. We attend the same church and we still have the same handsome pastor. While your focus is on how they're living be a blessing knock on a door or three and let East Boogie know how good God bless you He'll do the same or better for others. P.S. Mr. McKinney(Principal at Dunbar Elementary School) tighten us up.

Adrienne		12-Jul-2008 16:02
Hello, to my fellow readers; I have taken the time to read most of these comments and I found only one that made sense to me as a logically thinking person. Someday we will understand that as a whole our state officials play a significant part on what happens to our cities and it appears that they do not care whether East St. Louis will rise or will fold up and whittle away. what they do care about is resources, by this I mean (simply put), money, this is what makes a city thrive. Tax dollars are important in order to get any substandard municipality back upon it's feet. I was raised in East St. Louis and I also remember the good times as most of us do. I know that times seem bleak but I also believe with me or without me, this city will return to it's once liveable atmosphere and those who scorn will possible want to join the ranks. I was told when I was a little girl that East St. Louis would do just what it has done, become bankrupt because of the reallocation of funding for our good city, not because of anything that any one black leader has done but because of economics. Most of us can't see the real truth, we won't believe that we need have to have monies to run all cities and counties across this country, instead we tend to blame our well meaning leaders for something that really out of their control. If that money isn't there to allow this city to function, it will and has caused financial ruin. Don't we see that If our black leaders were truly stealing government or federal tax dollars, that they would be prosecuted by the highest form of government. I'm not saying that they aren't stealing just not on the level that we think that they have. We know that resources are needed to help East St. Lous, these resources appear to be reallocated into other communities and/or programs by our State government. This result has allowed East St Louis to suffer a devastating blow financially. I believe that there is a reason for all of this and we will soon see what it actually it. On the other hand, I applaud you, Alvin Parks for the seemingly dedicated work you have begun in this truly hard struggle to begin to bring back the resources needed in order to revive our lovely city and home. keep up the good fight It will be needed. God Bless ESL.

Guest		08-Jul-2008 18:43
I grew up and lived for 22 years in Troy - about as different a place from East St. Louis as can be imagined. Still, you have got to give it to those who keep trying to make the city a better place.................

Guest		07-Jul-2008 03:11
I grew up in E. St. Louis straight from the velts (Roosevelt Homes)we all have our own views of the city. We all are aware the shape the city is in. The city has been raped of its haritage, essence, and its resources by greedy politicians no names will be mentioned. My heart goes out too the teachers, the parents and the kids who have to make due with a system that has already failed them. They have placed so much trust in no child left behind but ask the city of Baltimore how many of their kids were left behind.

Albert Donahue		04-Jul-2008 00:04
I too am from E.St. Louis, Il... worked at the Blow-a-Way lanes in the fifty's Obear- Nester glass co 1960/67 and moved to Little Rock Ar. and and never looked back. i did enjoy growing up there would never think of living there again. E.St.L. is a great place to be from,,, "as far as you can get"

cocabrown		01-Jul-2008 17:16
Weston, You are correct. The place is a shit hole. My mother and sister were murdered there in 85, stabbed to death, broad daylight. One of the guys that I grew up with, his daughter was stabbed to death, baby taken from her womb. Her other three children were killed by her best friend. She was caught, I was happy to hear that! I graduated from Assumption High School in 80. Any time you can hire NEW POLICE OFFICERS and later find out, one used a fake name to go through the system. He was wanted on domestic violence warrant. There were two others, but I can't remember what bullshit they did, but they got through. Either they knew someone or as usual all the politicians are out for self. For goodness sake, I mean, I can do background checks on anyone I want to right now, thank to the internet. I have to pay, but it is a small price. East St. Louis PD can get this done for free, it was obviously NOT DONE AT ALL. They need to blow that shit hole up. All hope is gone. When I visit now, I never stay with family. Too afraid. It's a shame, but true!!!

Guest		01-Jul-2008 17:13
I was born and raised in East St. Louis. I moved when I was going into the 9th Grade. I lived in Loisel Village I attended several elementary schools, King Jr. High and I had hopes of attending Lincoln. I love E. St. Louis, I has changed alot over the past 26 yrs., but I would never deny being from there. It will always be home to me.

guest		29-Jun-2008 11:26
Weston posted such a negative comment about East St. Louis. I bet he/she never even lived in East St. Louis. Or he/she still lives there and has become a product of his/her environment. I really hate to hear such deep emotional feelings. Well, I do haves ome family that lives there. They have nice homes, nice cars, college graduates and none of it came from drug money. I also have family that live in the surronding areas, Belleville, Maryville, Glen Carbon, O'Fallon just to name a few. I would be interested to hear what Weston does for a living. How much money he has in the bank. What type of grades his kids make if he has any. Where he lives. Please don't say St. Louis.

Guest		28-Jun-2008 21:21
I too like so many others moved away from a city I was raised in, attended school, and love so very much. I go home often due to having family and friends there. I attended Alta Sita Elementary (where my mom taught for 30 years), Clark Jr High School, and ALMIGHTY LINCOLN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1987. There is an Alumni site for LINCOLN now and I will share this website with them. Thank your for images....there was a time when it looked better and those are the memories I cherish. I am still proud to say I am from ESL, IL home of some great people with many more to come. Every city has it problems, ours have been put into the media more than some.

Guest		27-Jun-2008 07:24
i've work in east saint louis for over ten years with children and family services and a comment made, people glad they left ghetto and other negative things this a place where you came from don't hide from learn how to grow from it to help others GOD blessed you to bigger and better things give back it's rough out here for everybody across the country. Al places have gotten bad but they don't like to speak on it where living in our last days and money,cars,educationor connections is going to stop that GOD is your answer.

Leslie		24-Jun-2008 21:53
Although I grew up in St. Louis, I am incredibly interested in the life of residents from East St. Louis. There is such a stark contrast between areas less than twenty minutes away here and I find that incredible. I know there is no way to fully understand the hardships, the pride, the worries or the hopes of people from East St. Louis, but I hope to learn and try to understand as much as possible. Eventually I would like to work to rebuild East St. Louis and in getting there I have a lot to learn, research, and listen for. Right now I would like to hear from and interview anyone who is willing to talk to me. I am a college student and go to school in Ohio, but live in St. Louis for the summers. I am working on a paper about the break down and revitalization of East St. Louis and if anyone from ESL is willing to be interviewed, or even just talk with me I would be so grateful. If anyone is willing, please contact me at Hopfin_l@denison.edu, my name is Leslie.

lenny		23-Jun-2008 17:59
Cheryl, I don't think any of those places you reminisce about, except St. Patrick's, exist anymore. However, St. Patrick's is currently in the process of closing down too. Keep the faith. The City is on its way to Economic Revitalization. Watch and see.

Cheryl		22-Jun-2008 22:17
I grew up in ESL too.I was born at St. Mary's. I went to St. Joseph's, St. Patrick's and graduated from St. Teresa's in 1969. I now live in California and will return to Illinois in a few weeks. I would like to visit my old neighborhood but have been told not to.I had great times there at the fountain in Jones Park at the Dairy Queen and A&W on State Street.I worked at WT Grants near the Shop City Bowl. There's no place like home and I'm sorry I can't go there.

Guest		20-Jun-2008 17:53
If anyone remembers FRIENDS LIKE: Shirley Evans, Juanita Jones, Janice Turner, Gloria Weatherby, Virginia Ross, Gloria Patterson, Angeline Williams, Raymond Brewer, Robert Nicholson, Francell Petty, Henry Burns, Henry Burgess, Irene Head, Willie Lowry, Evelyn and Brenda Stuart, Carolyn Sue McKeller, etc. (from the '50's 60's, & on and on)Also: had teachers such as, Mr. Wooton, Mr. Jones, Ms. Poe, Mr. Sherrod, Ms. Randolph, Coach/Tree Harris. Maintenance man at school "Railhead Wallace." These schools were the following: Hughes Quinn Jr. High, Lincoln High, neither no longer in existence. Also, preacher such as Rev. Hubbard, Rev. Rouse. Gym teacher, Ms Dabney and Ms. Martin, aslo her science teacher sister, Ms. Wynn. The list goes on. Contact me if you want to reminisce like I do. MY E-MAIL is: sizzling70s@aol.com. See y'a and can't wait!

James Dwyer (guest)		18-Jun-2008 20:16
To 'Guest, who posted last week on 11 June, 2008: I, too attended Holy Angels back in the early to mid-1960s befor moving to California with my parents (my mom taught at Landsdowne, across the street). Were you at H.A. then? What's your name? I am Jim,at flite_risk@yahoo.com Contact me!

Weston		18-Jun-2008 06:28
East St. Louis is the biggest shit hole. It has nothing going for it. A dead city. It looks like most people had the good sense to get out of dodge! I can't believe there are still people living in that cespool

Guest		11-Jun-2008 20:29
Until I was 13 years old I too lived in East St. Louis. When I was there, it was a great place to grow up. I attended Holy Angels School and Church. Lived on North 45th street just off of Old Bunkum Road. We had our field days at Jones Park.. Sunday afternoon we went to the movies at the Majestic Theater. Took the bus to shop downtown or go to St Louis and shop Famous Barr. Of course I was young enough to have an adult with me but these were really good memories. We would play hide and seek after dark in the neighborhood and never worried about anything. We had screen doors and they were never locked. Our windows were open at night and never worried about being harmed, THe neighbors would all sit on their front porches at night and talk back and forth to one another. I went back to East St. Louis about 30 years ago and have never returned since. I have a wonderful mental picture of Jones Park, the house we lived in, the neighborhood where I grew up. I attended Holy Angels in the early 50's...after the eighth grade transferred to Landsdown Jr. High and attended 1 year at Rock High School(I think that was the name.) Left East St. Louis in 1957. Many wonderful childhood memories. I read everyones comments and it brings back names of places I had forgotten.

lenny		09-Jun-2008 18:24
ckh, Take a look at some of my previous comments on this site. You seem very educated, and I tend to agree with your understanding of urban problems--better still, of economics in general. The few educated people here don't feel pressured to perform for the indigent residents. Why? Because the indigent residents do not understand what the leaders of the society is charged to do for the commonwealth. What this speaks to is the fact that most of the educated (middle class) people who remain here is ESL do so because it's easy for them to keep a good paying job without doing good work. Why? Because there is no competition. I won't get off into long drawn out speeches about this, but what I will say is, if you do decide to come back, I will be here waiting to assist you in redeveloping our City.

ckh		07-Jun-2008 20:24
My middle class family had the good fortune of being able to move away from East St. Louis in the early 90's. As did the rest of the middle class beginning in the 1960's.Therein lies the problem with our city. The middle class left years ago and never returned. Nor did their children; or their children's children. As a result the city is now largely comprised of the undereducated, the over worked, the drug addicted or the elderly. East St. Louis is a dreadful phenomenon, because it is an 'inner city' with no outter city. Make no mistake, a lack of a solid middle class wreaks havoc on a community. Property values decline, tax revenue plummets, schools see decreased enrollment and lower tests scores(which mean less money from the state)--but perhaps more pressing to those of us with family still in the city, are the environmental hazards that go uncontested because they don't know any better. Much of the soil in East St. Louis has more than 3 times the EPA approved amount of lead, arsenic, phosphorous and other deadly chemicals in it thanks to chemical spills over several decades and the factories that go unchecked in Alorton and Segaut. All that said, I don't blame anyone for leaving. But if noone comes back to fight for the those who our parents left to (unknowingly) rot or show the next generation that there is more, what will become of the city? I struggle with the question daily and know if I do go back it will be a lifetime commitment and I will have to enlist alot help from those you who made it out.

Jesse Thorton		31-May-2008 23:37
I had the pleasure to visit, my home town of E.ST.Louis! It is so true our people there are hurting and lost. I love my city and its sad to see that this is what we are going through. The city life is still up beat and eventful. I worry about the crime and drugs. The children have nothing to look forward to except: expensive clothes, big rims, and alot of foul language. I am a product of the city and thank GOD I had someone who cared for me! Looking from the outside in, is far worst.

Guest		30-May-2008 03:13
anyone from roosevelt jr or hawthorne middle, up to years 1970, please post

TexanTimm		23-May-2008 18:45
Matt, I attended first and second grade at Holy Angels. This was '63 - '65. Then we moved to Loisel Village, where I attended St. Phillip. We moved to Texas in the early 70's. I remember going to Dr. Shoenfeld on Waverly, Sussman's Drug, also on Waverly, Wurth and Neider's Dairy. My dad was the bookkeeper for Pochek Supermarket on Bunkum. You might be interested in checking out www.ahspioneers.org. This is the Assumption alma matter website. They list a reunion for Holy Angels grads coming up...

Matt Pearson		23-May-2008 09:20
Sad to see what has become of the city. We lived there from 1955 to about 1973, then moved (like everyone else) to Cahokia/Collinsville/anywhere else. A lot of good memories: Holy Angels vs St. Phillips sports rivalry, the stockyards, racetrack. Saw where the old St. mary's hospital is basically closing down now. Any other 1969 Holy Angels grads out there?

lenny		20-May-2008 21:40
Going down hill is the way things run. For the old have illusions and young have fun. But if we line up all our forebearers on the path that we descend, A definite improvement is apparent in the end. Hi yo, hi yo, appearant in the end. I think that's something like how the poem goes. In any case, I can assure all of you that change is coming. Godspeed.

Guest		20-May-2008 04:49
Nice Pics!

Guest		20-May-2008 04:48
I wonder why the hospital is checking out of town.........(KTVI - myFOXstl.com) -- An EMT was shot while transporting a shooting victim on Monday night. A person was shot on 51st street in Washington Park, IL around 9pm. An ambulance was transporting the victim to the hospital when shots were fired at it. One of the EMTs inside was hit and the ambulance is said to have several bullet holes. The EMT was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital where he is said to have non-life threatening injuries. FOX 2 will continue to follow this story and bring you more on FOX 2 News In The Morning.

Milton		12-May-2008 15:17
East St. Louis once was a beautiful community, which I was raised in and walked the streets of. True to light we had are bad spots, but every where you go in what ever state or city, you will have bad areas. To me East St. Louis has never had a chance to grow past her potential. I have fond and not so fond memories but it is what it is.

main main		04-May-2008 08:25
I was born and raised in East Saint Louis,and I hate when people rush and make judgement about my city,when they have never even stepped a foot inside the city limits just because you drive by on the freeway dont give the right to say how it is.the last time I checked Saint Louis had the #1 crime rate in the country.citizens of East Saint Louis are proud of our city just like every person should be proud of where they come.every city has its bad and good parts,people tend to talk about the negative.you dont tell people about the crackhead in the family,and I know everybody have one or maybe two,you brag on the college graduate so dont knock my city until you tried it....besides if you dont like dont come!

Darrin Baker		03-May-2008 09:00
I grew up in E.St.Louis all my life and I love it, but it is a shame you have to move too another city or state to make it.For thirteen years I lived in Atlanta and now I live in Los Angeles, one day I hope E.St Louis will rise from the dead and take it's place as a city that cares and loves it's people like a mother loves it's child. Darrin D.Baker PEACE

Marcus		28-Apr-2008 14:20
ALL I TO SAY IS EAST SAINT IS STILL A NICE PLACE TO HAVE FUN SUCH ASS DRINKINKING AND CLUBBING IF YOU ARE FROM THERE BUT FOR AS RAISING KIDS THERE I WOULDNT. IM FROM THERE I LOVE MY CITY TO DEATH. ITS NOT THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE CITY BAD ITS THE POLITICIANS THERE IS NO REASON IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE THAT I DONT SEE ANY OF YOU MOTHERFUCKER PUTTING DOWN EAST SAINT TRYING TO CLEAN IT UP

Renee		22-Apr-2008 16:45
You would think that after so much we have went through as a country this would all be over. Yet we still have a tendency to want to pass blame on some more than others. It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant some people can be. The reason why this city is in the shape that it is in happened back when African Americans were not deemed worthy to eat, work, play, or learn with others. Did anyone ever think that this didn't happen to East Saint Louis, IL because of black people. It happened due to the ignorance of narrow minded racists who felt the seperate but equal was the best thing that ever happened to our nation. If the ignorance of these particular individuals had not tried to rule over African Americans and decided that we could all live together as one nation then it would not have ended up this way. So I don't appreciate that anyone would have the audacity to blame this on the ignorance of African American people. We are all at fault for what happened to this once majestic city. So I guess the real question is why does anyone feel that they are lucky because they left here? Did you ever think that if the predominantly white community had decided to stay and live together with African American this city would be in this shape? No! But because some of your parents decided not to be a part of the solution or a part of the problem and just left the city it deteriorated. The things that happen in E. St. Louis happen in every other city but we just have the historical scars to constantly remind us.

Passion		20-Apr-2008 18:10
I was born in St.Louis Mo. raised in East St. Louis Mo. I remeber the good times in East Boogies. My family is original from Yazoo City Mississippi,we travel back and forth to East Boogie. I went to several difference school in ESL. Rock,King,Eastside,and others schools. I left East Boogie at the age of 14yrs old.around the 1984 and it was getting bad around that time, gangs and all that mess. I moved to Minneapolis Mn. after 14yrs I decided to go back and visited,and I did not reconized ESL. The City went down dramactically. I was shock alot abandon and burn down houses, trash every where. pot holes everywhere,trees covering the stop sign, are if you can be able to read the words stop on the sign or the street names from been rust out.I have five children dam if I would have my kids to live in ESL. poor education,worst hostipal ever St. Mary and Regional. I love ESL but not a places for me to live. What happened? I would like to know . heartbroken

Don		20-Apr-2008 16:34
It never cease to amaze me how ignorant some people are. Martin L. king had nothing to do with what happen to E. St. Louis as one fool said. I am a 50 year old Firefighter in the city and grew up here, I know what happen to this city I watched it happen over the years and I'll tell you Black people did'nt do this all by them selves as a lot of people seem to think. Reguardless of what it looks like today, there are still a lot of bueatiful people in East St. Louis

david klopner		20-Apr-2008 03:08
David Klopner EAST SIDE Class of 1975 (IN THE YEAR OF SUPER FLY) do or die, but just still a poor pimp. 64x north 39th Street. I'll be back. hdavidk@msn.com. LOOKING FOR: greg hudson, anthony(frog)young or john ross. or any of the old hood runnin partners. Sabrina Wiggens, what ever happend to you???

Dick		18-Apr-2008 06:47
Pretty depressing reading about what once was considered almost paradise...truly a Happy Days town when I grew up in the 30's, 40's and 50's. Some of the things I remember are the Pines, Dizzy Deans Tavern, The Majestic Theater, Jones Park, Parkway Inn. Almost 100% employment, almost 100% occupancy of homes and apartments. Ice skating on the pond at Jones Park in the winter. Nobody locked their doors or even took their car keys out of the ignition. E.St.Louis has Martin Luther King to thank for what it is today....

Tyrone		17-Apr-2008 03:46
Brittany, we can tell that attend school in East St. Louis by your grammar.

Brittany		16-Apr-2008 17:32
I live in the East Boogie rite now I was born and raise here I LOVE IT im 15 yrs old and attend E Side I love it 2 I love living here I wouldnt trade it 4 the world ppl that dont live here try 2 judge us but they need 2 stop cause living here isnt that bad at all we are a big family

Jesse Thorton		13-Apr-2008 21:06
My name is Jesse Thorton. I grew up in East Saint Louis and only left because of my need to make an impact in my childrens lives. It wasnt easy growing up because like most families there, I was in a broken home with no father; mother on dope; my grandmother cared for me and my sister. My grandmother worked some real low paying jobs and most of the time she was unhappy because of the poverty we lived in. I didnt know I was living in the ghetto until I left and went to a small college. East Saint Louis problem is that we who leave never return to give back to the city. I am in the Army and I am returning to the area before retirement and I will run for Mayor of our city and create positive change!

Jay		10-Apr-2008 08:03
Texan Tim, I also lived in Loisel Village as a child and remember walking to the grocery store with my grandparents. East St. Louis was a great town long ago. My entire family lived there. My mom attended St. Theresa's and my father attended Assumption H.S.. My father started his ambulance service in East St. Louis in the late 60's.

TexanTimm		31-Mar-2008 22:24
Davey, You can probably order Rube Yelvington's book about East Saint Louis. It was published in the early 90's. It has some photos. I used to bowl at Shop City Bowl, and my family often went to the Shop City Drive In Theater. Its heyday was the 60s. I grew up around Loisel Village...

Guest		31-Mar-2008 22:19
I actually wrote here once before but I copied and pasted this from a website called topix that I replied to. They have a whole issue about Belleville being the new E.St.Louis; I read this blog with great saddness and anger,shame and resentment and finally,humility. I was a part of that "white flight" back in the 70's and at 13 really had no choice in the matter. It was so that I could go to a decent school ( meaning all white). My memories of ESL are about playing baseball all summer long and riding bikes everywhere.Walking the backstreets home long after dark. On Saturdays the bus ride from State St to downtown Belleville was cheap entertainment and so were movies and Kressges shopping . When I got to that decent school I found drugs-and plenty of girls I knew were getting molested but that was usually after a football game by the Friday night date.The same issues the parents were concerned about-moving the children for safety sake were really about dollar signs and not having to take a loss on real estate. I went back a couple years ago and my heart broke for what my neighborhood had become. These days there is no way I would allow my own daughter to venture out on a bike past dark and on her own-let alone walk around the streets. I live in a different part of the country and even though my area is considered middle to upper class I know there are registered sex offenders within the vicinity and meth labs have been found in $300,000. homes not far from here. These are "white areas" and the crime runs just as rampant in some respects and I cannot blame it on poverty.Really, when it comes down to it are we safe anywhere? There is nothing I can do about the childhood I left behind but I can try and make a difference in other ways- by remembering the good. A good friend of mine is starting to get into house flipping in E St Louis and that is a glimpse of hope for me. I often thought after Hurricane Katrina that E.St.Louis would have been a great area for the goverment to use for relocation and sink money into properties for victims. The goverment has done so much worse to this once majestic city. I don't want to offend anyone with that idea but many were when I mentioned it. I think back to my last trip there,going through my old neighborhood in Loisel Village and my sister (who lives in Collinsville) being terrified that I wanted her to drive me around there. I had been gone so long that I could not feel the fear,just the saddness of what it had become.-J

Davey Bobzin		30-Mar-2008 05:27
With my new job I started in October I have the fun time of looking at East St. Louis and wondering what this city looked like in it's financial "glory" days. I like to try and fill in the missing pieces and get excited when ever I have to go through East St. Louis to pick someone up and take them some where else. I'm getting fixated on this place and wondering why Illinois is letting this city fall apart and not trying to send jobs this way. Stop sending it over-seas and help this city out! This place has a lot of history. Does anyone have any pictures of Shop City? I park my bus there until its time to go to the garage. That place must have been huge! I can't find any images for it though.

Mark Laws		26-Mar-2008 08:06
My name is Mark LAWS I moved to ESL in 1968 and stayed for 10 years I watched dreams die and hope fade. Now its a mess that politics made. Manacured lawns now patches of dirt and weeds that frame the great skelation of a burned out house. I would cry but I'm much to sad. No change that.. Im much to mad. I attend Holy Angels 1970-1978. I now live in San Francisco with my girlfriend of 21 years and a daughter now 19 She feels pride that she has a connetion to the city and that her Father made it tru the gateway of dispare. so if your out there You the people that I knew. THANK YOU MLPSSF@HOTMAIL.COM

CHIEF		21-Mar-2008 07:31
I grew up in EastBoogie and moved away in 1985.I was born in 1971 and attended almost every elementary school there.We moved alot because my family was broke and my single parent mom was challenged in finding a good job.During my JR High school years my older brother nickname PeeWee was shot and killed,so my mom decided to move me and the rest of my siblings to Michigan. Even though that was the best move for us I still LOVE,thats rihgt I said it LOVE that city.I know it sounds crazy in view of all the heartache we experienced.But that city mad me strong,prepared for what ever may come and it drew me and the rest of my family tighter,closer andmore lovingly appreciatve of oneanother.Yeah there are a lot violent people there.And because of the high crime level one might be affected by it,but thats becoming aloy of places in the USA today.These days Im doing great I live in a nice neighborhood I have great job but each year ever since 1995 I find time to visit home.I am not scared of my city.I am not dumb either I know you can get hurt there.But you never forget how to navigate your way through THE BOOGIE. PS.Has anyone heard of Kasha Brooks,Tereasa Lyons,Nicole Nickles?

Guest		13-Mar-2008 16:13
this is the worst case that segregation has produced

Guest		13-Mar-2008 16:08
I too grew up in East St. Louis in the fifties and sixties (moving away at age 13 in l967.) We returned from California in 1978 and I was excited to have a chance to go back to visit. I lived in Washington Park, attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and was baptized at Rosemont Baptist Church. I too spent summers at Jones Park--I remember catching tadpoles in the ponds, watching my dad play baseball, learning to swim--As a child I lived just the other side of Price's and walked to school all the way from Kingshighway to Wilson Elementary. After the property buy out to build the interstate--which came after I moved away--we bought a house in Westmoreland- and I still walked from Westmoreland drive to Rosemont Baptist Church. I remember my favorite Pastor, Brother Tolliver and some wonderful teachers at W.W. Elementary--Ms. Barton, Ms. Wisecarver, Ms. Haynes...and Landsdowne Junior High. I wish I had not gone back--I know things change everywhere but in only ten years the differences were so sad....I am very saddened over what the leaders of this city have allowed to happened to the area and to the people of E.S.L.

Guest		12-Mar-2008 12:20
I grew up on 39th street between St Clair Ave and Bunkum Road. Attended Holy Angels Catholic school on Caseyville Ave the Assumption and East Side High. It was a great place to grow up back in those days. Dad use to talk about a highway coming thru and taking our house. It didn't happen in his lifetime but I-64 did come through in the late 60's or early 70's. As I drive along I-64 looking over at where I use to live it brings back very fond memories. During the summer months my brother and I awoke before daylight and trecked to Jones Park and fished most of the day. Those were good times. Thanks for the memories East St Louis. malonejis55@sbcglobal.net

Guest		07-Mar-2008 00:06
I HAVE RELATIVES IN EAST ST. LOUIS. I WAS BORN ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO AND IT'S NEIGHBORHOODS IN CHICAGO THAT WOULD MAKE EAST ST. LOUIS LOOK LIKE PARADISE. I VISIT THE CITY FREQUENTLY AND HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. EAST ST. LOUIS IS STRUGGLING TO BOUNCE BACK FROM CURRUPT POLITICS AND MISMANAGEMENT. AS FOR ALL THE BURNED OUT AND ABANDONED BUILDINGS AND UNKEPT VACANT LOTS,IF THE CITY WOULD SEVERLY FINE OR PUNISH THE OWNERS OF THESE PROPERTIES AND THE SLUMLORDS WHO OWN MANY OF THESE SUB STANDARD DWELLINGS,IT WOULD LOOK MUCH BETTER. GIVE THE PEOPLE OF ESL TIME TO GET THEMSELVES TOGETHER,AFTER 30+ YEARS OF DECLINE,THEIR PLATES ARE FULL. SOME PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE,BUT THEY HAVE QUITE A WAY TO GO AHEAD OF THEM.I KNOW PLENTY OF GOOD,HONEST,LAW ABIDING,PROUD, HARD-WORKING PEOPLE IN EAST ST. LOUIS WHO ARE RESPECTABLE AND TRY THEIR BEST TO RAISE RESPECTABLE CHILDREN AND KEEP THEIR PROPERTIES NEAT AND CLEAN. I HAVE FRIENDS THERE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WEEK TO WEEK TO MAKE ENDS MEET BUT THEY KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT AND STAYING OUT OF TROUBLE. IF YOU LOOK AT MANY OF THE PEOPLE OF EAST ST. LOUIS AND NOT SO MUCH THE APPEARANCE OF THE CITY,YOU'LL FEEL DIFFERENT ABOUT IT AND MAYBE EVEN MAKE A NEW FRIEND OR TWO OUT OF IT.

Guest		03-Mar-2008 20:48
Texan Timm, Loisel Village shopping center no longer exists. I used to spend my allowance every Saturday at Ben Franklin 5 and 10. Loisel Hills is still an ok area. St Phillips has been renamed Sister Thea Bowman and the church itself has closed. I was born in 1957 and graduated from St Phillips. I lived in the Edgemont Area of East St Louis.

Guest		03-Mar-2008 07:59
does anyone here remember wesl radio back in the day? talking 1970s...anyone know eugene silas?

Donna (Boyer) Juarez		28-Feb-2008 18:24
I lived in ESTL in the 1960's I lived at 716 N.16th St. which has long been torn down I went to Longfellow Elementary School, which now in it's place is Miles Davis on N, 15th St. I would give anything to be able to come and walk through my old stomping grounds I had such wonderful memories there. You have no idea how many times I wish I could turn back the clock just for one day and be a kid again in ESTL.I try to read everything I can and look at every picture I can find.I would love to have a picture of the area I mentioned and also a picture of the old Longfellow School, I'm willing to purchase these at a reasonable price if anyone can help me out. Califdream12@aol.com Stay true to what you believe and I believe there is hope for East Saint Louis Illinois!! Thanks Donna (Boyer) Juarez.

Guest		26-Feb-2008 23:12
I couldn't wait to move away from ESTL. My negative memories are of smelly factories and the stockyards, constant racial tension, corrupt city management, and rundown buildings. On the positive side, I had many good friends who will remember Price's, Hannigan's and A&W Root Beer. I bowled at three different bowling alleys in ESTL and went to Fairmont Park and Cahokia Downs many times. Grand Marais State Park was our favorite place for exploring nature. But I'm glad I moved.

jimjim		26-Feb-2008 08:15
Quite a few people mentioning Nichols B-B-Que in East St. Louis and they were quite good but I wanted to mention Sam's B-B-Que in French Village, mainly since I've found no mention of it anywhere else on the Internet. It was ran by Sam Visitine and he cooked up some great B-B-Que. His "trade secret" was to add orange soda to his sauce, so eating his ribs would leave your fingers stained.

shondaj4002@yahoo.com		25-Feb-2008 15:57
People are so uneduated! I live in east saint louis born and raised..the mayority of the people on here can post there attacking comments but who about a city they know nothing about.as for people who actually live here its a shame how people down their history..if u don't like it hell move..East Saint is home and even if I leave I will always come back to my roots..The city yes is 90% black very poverty stricken and a high crime rates.but what city doesn't..also east saint is a very small city so in no way can people compare it larger cities when it comes to crime rates..mainly because of poor management and corrupt system..but if u don't lived there don't judge it..its not nearly as bad as people on the outside looking in make it 2 be..I knw of cities more rundown and with higher crime rates..but I am not gonna down those cities...Be proud of where u come from because its forever in your heritage..I KNOW I AM DESPITE WHAT ANYONE SAYS..GOD IS THE ONLY..for all of u negative talkers East Saint Louis is actually in a developmental stage of coming back up..come check it out progress is being made..peace..sj

Guest		25-Feb-2008 04:51
Born in St. Mary's 1951--saw some racial hatred, both sides, but always had friends of both races and individaully, all was cool. Damn politicians, industries, and many of us too. Moved when young, because there was no jobs. Dropped out of East Side, but always a Flyer. Used to hang out by Firehall 7.

TexanTimm		21-Feb-2008 20:05
I was born in St. Mary's Hospital in 1958. I attended Holy Angeles for two years and then St. Phillip. We lived in the Loisel Village area before we moved to Texas in the earty 70's. I remember Sussman Drug and Neider's Dairy from the Lansdowne area. Of course, baseball was big at St. Phillip, and we had Loisel Village Shopping Center. Do any of these places still exist? Loisel was still nice when we left. How is it today?

Guest		21-Feb-2008 02:50
Grew up in East Saint during the 50s and 60s. A great place with excitement back then. If you want to see destitution, go to Oglala, South Dakota (Pine Ridge Reservation). That place will break your heart faster than East Saint.

Guest		21-Feb-2008 02:02
I was born at Christian Welfare Hospital in the late 40's and raised in Washington Park, which looks like a bomb went thru it, unless for the strip clubs. With all the revenue from casinos and strip clubs, why hasn't E.St.Louis and Washington Park rebounded and become a safe and nice place for people to live. Where is all this money going? Am sure to the crooks that have ran Washington Park and E.St.Louis for the last few years. Both cities were a nice place to live at one time. Thought the casino in ESTLOUIS was supposed to bring so much revenue to city, how has it helped the citizens. Same with Washington Park, how has it helped these people and the high, really high crime rates for these cities. Drug dealers everywhere, where is the revenue to help the PD to curb these activities.What is the answer, just let them kill each other or just die from drugs, maybe that is the answer. WAKE UP SOMEONE AND EVERYONE

Michelle G		19-Feb-2008 18:37
Hi my name is Michelle and I was raised in East St Louis. I still have family there and in the surrounding area. I go back to visit every time I visit my brother. I'm not afraid but I am also cautious, they same way I am whenever I go anywhere. The devil is everywhere and he doesn't care who he uses to commit the crimes and where the crimes are committed. We are planning our first family reunion, right back in E St Louis. My siblings and I have all moved out to different states and we have become very successful. I would never turn my back on the city I was raised in. In fact I have some future plans in helping in area of drug rehabilitation and a women's shelter. So many times people have criticism about something that disgust them, but my thoughts are - 'Since we have may it, what are we going to do about it?"

Guest		18-Feb-2008 05:54
I grew up in E. St. Louis. I went to Wilson Elementary School, and Lansdowne Jr. High School. Dutchie's Diner at 40th and Waverly was where I learned to play pinball, and I loved going to National and getting Eagle Stamps. I left ESL in 1972. Right before I left, my mother sold her house because she was afraid to stay in our neighborhood any longer. Break-ins and attempted break-ins were becoming routine, and the last straw was two kids trying to break in with crowbars while I was in the room. It was no longer safe to play kick the can, or stay out until the fireflies stopped lighting the sky. The corner store on 47th and Bunkum was about to close (shoplifting increased), and, my high school, St. Teresa's Academy, was scary, as the nuns had to form lines sometimes so we could get to our classes without rocks being thrown at us. What had been a paradise had turned into hell. My moms house sold back to the bank for less than 500 dollars - a two bedroom, one bath good sized house, with lots of pretty trees, and a garden. Dutchies Diner closed, and for a short time, there was work to be found at Esthers Diner in Loisel Village. But swimming at Jones Park, once the best thing to do any summer day, was out of the question. Walking down State Street was unsafe. I've been to many cities, in the US and Worldwide. The way ESL is now is far beyond anyhing I've seen or could imagine, and I've seen some pretty abandoned desolate places. Are there some good things there now? Without a doubt - the ESL High School Coach, some of the teachers at Wilson School - but any time I've ever contacted anyone about going back to just see my old home, one last time, I've been advised to stay away, that it would not be safe. That its too dangerous. That I'd need an armored car to take me past my old house. What could I give back to ESL? My teachers and my sunday school teachers - they changed my life, and were the most positive influences I have ever had. Mr. Knight, my Landsdowne Science teacher, changed my life forever. But they are all gone too. Probably Rosemont Baptist Church isn't even there any more - at least I can't find it on Google Earth. Its just sad. Most people can go back to where they grew up, but those of us who grew up in ESL in the 60s are told that its not safe for us. St. Louis, on the other hand, is fine. And the one reason that is always given that I should not try to go back - that its not safe because I'm white. That I wouldn't be welcome. Well, duh. I GREW UP THERE. The kids who grow up there now and goto Wilson school are walking on ground I walked on, we share this, regardless what color we are. The kids at Lansdowne with no colour copier for books, etc. - we shared the same lunch room. I was there, you are there now. We share this 'history' , what will be the legacy of people who were in ESL. Why does the fact I'm white make a bit of difference. East St. Louis helped make who I am today - and I suspect it will help mold kids today to overcome even worse trauma and situations, and to be strong. But that's the only good thing I can find to say about it. It's sad. Really sad.

Isaiah		16-Feb-2008 02:18
Ciara, you need to get out more. In fact many of the people in East St. Louis need to get out more. It is great to have pride in your hometown but some of you are just fools. East St. Louis is in the Top 5 in the country for crime, decay and abandonment. It isn't like every other city out there. You have been brainwashed. Educate your self and get out of your town and see how others live. East St. Louis is a hell on earth and America's version of a shanty town or favela. Basically the worst of the worst in this country. I feel sorry for St. Louis having to deal with such a wasteland across the river. I went up in the Arch once and couldn't believe how underdeveloped and decayed the Illinois side of the Mississippi River was.

Ciara		15-Feb-2008 18:18
I still live in E.St Louis. I live in on 47th street the cut off of Washington Park. I love my city no matter what anybody says about E.Saint. I was born at Touchette Regional Hospital in 87. I gorw on 36 street. I must say there good and bad areas in E.Saint. Though it is no different then the other city that you see on T.V. where there is a killing everyday. Like I said before I love my city and nothing about that will ever change.

Guest		14-Feb-2008 20:54
I also worked with Charlie Pettus at Cerro. I believe he was president of the Steelworkers Union at Cerro very nice man.

Guest		14-Feb-2008 02:37
my late Husband worked at Cerro, my cousin Charlie and My cousin Carlos Pettus and his dad worked there.

pdooleyesh1980		14-Feb-2008 02:33
Is there a live chat or my space to talk to some of the peeps on this site.

dennis blacharczyk		13-Feb-2008 19:56
are you Eugene Crow's son? I worked with Eugene at cerro copper. Last I heard he was driving a truck.

ladycamaro		11-Feb-2008 09:20
I was born in ESL, but left as an infant. I remember going back in the 70's for our family reunions. It was great then. In 1974, my aunt & 12 yr. old cousin was burned alive in their apartment a think they lived in Washington Park to have to a better area to live as they thought. Little did they know that was moving next to a person who hated blacks. I have not been back since.Do anyone remember and can direct me to archived news articles of I think they published in true crime or detective magazine in 1984 or 1985. My cousin had the magazine article but lost it and i haven't been able to find anything since. I would love some info! Good luck on rebuilding that once great city.

Guest		11-Feb-2008 08:40
Does anyone remember 1974 when a mother & daughter was burned live in their apartment in East St. Louis, Il. while they slept by their next door neighbor because he didn't want blacks living next door to him? if so, do you know where I can find that artical in the newspaper archives or I think it was published in 1984 or 1985 true crime or true detective magazine. They were my aunt & 12 year old cousin. I would appreciate any info.

jim jim		10-Feb-2008 09:50
30-Nov-2007 10:28 :me (jim jim) 08-Oct-2007 21:47 : my sister juli(julie) we actually grew up in Loisel Village. It was so beautiful there when we were children. An oasis, really.

Guest		10-Feb-2008 01:03
For all of you who once lived here and got yourself out...Good Job!! PLEASE tell the current residents HOW you got out, for their sake! For everyone else who STILL lives there...What the hell are you still doing there? Why would ANYONE want to live like this? How can the parents allow their kids to grow up in a place like this? OF COURSE it's got the highest crime rate, there's apparently nothing to do BUT hurt each other, the ENVIRONMENT breeds hate among yourselves, you feed off each other's pain. YOU must do something to better your life, your life is YOUR responsibility. Is this a racial issue because every race except one accually left? What are you still doing there? Take the hint, everyone left because your town is dead. I just can't understand it! This IS America, and NOBODY is keeping you there but yourself, so it's obviously because you for some reason like it there, or you're not motivated enough to get out. What is it? Someone (who lives there right now) please explain...is it that you don't think it's that bad, or do you stay out of pure laziness? Sorry to be so harsh, but people really need a wake-up call to reality here.

lenny		07-Feb-2008 16:21
Toni Come on man. No one is saying every city doesn't have bad areas. What is being articulated here is that virtually every area in ESL is bad. There are no good areas. At best the better areas in the City are just "not too bad." Here in the City you have bad and very bad. Proof is in the pudding. In 2007 we had a total of 31 homocides in a City with a population less than 30,000. The entire county (St. Clair) as a whole had 44 total homocides. Go figure. What's even worse, just about everyone who lives here either knows each other, or know a friend or family member of each other. I have accepted the reality of the condition of my City. This enables me to deal with the real issues concerning it. Nothing sugar coated. It is what it is.

Toni		06-Feb-2008 05:29
I was born and raised in East St. Louis. I attended Garrison School in Centerville, Grahman and Hughes-Quinn Junior High School and Graduated from East Side in 1972 and State Community College and I have never had any regrets living in East St. Louis. Yes East St. Louis has good and bad areas, but can you name a city that doesn't?

Guest		03-Feb-2008 18:06
Cocabrown, I saw the AHS website. It would be good if they would show all of the classes instead of just the senior class and some of the other yearbook pictures. There were a lot of people who went there who left to go to East Side or Lincoln. I also looked at the reunion pictures and they were mostly the older white guys who went there in the early 70's (probably before it went co-ed because there were no women). I don't know if anyone who went there when I did even wants to get together (I can't think of anyone I want to "catch up with"). When I went there I thought a lot of those Assumption kids were stuck up. After I graduated and started going out to clubs in the city I hardly ever saw anyone from Assumption. It's kinda strange that 2 guys I saw a lot both passed away last year. RIP Stephen "Boogie Boo" Ray and Mardie "Crosseyed Mardie" Olden. I think they both graduated in the Class of '80.

Guest		29-Jan-2008 16:24
I grew up in East St. Louis during the fifties and sixties. I left in '71 when I was afraid to go home after dark, or if I was in my apartment, afraid to leave after dark. I was living in what are now abanded apartment buildings that were located on North Park Drive and Linden. No way to live. I have many fond memories of EStL. We moved alot when I was a kid, so I lived all over EStL from 84th and State to 101 Missouri Avenue (east to west), and 40th and Forest in Lansdowne to Parkside subdivision (north to south). I lived on 41st & Balediere (my step father built the apartment building there) in what was then Rosemont. Today it is Washington Park (when did that happen?). There are very few areas I didn't live in. I continue to visit East St. Louis periodically because I still have friends there, but it hurts my heart to see what has happened to my home town. The first 15 to 20 years after I moved across the water, was really difficult to watch the deterioration. Now I'm kinda anethesized to the condition, I suppose. I would love, however, to see EStL come back. East St. Louis population was in the 80,000's when I grew up there. We sported 4 high schools, East Side (my alma mater), Lincoln, Assumption, and St. Teresa's. We had a couple of movie theaters, a drive-in, a bowling alley, and all kinds sit down, eat in restaurants that were really nice, Andrew's Steak House, Wagon Wheel, The Spaghetti House, The Stop Light. I can remember as a kid going to the Stop Light almost every Sunday where they served awesome fried chicken and big bowls of vegetables at the table. We had Hannigan's and Price's drive through restaurants to hang out at in high school. And an A&W Root Beer stand in Edgemont. There was another restaurant on 89th & State called Dizzy Dean's that had outstanding chili. We had two busy swimming pools. Lincoln Park and Jones Park. I went swimming twice a day almost every day of the summer at Jones. Learned to play tennis there, too. Actually, I learned to drive a stick shift in Jones Park on the parking lot next to the tennis courts. I remember sleeping with the door opened in the spring and fall and never being afraid. My friends and I would walk all over the city with no fear. To those of you still in EStL know that there are alternative lifestyles. Hopefully, there will come a day when you have an honest human being you can elect into office that will be serious about healing the ills of your city. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but I believe it could be done. As a citizen it is up to you to contribute to the solutions of your city. If you don't help to solve the problem, you are part of the problem. God bless you all. Oh yeah, and a note to Lenny - your advise is sound and on the money! Hang in there.

Guest		27-Jan-2008 15:26
I was born in Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis in 1956. We moved a lot, like a lot of folks did "East Side" when I was a kid; I lived on 13th Street (my favorite place), 42nd Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Illinois Avenue. I remember walking all the way from 13th Street to Jones Park on a hot summer day with my big brother and bunch of neighborhood kids to go swimming; going "window shopping" downtown or just walking down to SEARS. Does anyone remember the 6th Street BBQ place or "Dizzy Deans" hushpuppies? I attended Hawthorne School in the 2nd grade and we had mixed races there; I don't remember any problems, we all got along pretty much. I guess no one had taught us to hate yet. We moved because the neighborhood got unsafe. There were break ins and robberies. My mom had two guys try to snatch her purse outside SEARS in broad daylight. We moved out to 42nd Street, then Washington Park, and finally out to Edwardsville and beyond. I'm living in another State, but I will always love East St. Louis and go home every chance I get. The pictures above break my heart because I used to play on those streets. My uncle had a window cleaning business based on 7th Street, not too far from the old "Golden Gloves." I worked there for him in 74 and remember how bad things were getting then. We used to have to park our cars in the garage after we removed our vans or we'd find them vandalized when we came back from our late night/early morning rounds. Reading these posts, I can understand outsiders' horror and the folks sticking it out's defensive attitude toward the place. I feel the same way, though I haven't lived there in over forty years, it is still "home" to me. But if East St. Louis is going to change and I pray it does, it will have to be the folks who live there who will stand up and say "enough!" to the garbage going on. Throw the bums out who lie to you to get in office and then rob you blind once you get there. Organize and stop the gangs and drugs rampant on your streets. Help the cops and firemen do their jobs; I know there's bad blood there; I remember the rubber hose in the basement treatment from back in the day, but it's going to take good people to stand up and reclaim the town. It sure would be nice for me, a white guy, to be able to go back and walk through Jones' Park again; the last time I tried it got real hairy.

cocabrown		24-Jan-2008 20:16
Hi Guest, This is CocaBrown...so you went to AHS. I found somehting you may find interesting.... www.ahspioneers.org You will NOT believe it. Amazing!!!

lenny		24-Jan-2008 19:04
Jim Dwyer, I a man hasn't found something worth fighting for, then his life is not worth living. Sound familiar? Some of us in ESL choose, and I repeat, "choose" to stay the course and fight. And after we fight, we will fight on!

Guest		19-Jan-2008 21:37
I never "surf the web" or even look at websites and while setting up my daughter's laptop I entered a search for E St Louis. I am shocked at how many people make comments and even care about my hometown. I grew up in East Boogie near Parkside and graduated from Assumption in '81. It's interesting to read everyone's analysis of "what went wrong". It's easy to blame black politicians and white flight but obviously, like a lot of small factory towns when the factories leave so do jobs and people. When I was a kid we never had to leave East St Louis for nothing. We used to catch the Bi-State, ride our bikes or walk to Shop City, Jones Park, Lincoln Park and all over. We would even walk across Frank Holten Park to the Talk of the Town out in the "Ville" (Centreville). When we crossed the viaduct by Assumption going to Washington Park the white boys would chase us back to the "boogie". That shit was fun and we had a hell of a lot of fun growing up there!!! The best thing about East Saint was you could do anything. No one ever asked for an ID; the cops didn't mess with you if you didn't mess with them; and you could get almost anything you wanted (That's why people still go there to party). I started going to clubs when I was 17 and never got "carded" unless the old playas was trying to keep the young thugs out! Me and my boys kicked it in the city for over 20 years. But all thing change. Now you can't even get a "set up". I settled down now and just chill at home with my wife & kids. My parents and a lot of relatives still live there. Believe it or not it ain't that bad. I live in O'Fallon, IL now for my kids sake but I still love East St Louis forever!!! ps To cocabrown you don't know me but I remember you and Pickles. She was in the same grade as me at Assumption for about a year. She was beautiful and all of us had a crush on her (You too)!

jim dwyer		18-Jan-2008 22:39
I am from ESL and I attended Holy Angeles Catholic Elementary back in the early and mid-1960s. As troubled as the city was and is, I love ESL and I still get back there every decade for a family funeral. My mom taught at Lansdowne Jr. High (is it still there?!) and my dad taught English at 'East Side.' I now live here in San Diego, California, where we moved in 1963, after my dad's ESL school district paychecks started bouncing. San Diego is a city with a great economy (lots of jobs!) and a good social sewrvices infrastructure, including excellent city- and state-run healthcare programs for the economically disadvanteged (like me; I currently receive no-cost treatment for diabetes and heart problems). And, there is an excellent program for AFDC (Aid For Families with Dependent Children). Realistically, ESL has no economic future, despite the recent ascendancy of riverboat gambling (now legal, but in my boyhood, a mob-controlled illegal industry). It pains me severely to say it, but my fellow East. St. Louisans should consider packing and moving to San Diego, where there are jobs, sun, and fun-on-the-beach! I love all of you! Save youselves and join me out here! Move while you still can!

Guest		18-Jan-2008 17:59
Left ESL when I was five and have not returned, not because of not wanting to just have not had the time. I remember in the early fifties, going to st paul church and playing at linclon park. from the looks of things all that is ove.

lenny		15-Jan-2008 21:34
Nikaboo, Stay where you are! At least for now anyway.

cocabrown		15-Jan-2008 14:48
This is to Nickaboo...before going into the modeling business, please be sure that you can read, and write properly and get the right contracts. Just an FYI, it is there. Not their. Beauty fades-dumb is forever!

nikaboo		14-Jan-2008 05:26
Its crazy because my boyfriend is from their,and he makes it like its just this big dream place to be... and see I've never been their thats why Im checking it out!! and Im the type of girl with BIG DREAMS!! (modeling dreams) and he makes it like I can have a succesful life living in down their!!!

Tessynce		10-Jan-2008 22:26
My dad was born in ESL, and moved to Cali with this mom and siblings. He did go back to live with his father for a few years either in the late 40s or early 50s, and has fond memories of living in ESL "back in the day". I am looking for African American Brownlees who live or used to live in ESL. Trying to research my dad's family. Any info is appreciated! My email is tessynce@aol.com

lenny		10-Jan-2008 16:27
To guest, 6 January, 2008 3:15 Let's not blame the politicians for the City's condition; let's blame the voters who put them in office. After all, they had to be elected by the very people over whom they preside. Just a little something to "think" about. Let's educate ourselves!

guest		06-Jan-2008 03:15
The crooked politicians are the reason for the city's downfall. Take a look at any Monitor newspaper and you will see every corrupt politician hires their relative to take some of the few jobs left for the residents and embezzle even more of the city's money.

Guest		05-Jan-2008 13:27
In the depths of the greatest disaster lies the greatest opportunity. If there were nothing to be done what would you work on? The people I know who have come from ESL and moved to other places have been very successful, because they learned to fight for what they wanted. "You have to fight harder over a little than you do over a lot". ESL is not the only city with dope and crime problems and when those problems begin to have enough impact on the Whites they will probably legalize the drugs and thus end the crime. However, joining forces in small groups and developing individual projects has always been the key to growing communities, cities and societies. We as African Americans have done so much dirt to each other in the name of rugged individualism, me-ism and hedonism that we are afraid to trust each other even in small groups. The inner cities, ESL included, are being gentrified and we don't have the resources to stop it. We had better join in and participate or we will see yet another prosperous metropolis built out of our ashes and we will not even get to warm our hands by the fire. Be careful when you decide that running is the answer because wherever you go may turn in to the same ashes, because you won't keep wood on the fire!!!

Zandra Y. Hayes		23-Dec-2007 17:25
My dad was born in East St. Louis and lived there until he joined the army and moved to Chicago after being discharged. Each summer we travelled to East St. Louis to visit my aunt, uncle, and grandmother. They eventually moved to Belleville because of the crime and break-ins. I have a cousin who currently lives there in the downtown area. It is very bleak, but the people who were born and raised there are some of the best. The other thing that keeps me longing for East St. Louis is the barbeque pig snoots. No where else in America where you can get this treat.

guest who?		21-Dec-2007 01:52
east st louis,il was once to me the best place on earth in the 50s and early 60s. i was raised there in the john de shields apts. life was poor but we had an over abundance of fun and good times. i saw all the racism, but the good part about that is, we fought back and didnt take that crap. the memories will always be there. thanks east st. louis for all the memories. the masonic hall--lincoln park--astronaut playboys skating rink--the delux theatre--the broadwaytheatre--the harlem theatre-- the manhattan club -the foxhole--club delisa--15th&broadway--little richards pool hall&many other fun places. also thanks for the mamories washington elemantary (gone) hughes-quinn jr. high (gone)and lincoln high school(gone). heres a hint as to who i am.my buddies ed lee--gil--highpocket--birdsong--richard--donzell--benobra--monk--larry--freddie s.--tony w.--tyrone c.--pete&mike--hazel--lena--beverly--alva gene--barbara k--ann a.--jack r.---yit--frank s.--francell--david b.--junebug. if i forgot someone forgive me. but look for the name thats missing and you will know who this is. i was the first one to leave. east boogie forever.

ROBERTA MOORE		17-Dec-2007 20:00
Well hello people i live in washington park and i think e.st.louis and wash.park still have potential,only if some one give us a try .When you think of any city you have to be care full. Most of the homocides that you see around here are drug,gang,or you have bothered someone ore their property.Lets think of what good that can be made of e.st.louis.then what bad that can come out of it. Those who have seen the bad and seen the good need to not forget about the presant because it can be and will be a good city after all. just look at the suround ing states in america where death is hapining every day.we get ours every blue moon .Iwas born in missouri and i will not be looking for a place to call home there any time soon or ever. thank-you my brothers and sisters.c/o LINCOLN SR. HIGH 1994 I LOVE YOU GUY'S

Joe C		14-Dec-2007 02:28
I was born at St. Mary's in 46. Grandpa owned a tavern at 52nd and Bukum Road called Matt's Place, later the Red Feather Inn. My best memory are of going to Sears on Saturday in downtown ESL, then to Nichol's BBQ for the best ribs ever. Great times at Assumption High. Friday night football games at Parson's Field. Playing baseball at Jone's Park. Drive In movies at French Village and the Drive Inn behind East Side High. Driving between Price's and Hannigan's. The summer Firemens Picnics. Alwasy something to do as I got older -- playing pin ball for money -- poker games at the Stockyards -- gambling and pool at Ray Easton's Coach Light. Horses at Chokia Downs and Fairmont Park. Golf. Hunting and fishing. Lost of good places to eat great local dishes like Chili Mac and fried ravioli. I miss ESL and hope someday it comes back to the good old days I remember.

Ricardo Perry		11-Dec-2007 21:51
ricardo perry I was born and raised in east st louis.I left after the military and moved to colorado, but east st louis is still home. i visit when I can but not much since my mother passed. I' m still a Flyer forever.

lenny		03-Dec-2007 19:40
Territorialism has long been one of the City's many problems. Rather than take a regional approach to population diversity and business and economic development, we tend to limit our outside influence and involvement. Why? Because it allows for more internal control. The fact is, many of our leaders do not really want to see the City prosper. The way it is right now, they can collect fat checks and do nothing, while everyone else suffers. They don't even live in the City, yet our uneducated voters continue to put them in office. I said it before, and I will say it again. Until our public is educated, they will continue to elect the wrong people to lead them. Hell, almost half of the entire population in ESL is functionally illiterate. No kidding! Let's go further, the largest part of the population is comprised of individuals between the ages of 16-25. Guess what? The most unproductive part of the population is comprised of this same age group. Another thing, the biggest moneymaking industry in the City at this time is Crack and Marijuana. Guess what? I can give a crack head 5 or 10 bucks for a vote. I can get their vote everytime. This is a good amount of money for a dope head to get a bump. Guess what? The drop out rate here is almost 50% between the 10th - 12th grade. Guess what? 70% of people with children are single parent households. An even higher number are the recipients of some form of government subsidy. Guess what? More than 50% of the property in ESL is owned by non-residents. Guess what? Only 3 out of 10 people comprise the tax paying base for the entire City. I think you get the picture. PRAY!

Guest		01-Dec-2007 22:38
Is ESL developing a Hispanic population? Here in Southern California several cities have transitioned from almost all black to a mix of black and Hispanic today with even some whites moving back in. In my opinion the results have been mostly positive with an influx of small businesses in previously underserved areas. Some racial diversity would help ESL in my opinion. Congrats on the Flyers' football success this year. Next year should be a good one too.

jim jim		30-Nov-2007 10:28
someone posted: It's safe to say the decline began when James Williams became our first black mayor in '71. BS. The problems go back much earlier to the WHITE MAYORS like Al Fields (a thief)and the bond issue problems this city went through and are still dealing with. I grew up in East St. Louis (Loisel Village) and will always love my home town. Period. If it's to be re-vitalitized, I may just move back there. But come on white-flighters now living out in Fairview, O'Fallon or even further out... Quit blaming everyone else for what happen. We all played a part. My father was chastized for not selling (he is a cheap bastard) when everyone else was. I AM PROUD TO HAVE BEEN BORN AND RAISED THERE and the color of my skin doesn't mean anything.

guest		29-Nov-2007 23:49
I was born and raised in East St.louis as was my mom and dad and their parents.Moving in 1972 was the BEST move my parents decided.Why do city leaders let this happen?Why is it always black and white?Why in the hell would someone say they love east saint louis?I would like to see the residents of this ghosttown get some help,are get out..My warmest memories of my childhood were in this city at a time kids were safe....kids in the City today with memories of love yes,being safe no!!...come on people!!!!!

lisa		29-Nov-2007 03:31
I was born and raised in East Boogie also, moved away in 1983 when i graduated (Go Flyers). I also attended Martin Van Lucus, Clark Jr. High, and East St Louis Sr High. I have not been back to the city in about 20 years,will be there to visit next year, I live in Florida now, but I must agree with another comment I read, you won't find BBQ like our hometown anywhere. I don't know how the city is now, but I don't have any complaints about growing up there from 1965-1983.

Guest		24-Nov-2007 04:20
I live in Belleville and would never want to drive through there at night. Crazy.

voyager		21-Nov-2007 20:16
I too have very fond memories of E.St.Louis,i was born in 1956 at St.Mary's hospital,lived on Regent Place and then on the 1300 block of N.42nd st.what a great place it was during those years! I went to Holy Angels Catholic School on 37th and Caseyville Ave.(all boarded up now)played for hours at Jones'Park,had pick up ball games on any empty lot we could find etc. We moved in 1970,by this time the city was in position for a full slide down hill!,and down it went!! I drove through my old neighborhood a few months back just to see what the place looked like. Well to say the least I could barely believe my eys!! (while my wife's life was passing in front of hers).It was barley recognizable!! The trash,the weeds,the junk scattered in every direction!! Closed shops,burned out houses,abandoned cars!! A real dump!! in,at one time, was one of the best places to live in the entire country!! Such a shame!! East St.Louis has to rise again,because I don't think it could possibly sink any lower,get rid of the poverty pimp politicians,and elect someone to office that actually gives a rats ass about the place. Maybe then the city can be trusted to manage it's own finances without the State of Illinois looking over your shoulder! Anyone who grew up in E.St.L. in the "hey day" could go on and on and on about this. The problems are many,some would say too many,and I would tend to agree with that. So here's a good starting point. Clean the place up!! Poverty is no excuse for filth!!,soaps'cheap,so are rakes and trash bags. However the aforementioned does require some effort. So get busy,get organized and get the place cleaned up!!! After all,any improvement would be a step up from where you are now.

Guest		21-Nov-2007 11:05
I grew up in and around ESL and lived in the city from 1980 to 1984. We had a nice home - but we also had a six foot chain link fence, two dobermans and handguns. Everyone knew that no one who was up to any good or valued their safety was out on State St. after dark. I don't recall ever being afraid there - being careful was just a fact of life. I did drive through on a trip home around 90-91 and it looked like a war zone. My dad talks about how the city was in the 50's & 60's before it was bled dry by corrupt politicians. As he puts it, "After the white politicians stole as much as they could, they abandoned the city and the black politicans stole what little was left. The folks who could get out, got out and the ones who couldn't were left to fend for themselves." That's probably a pretty good synopsis. I know there may be other areas just as bad or worse - but it's still a shame.

lenny		19-Nov-2007 20:28
To Guest 12 Nov-2007 18:57 Christian Welfare building was changed to Gateway Hospital, then downhill from there to ruins. The plans now are to renovate the building and the area around it, and make the entire area a senior citizens community called Columbia Place. St. Mary's hospital is on the verge of closing as a result of losing approximately 3 million in revenue annually. The City is currently lobbying Federal, State and private investment, and basically anyone they can to keep the hospital open. Also, it is no longer St. Mary's Hospital. It was renamed Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital due to some previous administrative changes, also because of loss in revenues. The Polish building of which you speak is not a Polish building, but rathe a Masonic Temple. Clearly it is one of the most beautiful structures in the City. It's still there, and still well maintained, obviously because it is still run by white Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF&AM) 13th and Baugh Avenue is the site of the one of the City's newest neighborhoods. Nearly the entire neighborhood has been rebuilt, with over 400 new housing units. This location is one of the better developed neighborhoods in the City and is called the Emerson Park Neighborhood. Believe me, you would not recognize it now. 43rd and Forest. Essentially the same. Hope this information helps.

Guest		15-Nov-2007 16:29
As dead as North Korea on a friday night...

Guest		13-Nov-2007 04:51
I am Dioune Jenkins-Singleton and I love my city, from the trash on the street to the Bums on the corner. If you have a problem whith east saint louis then help clean it up if you love in the city and if you dont live her then just shut up and stay out. there is a GHETTO every state, country, continent are wherever you have to just make the best of it. live free and happy in EAST SAINT LOUIS, ILLINOIS. E SIDE CLASS OF 1998

Guest		12-Nov-2007 18:57
I lived in E.St. Louis back in the late fifties and some in the sixties. My daughter was born in the Christain Welfare Hospital there. Is that hospital still there. Also is the Saint Mary's Hospital still on 6th street? I think? Back in the fifties we lived on 7th street close to a big Polish hall. My parents later lived at 13th street & Baugh Ave. Then later on 43rd and Forest Blvd close to Washington Park. Is anything still standing around those areas? I haven't been there in many years so was just wondering.

Anthony Bradley		12-Nov-2007 15:06
OKAY GUEST, I was born and raised in ESL, yes I am offended by your comment.Though I live in Atlanta now ESL will always be my home.Sense you stated that we are an embarrassment to the state and country.So where should we move to, do have a place for us to move to.Once we are gone what are you going to do with the land? You are going to rebuild everything in the down town area of ESL. Buy out the lower income homes and projects for an unreasonable amount of money.Then you want to place these 5 Star hotels down town along with Five Hundred Thousand dollars homes and lofts.And you will get the goverment funding, which we should have gotten a long time ago.This is going on in just about every state. Run the poor out and rebuild to where as only the rich can live in these areas.Damm the tourist and travlers, what about the wealth of the residents of ESL.The travlers are here today and gone tomorrow.I don't think so partner!!!!By the way who the hell are you and where are you from talking this nonsense. Come with a better solution that we all can benefit from and not just the "WHITE MAN" and his small percentage of uncle tom's !!!! Try to tell us, what is best for our city and you do not live here. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest		11-Nov-2007 01:50
E St Louis is an utter failure and a bleak gateway to the great state of Illinois. Nowhere else in the nation do three major interstate highways conjoin than in ESL. What an embarrassment to the state, and country for that matter, to greet travelers with the utmost worst place imaginable in the USA. All those blocks that are 90% vacant should be COMPLETELY demolished of not just buildings, but infrastructure as well. Return this once decent city back to a state even better, a natural forest and prairie. I'm not trying to offend any resident of ESL but for God's sake your city is offensive to this country. Do the right thing and move out so they can finally put the last nail into this ready to be buried coffin.

Guest		09-Nov-2007 17:24
My Name is Jarvis bester and im from estl and its not as bad as people think it is

Octavius Crow		01-Nov-2007 20:50
I just figured that I would comment further more about my beloved city E.St.Louis Il... As time goes on, things get worse, and now I can truely say that we are really fucked up... I mean look at it this way; I've been there my whole life and when I reacently moved to Michigan I had problems sleeping just because it was too quiet... No gunshots, No crooked cops, and I still carry my 9mm pistol with me everywhere I go... People say old habbits die hard, but in this case its the person that has to die too. E.St.Louis is not a terrible city

njbruce		31-Oct-2007 17:00
Looks like the Camden, NJ of my youth in the early 60's. Camden does not look that way anymore (at least to people passing through to or from Philadelphia).

Anthony		31-Oct-2007 13:46
Jeremiah, I was just home a month ago visiting my family. You best belive I made a stop on State Street and got me some "Good Old Ribs". Nothing like home barbecue...

Jeremiah		26-Oct-2007 05:44
Things are slowly getting better. From 1997, the first time I had the experience of running out of gas driving through East Saint, of all things, to the last time I was in the area (2006) things have gotten a lot better. The area has potential and nobody beats East Boogie for roadside barbecue stands!

Guest		24-Oct-2007 01:59
To GR Johnson: I noticed your note on this site; we have a lot in common; I guess I was one year behind you in the two schools you mentioned and I lived on the same street.e-mail at tomhbrt@yahoo.com

lenny		22-Oct-2007 15:01
Gerry, I don't know you, but I can assure you that Central Ave. does not look anything, I repeat anything, like you remember. The entire area from Wilford up to Russell Ave. has been redeveloped. You have mostly market rate and affordable housing development in this area now. This part of the southend is actually one of the better developed parts of the City. FYI. Wish you well in serving the country. Godspeed!

Cynthia		22-Oct-2007 02:30
I would like to say that I love East St. Louis and Washington Park. I grew up there 16 years of my life. I did not move far. I've lived in Missouri for a few years and now I am back in Illinois living in O'Fallon. Not far from East Saint at all. I still frequent the area on a regular basis supporting the businesses. Of course someone needs to come thru and improve a few things and the people need to be a lot more positive. Besides the two states I have mentioned, I have been to other states and there are always those "type" of areas in all communities. My husband and I were in Memphis for Music festival and we met some friends in a less to be desired neighborhood. Our friends who now live in Memphis suburbs were comfortable because they grew up there. That city, no matter how it looked, was home to them. Just like E. St. for me. Your pics look AWESOME!!!! Much love...

Gerry Johnson		21-Oct-2007 20:52
My name is Gerry Johnson. I lived in East St. Louis from 1979 (age 6) to 1986. I went to Lilly Freeman Elementary School and Martin Van Lucas Elementary School. I lived not too far from Martin Van school at 1405 Central Avenue. I had a great time growing up their as a kid and I can remember a lot of things as if I was still growing up there. When I lived there on Central Avenue, there were only 3 houses on our side of the street and we were the first family to live in our house. On the other side of the street were 3 or 4 houses. There was always something to do outside. I played outside on Central Avenue when it was still a dirt road and not paved. I had lots of friends (Anthony & Timothy Reed, Darrell Ray, Andre Wilson, Marlon Tucker, Thaddeus Griffith, Kimberly Douglas, Montrice Lewis, Kimberly Gee, Tiffany Shaw, Tyson, Greg Smith and his 2 fine sisters, Quintin, Bernard, Keisha, Barbara aka Faye, Antonio Johnson, Catherine Jackson and a few more. Growing up there was rough. There were so many gangs in the area such as deciples, vice-lords, smurfs, crypts and more. Me and my friends had a run in with the deciples when we were riding our bikes near St. Mary's hospital and my friend Anthony was knocked off his bike and scraped the crap out of his thigh on the ground. My 1st grade teacher at Lilly Freeman was Mrs. Grade. At Martin Van Lucas, my 2nd graded teacher was Mrs. Fort, 3rd grade was Mrs. Spencer, 4th grade was Mrs. Anderson and my 5th & 6th grade teacher was Mrs. Tony. I remember that we occassionally had a substitute teacher for the 5th grade who was a police woman. I remember that Mrs. Anderson and her husband both died within 15 minutes apart of each other. The street behind my house was Gay street. I remember that a house on that street was being built around 1985/1986 for a celebrity. I think it was for Jackee Joyner. Even today, I tell myself that now that I am 34, I would like to go back to my old neighborhood and see how things have changed and see if some of my old friends are there. I used to communicate with Anthony until a few year ago before I was stationed in Germany (yes, I have been in the Army since 1992). Last I heard, Andre was a policeman and Darrell was a barber. If you think you know me, please feel free to email me at GPJ77@MSN.COM or GERRYPJOHNSON@GMAIL.COM.

TowelGuy		20-Oct-2007 05:04
I started 1st grade at Slade School, 1962 through 1966 when we moved to Belleville. Great great memories! I'd be interested to hear from any alumni out there. Very proud to say I was born in East St. Louis!

tommy		19-Oct-2007 18:09
I think they should rename the city. I think that would help.

Octavius Crow		18-Oct-2007 21:25
U may not know anything about E.St.louis, but I was raised there... Let me be the first to introduce U to our one and true language; Fuck everyone that hasn't lived the nightmare themselves... I often get tired of people misjudging us for what the city as a youth has brought upon themselves. Yes we've sold drugs and robbed and killed but we have as people have reasons... Just think about it: U have two children yet there are no jobs. How can U survive without doing wrong... I myself am 21 yrs. old and I have outlived my citie's statictics as far as getting locked up or killed... If U lived in E.St louis today your slogun would be (Recieve Education OR Die) for our city has no outlets...........

Sis Saint James		18-Oct-2007 01:06
There is much to be done in East Saint Louis. And it is going to take some time to get it to the place, economically, physically and emotionally that it needs and deserves to be in. But natives such as myself who has had a chance to see cities all over this country and abroad, I am still proud and hopeful for my city and every other African American community in the U.S. Some of the judgmental comments that are being made about a city that has suffered much, are out right rude and disheartening. There are truths about the city that I am not oblivious to, but I also know that alot of the despair and destitution has more to do with past administration nationally and locally than it does with the people themselves. A city, a country, a world and anything that is supposedly a democracy will reflect its leadership. Leaders of all kinds political, religious, and otherwise need to begin to step up to the challenge that our city has placed in front of us. So to all of the East Saint Louis hopefuls such as myself, stay strong, be proud, get involved and know that the best is yet to come for our great little city. Love you all, even the confused and judgmental. God Bless Sis. Saint James

Guest		16-Oct-2007 03:39
GMH is either a fool or a fraud. The correct phrase is "...or within the last five years have lived in East St Louis." It may seem minor, but it ain't. Like them Romans sez, caveat emptor.

GMH		14-Oct-2007 23:07
I am a 'sociologist' and college instructor. I would like to meet with individuals currently or within last 10 years that has lived in East St.Louis. My goal is to do an update on the conditions within the schools and the community. Please contact me through my email address: harrisog@otc.edu I will be glad to provide additional information concerning my reasons for this research.

Guest		12-Oct-2007 23:03
where are the people in these photos? No cars or people, looks like a ghost town?

Joe		10-Oct-2007 10:03
I lived in ESL during the 50's and 60's. everything was fine until race problems than the Govt comes along destoys the town. It is now a crime wave. I am truely surprised that the Casino Queen does as well as it does. But I see St. Louis the same way. My wife is from desert state still amazed at the crap that goes on in the midwest. 6 years ago I took my adult children of a tour of my old residences They said no wonder I am a hard assed person and just could not beleive it. Crime, that is not the proper word for ESL. It needs to be rebuilt. Starting with the oneab's. There is some history to the buildings in that town, but thanks to negleince of State and Federal Level it is shot to hell. Does anyone have information on a flood in the 1940's??? please post.

Guest		08-Oct-2007 21:47
It's funny- I left E.St.Louis at the age of 13 to O'Fallon,Il and then life took me all over the United States. When I tell people I was born in E.ST.Louis they seem horrified,like how could I have survived that. When I tell people from St.Louis or surrounding areas they tell me I come from more of Fairview Heights. I grew up in French Village area and have fond memories always of my childhood. Playing sports at ST.Phillips and walking home after dark with no fear,riding my bike all over the backstreets of my life for hours-this was the 70's and it was a great place to roam. I live in a well established area of AZ. and would never dream to allow my child the same liberty as now there are so many crazy's out there.I went home 2 years ago and it broke my heart to see what my neighborhood had become. I can only hope for the best-Juli

watson		08-Oct-2007 05:00
hello east st louis i live here in dallas tx iam from esl class of 1985 ajwat38@yahoo.com

An ESL Diplomat-PR		30-Sep-2007 10:51
I grew up in E. St. Louis and attended E.St. Louis High School. Beside the arts and sports celebrities and crime, do you realize that E. St. Louis is known for raising more PhD & Doctorates than any other city in the US. That's what needs to be applauded. Those teachers who chose to teach for low pay in ESL instilled knowlege instead of foolishness. No, I do not have my PhD or doctorate yet but I don't make light of that accomplishment. Those of you who have achieved that goal-Hurray for you! The fight is still in me to achieve it based upon the core values I was taught living there. When you are faced with poverty and crime all your life - and you survive-- you want more for yourself and your family. I moved away taking strength, courage, determination and a desire for a better life. Now values I was taught as a child growing up there. I'm teaching my two children and sharing as a diplomat abroad. There are still those who are trying to make a difference there. For the last three years, I've lived on continents with more poverty than E. St. Louis instead of complaining we volunteered with Habitat for Humanity! Instead of complaining about what's not being done by the city--and putting their work down, lend a hand, volunteer and give your time to children still there in need. Clean up a park, paint a play area, take five children not your own to a baseball game,or sponsor a recreational event just because. If 100 people sponsor 5 troubled youths each that's 500 kids that will have an opportunity! You may be the reason they choose a life and not a life of crime!

Guest		28-Sep-2007 04:06
There is an organization called VOC that has plans to revitalize East St. Louis. They are asking for our help. See web site: www.projecteaststaintlouis.org.

Angel McLaughlin		26-Sep-2007 13:14
I believe in Bill Clinton, he came to East St. Louis when no one else was paying it no mind, I thank you for that, I have been really scared to claim East St. Louis from all of the violence and dirtyness, but as all know, no matter where you come from, it's up to you to make a difference. I say St. Louis cause noone recognizes East Saint, but it's cool I love my home town, I now live in Toledo, Ohio and I'll claim East Saint long before I will here, cause not by choice I wasnt ready to leave my home. I love all my peoples from there. I just pray that the drugs and violence will cut completely down n my fellow black americans show them you can make something out of nothing. If I ever become rich I will make East St. Louis my priority.

lenny		25-Sep-2007 15:37
FYI. The City has recently entered into a contract with a developer for developing the downtown area, river front and housing throughout the City. Under Mayor Park's "Life More Abundantly" motto, it is discernable that the City will take off with new developments as soon as Spring of 2008. Bear in mind that the City is a State Enterprise Zone, soon to be a State River Edge Redevelopment Zone, A Federal Empowerment Zone, and is in the process of developing a Mid-America Medical District. What does all of this mean? Well, there are benefits, incentives for developers, and funding avaialable with each of these programs. Beleive me, the City is well on its way to economic prosperity. What will happen with this is a lot of the current largely indigent community will be displaced (gentrify) as a result of being priced out. This is a normal occurrence in Cities like ESL. The only way to prosper them is to attract middle income, educated tax paying citizens. This is accomplished in part by building more market rate housing and less low income housing, bringing in upscale businesses and entertainment. Public safety is always important, but what happens is crime will naturally decrease as you attract more middle class rather than low income people. The City is definitely on its way to economic redevelopment and prosperity. Stay tuned.

Guest		24-Sep-2007 22:30
I grew up here (ESTL)! Not what I remember. WOW! Remember downtown ESTL -- waited for the bus to go to STL in front of the glass bldg (used to be a bank with a sign giving time & temp. This downtown did not look like this when I left ESTL. Really wish that there was a Habitat for business to come in and bulldoze the entire downtown & start over. I have fond memories of ESTL and growing up in ESTL.

T.Bradley		24-Sep-2007 13:49
Jennifer, If you would like to purchase the book "Savage Inequalities" by Jonathan Kozol. I would recommend that you go to E-BAY, I bid on the book and won Cost$ 2.00. You can purchase it out right for about $6.00.

Terry		23-Sep-2007 23:00
No it isn't one of the worst places on Earth but it is one of the worst places to live in America.

Guest		23-Sep-2007 19:52
I have lived in East St. Louis all of my life, and this is all I know. This may not be the best place on earth to live, but it's not the worst. I beleive that the city has much potential to be the great industrial city that it once was. I am very interested in knowing more about the city that I am from. All I can find out about is the riot of 1917,I am interested in learning more considering the fact that I have been here all 22 years of my life.

T.Bradley		20-Sep-2007 15:20
I have heard so much about this book, so I decided to purchase it on e-bay.Matter of fact it was yesterday...

lenny		20-Sep-2007 14:40
Jennifer, Yes. Read entry by QuebecChick, 18 July, 2006.

jennifer		20-Sep-2007 04:00
I was curious to know, has anyone who has seen this sight read a book called "Savage Inequalities" by Jonathan Kozol..?

lenny		14-Sep-2007 14:35
Michelle, Sorry I forgot to say Debra Powell was the first and only female Mayor.

lenny		13-Sep-2007 18:41
Michelle, James Williams. I believe early 70s. He is now deceased. His son, James Williams, Jr. is a successful businessman, owning several McDonalds Restaurant in the Collinsville, IL area. Then there was William Mason, Carl Officer Gordon Bush and Debra Powell, Carl Officer again, the Alvin Parks, Jr. who is the current Mayor. Hope this helps.

YOYO TURNER HOLCOMBE		13-Sep-2007 15:27
IM YOYO TURNER, I WAS IN THE MISS EAST ST LOUIS BEAUTY PAGEANT IN THE LATE 70'S WHEN CARL OFFICER BECAME MAYOR ' THAT WAS THE BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE... I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN MOBILE ALABAMA WITH 6 BROTHER AND FOUR SISTER, AND 7 ADOPTED SISTER AND BROTHERS. I JUST WANTED TO SAY TO ALL THAT THINK EAST ST LOUIS WAS BAS, TRY GROWING UP IN MOBILE ALABAMA. CARL WAS THE FIRST BLACK MAYOR THAT I ENCOUNTER OF A CHANGE IN MY LIFE AS A POOR BLACK WOMAN FROM THE SOUTH. I THANK GOD FOR THAT WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, AND I THANK GOD FOR A CHANGE, AND THAT WHAT HAPPEN TO THIS WORLD IT COMES ABOUT A CHANGE, BUT IT UP TO US TO CHANGE IT BACK. TO MY NEPHEW "JEREMY GREEN" IM SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOU GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND WHAT IM MOST PROUD ABOUT IS THAT YOU DIDN'T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM. JUST MY CO-IENDENTLY I WAS BROWINSING AND REMEMBERING THE TIMES I SPENT IN EAST ST LOUIS, I CAME UPON YOUR NAME, AND AS I READ I KNEW IT WAS YOU. LOOK AT THE CHANGE FROM EAST ST LOUIS TO ATLANTA, AND THE CHANGE IS YET TO COME AGAIN. WE ALL GOT TO REMEMBER A CHANGE IS GONNA COME, BUT OUR HEARTS STAY IN THE SAME PLACE UNTIL WE DIE. JEREMY MY E-MAIL ADDY IS X_TASY4JUSTICE@YAHOO.COM KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ME I LOVE YOU AND THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE. IM LOOKING FOR THE LADIES THAT WAS IN THAT BEAUTY PAGEANT WITH ME FOR A REUNION, AFTER ALL WE DID PUT CARL OFFICER ON THE MAP FOR EAST ST LOUIS

michelle		12-Sep-2007 18:04
Who was the first black mayor of E.St. Louis man and female.

Nathan Crowe		12-Sep-2007 10:38
i've lived outside of east st.louis since 88' and spend alot of time there (with a small 6 year break when i dashed off to the air force) and I have to say i'm optimistic for the city as well as nervous. i was reading not too long ago (maybe a year?) that st.louis itself is reaching it's limit on building it can have before some major sinking starts to happens... so business are scouting out east st.louis, st.clair and madison county for new businesses and business expansion... residents are already moving east of the river because property and cost of living is just cheaper and making the drive to st.louis... I've read two different projections on when east st.louis is supposedly going to get turned around and start becoming a business focal point and profitable area in the midwest, and both projections were between 20 and 35 years... it'll be interesting to see what happens when high-dollar business moves in and require the police department to step it up and protect their investments... how many favors and friends there really are in the city official arena when matched against the dollars handed to them by big businesses.

TAMMY		11-Sep-2007 21:53
I WILL NEVER FORGET WHERE I COME FROM! GOD BLESS ESL AND THE ONES THAT CALL IT HOME. WE WILL RISE AGAIN, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL NOT PUT ANYMORE ON US THAN WE CAN BARE!GOD BLESS AND DON'T LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE MESS...........

lenny		11-Sep-2007 18:06
RE: Gateway Hospital Contact Lester Petty of Petty and Associates at (618) 277-1901. I beleive the plans are to turn that location into a Senior Citizens' Gated Community called Columbia Place.

Guest		11-Sep-2007 02:48
Who owns the former Christian Welfare Hospital/Gateway Community Hospital????? Please respond...

Guest		03-Sep-2007 10:38
I am from East St. Louis, but I have been living near Chicago for 16 years. I agree that it has changed, but there are other cities that look worst. Instead of complaining about it, why not do something to help the city. Never forget where you came from. It seems like it is one of a few cities in Illinois that does not get any funding from the government. There are no jobs, so what do you expect. Many have to travel to St. Louis or Fairview Heights and Belleville to work. I am a certified public accountant and I have 1 year to complete my doctorate in Accounting. I am proud to say that I am a smart young lady from East St. that has made something out of myself. Others in East St. can do it too. Give back to your community like others. One thing that I can say is that East St. Louis can change, but it will take a long time. Once the whites left, the funding left too. I have family there still, and many of them need encouragement that they can be someone and that they can make a difference. If you're from East St. and if you're not, pray for the people that lives there. Someone has to care.

Guest		30-Aug-2007 00:28
IM ALSO A FORMER RESEDENT OF E.ST.L AND I DONT GO HOME OFTEN HAVE NOTHING AGAINST IT BUT THE CITY IS WOREST THEN IT WAS WHEN I MOVED AWAY IN 91 THE GANGS ARE BACK BIGGER THEN EVER AND CITY HALL IS STILL PICKING FRIENDS TO RUN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ITS A SHAME OFTER ALL THESE YEARS THE CITY IS STILL MESSED UP

PERRY MAMON		29-Aug-2007 21:35
I MOVED TO EASTBOOGIE IN 1974 FROM CHICAGO AND ATTENDED HUGHES QUINN, AND GRADUATED FROM EASTSIDE, I HAD TO FIGHT A LOT BECAUSE A MALE CHILD COULD NOT HAVE A REP AS A PUNK IN EASTBOOGIE AND I'M DAMN PROUD OF THAT. MY MOM, BEING FROM ST.LOUIS AND ME BEING BORN AND RASIED FOR TWELVE YRS IN CHICAGO UNTIL WE MOVE THERE IS THE REASON WE ENDED UP THERE. I PLAYED BASKET BALL FOR THE MARY BROWN CENTER, USE TO SWIM AT LINCOLN PARK SWIMMING POOL, WENT TO SCHOOL WITH JACKIE JOYNER AT HUGHES QUINN ALSO VICTOR (COOBOO) SCOTT FORMELY OF THE DALLAS COWBOYS. ALTHOUGH STUDENTS IN 189 SCHOOL SYSTEM WERE LOOKED UPON AS "GHETTO" KIDS, WE WERE SMART BECAUSE THE TEACHERS WERE WERE EXCELLENT, I'M 45 YRS OLD NOW AND LEFT THE BOOGIE IN 1980 AFTER I GRADUATED AND MOVED BACK TO CHICAGO BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE MOVED BACK 2 OR 3 TIMES BECAUSE IT'S MY HOME TOO. I GREW UP ON 29TH AND BOND AND IT WAS ROUGH SOMETIMES BUT I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. IT'S NOT THE RESIDENTS FAULT THAT THE BOOGIE IS F___KED UP, IT'S THE DAMN POLITICIANS AND THIS WHOLE F__KED UP GOVERNMENT. I WAS THERE THIS YEAR AND I SAW 25TH AND STATE AND HOW IT'S BEEN REDEVELOPED, I REMEMBER THE OLD FUNERAL HOME, THE GAS STATION, AND CHURCHES BEING THE ONLY BUSINESS'S THERE SO, THERE IS HOPE. FOR ALL YOU SCARED HATERS, I'M A HUGHES QUINN HORNET AND A EASTSIDE FLYER FOR LIFE, KEEP HATING IN THESE E-MAILS BUT BE CAREFUL BECAUSE, IF YOU EVER RUN UP ON SOMEONE ON THE STREET WHO IS FROM THE BOOGIE AND YOU START HATING ON US, I'M 99.9% SURE YOU WILL GET YOUR HEAD PEALED TO THE WHITE MEAT!!! THAT'S HOW WE ROLL IN THE BOOGIE. WATCH YOUR MOUTH, IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY OR HAVE A LEGITIMATE SOLUTION TO THE BOOGIE'S PRBLEMS, THEN DON'T SAY ANYTHING. HELL, THIS WHOLE WORLD IS F__KED UP RIGHT NOW. IT IS WHAT IT IS.

lenny		28-Aug-2007 20:23
to cocabrown & all That explains a lot. I too was U.S. Air Force for a little over 10 years. I was not is the military when I was there however. I was dating someone stationed out there. Terribly sorry about your mom and sis. Are you familiar with a place called Medical Rehabilitation Consultants, Inc.? Well, I was the first black person to be employed by them. They have offices throughout the Pacific Northwest. I worked in management. The pay and benefits were good, but as I said, I absolutely could not adjust to the culture. Happiness over money for me any day. I work in ESL City government. We do have a lot of crooks and cronies here. But I put forth every effort everyday I am here to make positive change in my City. I know our river front will be developed over the next 10 years. This is one of my projects. I know the old police station building will be redeveloped. This is one of my projects. I know the old Gateway Hospital site will be a gated Seniors community. This is one of my projects. I know the old Broadview Hotel Building (SIU-E annex) will be restored to its original form as a hotel. This is one of my projects. I know a Mid-America Medical District will be developed right behind the East St. Louis Community College Complex. This is one of my projects. I know the old Coleman's Plaza building will be converted into an ESL Youth (ages 5-19) Entertainment Center. This is one of my projects. So I maintain hope for a better ESL and can discern a myriad of improvements in the near future. The City is in deplorable condition at the moment, and I can understand why people talk about it--especially outsiders. Hell, I talk about it myself. But I feel qualified to do so, in that I am doing something about it. It irks me when our own residents have the audicity to tell others not to talk about our City when it is definitely talkaboutable. (my own word). How can we say we love our City, when it looks like it has not been loved for years? In fact, it looks neglected. So, to my own fellow ESLians, let's keep it real. Stop talking about how much we love your city. It only makes us sound shallow. You see, something loved will bare the fruits of being loved. If you love something, you take care of it. You provide for and nurture it. Now if the City is in this condition as a result of being loved too much, then I strongly suggest we start hating it immediately! (We gotta do better!)

Edna(Jones)Spears		28-Aug-2007 02:05
In repy to Recardo Spencer: A person can go back to ESTL every month to teach and educate but, people have to want to learn and do better themselves not because they are forced to. They live there and have a daily knowledge of what is going on in their city. Yes, you can purchase a computer for someone but are you supposed to stay there wit them to keep them from selling it, take it with you when you leave, what? You can also put yourself in a position to educate but then what? people are aware that they are uneducated and there are resources out their but you can't make them access the resources you can only provie them.

Edna(Jones)Spears		28-Aug-2007 01:25
I am a former citizen of E.St.Louis and went to Lafayette Elementry School and King Jr. High, I also attended East Side for one year. Being raised in E.St. Louis armed with enough poverty, heartache, and lack of forward mobility was the driving force for me to want better for myself and the children that I now have. In reading some of the other entry's I came upon a statement that someone made about E.St.Louis not being that bad when they were growing up. For me it was bad enough not to want to raise my children there or to ever think about living their myself. I have experienced so many wonderful things due to my life in E. St. Louis and I take nothing or no one for granted. I honor my past and, I am greatful that it helped shape me into the person that I am today but, by no means is it a place that I want to visit each year on our family vacations or any other time for that matter. I am empathetic as well as sympathetic to those that want to do better but can't. Those that want to know life outside of the Ghetto but can not find their way.

Guest		28-Aug-2007 00:22
I live across the river, my father, a homicide detective, told me never to step foot in ESL. I happily follow his instructions

Former Southern Illinoisan		23-Aug-2007 20:04
3rd world slum

cocabrown		21-Aug-2007 17:08
Hi Lenny, Yeah, I know. My Dad was in the military. I was born at Sacred Heart Hospital. My Mother always told me stories of how I was the "first black aby born in the hospital. She said all the nuns would have me most of the time, she sometimes would not get to see me for 1/2 day. My cousin is currentley residing in Seattle. They own a bunch of strip malls. It's still very white and Asian.

cocabrown		21-Aug-2007 13:28
To Diana Allmond, In answer to your question, yes. I am Jenine Bynum. My Mother and sister are no longer alive. They passed (murdered) away in 1985. I did attend Clark Jr. High and yes, I did date Alvin Jones. We have been in touch over the years. I can't seem to recall you though, my sincerest apologies for that. It has been a long time. It took me a long time to actually come back after 1985.

Guest		15-Aug-2007 13:55
I have walked the streets, I have seen the filth and decay and littered up streets with my own eyes. I didn't insult the people on a personal level, I insulted the city. If you take offense to it, then clean your city up. It is a convenient reply to tell people not to comment or insult East St. Louis since they haven't been through East St. Louis, but what about some of us that have been in East St. Louis many times? East Boogey has Gary, Indiana beat for biggest slum in America.

Diana Allmond		15-Aug-2007 03:56
To Jenine, Did you attend Clark Jr. high and dated Alvin Jones had a sister named "pickle" and you were called Pat, and your mother was a police? Are you formally Jenine Bynum? If so this is Diana Allmond... For all you haters out there don't hate on my city if you've never walked the streets. To all those who claim that people there are not educated and can't raise educated children, I did well in the 189, I am now a phlebotomist and I raised a college educated son who is now giving back by teaching (yes he's a teacher) other young black children that education is important and with it you can be and do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

Guest		15-Aug-2007 03:48
Many of you are in denial. East St. Louis has been a wasteland for over 30 years. There is a famous photo from the 1970's that shows how bad things were back then and little has changed in appearance. East St. Louis is one of the most decayed and bombed out cities in America. The only other city to come close in Illinois is Cairo, Illinois. www.american-pictures.com/gallery/usa/book230t-a.jpg

Bobby		14-Aug-2007 16:10
I was born in East St.Louis but my family moved from there to Omaha, Nebraska in 1974.(My dad joined the airforce) Lots of things have changed in over 30 years but so much is still the same. My Grandmother is still a member of the Shining Light Baptist Church (I've yet to see the new building though I've been to visit several times since it's been built) She still lives in East St. Louis and has had only one attempted break in my life that I'm aware of--despite the city's crime reputation. I doubt that I'd move back to East Saint Louis proper but I wouldn't mind living in Edwardsville, Collinsviille or Belleville. My real father is Bobby Michael Fields. He currently lives in Collinsville or Edwardsville, I'm not sure which. Anyway, sometime in the early 70's (probably 1970 or 1971) he fathered twin girls that neither of us know anything about. Last information that I have says that they may be in California. He dosen't remember the name of the mother. It's a long shot but if anyone knows Bobby Michael Fields (who has to be nearly 60) from East Saint Louis and knows anything about his twin girls (my sisters)...bobbybrown7@msn.com or bbrown@nebraskamed.com

Jim		12-Aug-2007 05:05
I'm doing the history of my family ancestors when they lived in East St. Louis, Ill. John McGowan and his wife Elizabeth Crake (sister to my great-grandmother) owned & operated the McGowan House; an eatery, tavern and a hotel. It was located at 8 St. Clair Avenue across from the National Stockyards. It was built about 1893 and torn down before 1996. I would appreciate any information about the McGowans & the McGowan House. Perhaps someone in your family may have talked about it. Feel free to e-mail me at jim6219192@yahoo.com. Thanks for your time.

Guest		11-Aug-2007 09:32
I am a product of East St Louis, I lived in Centerville off Church Road and then we moved to Parkside in the 60's. I went to Harding, JF Kennedy, ML King and on to East side graduating in 79. I remember Junior Achievment off 73rd and State Street were we as inner city youths gathered on Tuesday nights to learned the importance of going into buisness for ourselves. I joined the Marine Corps in 1980 and acheived the the rank of Master Gunnery Seargent E-9 the highest elisted rank one could acheive in any brach of service. I still come home, my father lives in Washington Park and I still have family in Centerville I was home last month visting family and some of my 1979 classmates that still reside there. Matter of fact I made the last class reunion and I am preparing to make the upcoming one as well even though I am stationed overseas. I love East St Louis this is my home and nothing or no one could ever keep me away. I proudly wear my E.St Louis hat and T-Shirt. If you havent been there please dont form a negitive outlook on a city I call home. For the ones from East St Louis born and raised stop talking about it and be about it.

Jeremy Green		10-Aug-2007 17:56
I was born in East St. Louis. I went to MLK Jr. High (when it existed) and graduated from East St. Louis Sr. High in 1997. I get a sour reaction from people when I tell them where I'm from. Some think its the worst place on earth, based on media and stats. Although some negative aspects of the city, as reported, may be true, for those of us who grew up there, it wasn't bad. There are good things and people who come out of East Saint Louis. Right after high school I went to college, then to law school, and I now run my own law firm here in Atlanta. Most of my high school classmates have had similar success. From what I hear, the new mayor, along with others who support him, are putting forth plans for the city which will hopefully turn around the negative outlook. Until then, parents have to make sure to keep their children in line. The city needs to put the concept of family back into the community. It seems that in the past years, the concept of family has been lost with the result being increased crime and negative outlooks.

lenny		08-Aug-2007 21:55
To cocabrown Wow! You where born in Spokane, WA? I believe this city is less than 3% black. I guess I should ask whether or not you are black or white. By no means am I prejudiced, I just never knew or met any black people from Spokane. I stayed there for 18 months in 93. Beleive in the 99206 Zip Code area. I had a difficult time adjusting, not because of race, but because of cultural differences. I eventually had to leave or succumb to depression. So I left and came back to ESL. What I realized about myself from this experience was that having access to my culture was very important to me. I do not live in ESL, mainly because of safety concerns for my family, however, I was born and raised there, I work there, and I live just outside of ESL. All of the people I grew up with are there. So I have access to my culture, and I feel more comfortable about where me and the family lay our heads at night. Just a comment.

lenny		07-Aug-2007 21:36
Thanks, Steve.

cocabrown		07-Aug-2007 14:41
This message is for Steve Brown. Steve I grew up in Est St. Louis and I attended both Clark Junior High and Assumption Catholic High School in 1980. I was born in Spokane Washington-funny that's where you are now. Did you know that Alvin Jones, he was a QB for East Side High. He graduated in 1980. He now lives in Washington State. You guys should get in touch. I agree with your comments by the way. Very insightful

Steve Brown		06-Aug-2007 16:35
Steve Brown Lots ot interesting comments about East St. Louis. I was born in St. Louis but grew up in East St. Louis. I currently live in Washington St. I LOVE EAST ST. LOUIS! If you didn't grow up there you would not have a appreciation for the community or the people who live there now. I grew up on Piggot St. my father and I use to fish the Mississippi. I attended Slade Elementary, Clark Jr. High and graduated from East. Louis Sr. High in 1979. I currently work in Washington State Government, when I say where I from some people gasp and want to make jokes. The community was very good to my family and I. I didn't grow up in a perfect family but I suspect folks who are making negative comments about the community didn't either. I was church member of Wesley Bethel United Methodist Church, I grew up a Cardinals fan. Some of best memories was catching the bus over to Bush Staduim and getting the dollar seats for bat night or anthing they were giving away. East Side vs Lincoln HS were some of the best sporting and social events that brought people together. Yes there is a lot of disturbing data that reflects the current state of the community. I am hopeful that community will pull it together. My dream is to return home and open some small buisness. You can keep real but stay positive folks.

Wells Family Member		28-Jul-2007 01:36
we can tell that cornbread is JIMMY at heart. As much as you people who critisize and take advantage of down talking our city, you should put that much into lending a helping hand. It hurts my heat to hear peoples outlook on East Boogie. We did not ask to be placed here

Guest		26-Jul-2007 19:25
I am strangely jealous of those that still live there. V.Hubbard

Guest		25-Jul-2007 20:53
I grew up in East Saint and I absolutely love it there. I visit that city daily because my grandpa lives in Parkside. Everyone on his street repects him and d