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East St. Louis

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.

Brad K		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

vrh5150		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 doesn't give him a hard time. Actually everyone respects all of the elderly people on his street. I admit that it isn't the nicest city to live in but to say that you can't stand a whole city based on what one has heard is ridiculous. My whole family grew up in East Saint and I can honestly say that no one in my family is a drug dealer,gang banger,or a bum. I moved to Collinsville which is about 15 minutes from ESTL but it doesn't change how I feel about the area. Good people do come out of there. For example I currently attend Howard University in Washington D.C. and I've never been on drugs or been arrested. If you ask me D.C. reminds me of ESTL. I'm not trying to knock D.C. but it isn't the nicest city to live in either. I guess what i'm trying to say is that every major city has its "ghetto" area. Some are worse than others but to say that we should pretend that the city doesn't exist is crazy. If we pretend that the city doesn't exist we're running away from the problem and running away isn't the best solution. I'm only 19 so the way that everyone sees ESTL now is the way that I have always known it to be. I do believe that the city does have a lot of potential if given a chance. I think that some peoples opinion about ESTL would change if they actually grew up there and were able to experience the city first hand. Its not that bad of a town at all. It just has those few idiots that make the whole damn town look bad. I just ask that before you try to bring the whole city of ESTL down do your research and don't be disrespectful with it because I gurantee that you wouldnt like it if I disrespected your hometown. Everyone learned that we should treat others how we would want to be treated. p.s. For the record I have never seen a dead body lyin anywhere...not to say that it isn't possible but to just find one out in the open is very rare

Jennifer McNeill		24-Jul-2007 17:49
I was born and raised in East St Louis. married Mr Leory Willimas and 2 years later we divorced and I joined the US Army. I was very successful and retired in 2000 as a CSM. Now I am employed with the Medical College of Georgia and serve as an adjunct instructor with University of Phoenix. Growing up in East St Louis helped develop me into the woman I am today. Although it is not a place I would have raised my daughter, I consistently took her "home" to visit family and friends; both of which still resides there. I would love to attend a class reunion....I graduated early June 1970. I do not remember many of my classmates but some of my asociates were Vivian Akins, Karen Brazier (Brasier, Kenneth Brooks, and Arthur Byrd (took me to the prom). I was a skinny little thing and did not get around as much as some of my friends. If anyone knows the location of any of these individuals, please forward them my email address: jmcneill22@comcast.net. My maiden name was Jennier Jones. I willsay that East St Louis has gotten worst....not better. However I do belive that if some of us returned to the city, we can turn some things around. WE just need to win the lottery....money does talk and without it, we can not make any changes.

Lynn		20-Jul-2007 20:39
To Guest 29 June 2007 16:50 Took me awhile to respond, but, "No". I have never entertained the thought of running for Mayor. You see, there is a thing called bondage. Now bondage is not necessarily th condition of being tied up or constrained in a physical manner. Bondage can manifest itself in the form of a debt owed to someone. I say that because the problem with being a politician is that oftentimes when they are elected to office, they come already in bondage. Are you feelin' me now? Once in office, the politician realizes that he has to pay his/her debt for the favors he/she was the recipient of prior to taking office. Moreover, he/she has to settle the score with the people who campaigned to have him/her elected to office. So now what happens? Well you have an elected official in office who is in bondage in that he/she owes many people many favors. It is impossible to execute your job as an elected official and be in bondage. The people to whom you owe favors simply stick their finger up your ass and treat you like a puppet! The effects of this is that many people are employed in positions for which they are not qualified, or are not the best qualified; thus quality of service and/or programs suffer. Now let's just say you where elected to office and you really had every intention to do what was right, and was not in bondage to anyone. Well now the problem here is that if he/she does not bow down to (let's say)the Council, and do what they want, then he/she loses the Council's support. Or let's say one member of the Council does not see things the way the three others and Mayor sees them. Then he/she is rendered helpless and ineffective. Debra Powell had some good intentions, but the same people who campaigned and fought vigorously to get her elected turned on her when she would not bow down to their desires. She immediately was reduced to nothingness. No Council support at all. For almost the entire duration of her four year tenure, she couldn't get one vote outside of her own to move anything forward. Literally speaking, she was nothing for two years. Those who know how politics work, especially in the City Manager form of government, should be able to understand why this happens when you lose Council support. In summary I would just say that for me, I am much more effective in the excution of my duties because I am not in bondage; I am not high profile;(hold a political or politically influenced office) I am competent at what I do; my integrity is intact; I have compassion and respect for my brothers and sisters; I do not discuss my personal life with co-workers; I do not socialize with co-workers in after work settings; I am a professional; I always ensure people who come in contact with me leave with more than they came with; and I am purposed to effectuate positive change in my community, or die trying.

Annette		20-Jul-2007 00:28
East St. Louis is a frightening MESS and disgrace. And the 'white man' didn't create this mess. It was our so-called Black leadership, who I wouldn't follow to the corner, which is why I left. True, the decline did begin on the white mayor's watch (which we never expected too much from when it comes to our community), but then we expected so much more from our own leaders who we thought would be this crop of fresh, dynamic, ingenious, intelligent, creative, hardworking and committed homegrown leadership. Instead, we ended up with a bunch of petty, nickel & dime politicians fighting over and embezzeling low-end poverty program money, with everyone aspiring to become poverty program executives also known as poverty pimps, whose only cause in this big magnificent world is themselves. What a disappointment. God bless their pitiful asses. These African Americans turned out to be worst than any white people. After these scoundrels, I'll take my chances with the white people any day. East St. Louis has turned into a major embarrassement to the African American community. Vibrant cities have been built around East St. Louis, while it just sits in mire with politicians who seem more preoccupied with naming schools after themselves. What a joke. Just think how the city administrators have let old raggedy buildings sit for decades or actually for generations. The Majestic Theater has been sitting there just like it is ever since I was a little girl. I am now a 58 year old grandmother. East St. Louis needs the Army Corp of Engineers to come in with a kingsize bulldozer and clear out the whole darn city, including the alley cat politicians. Perhaps an easy way to bring some relief and commerce to this sorry city that has not had any for generations, is to fly over Mexico and drop a bunch of flyers with a map of East St. Louis and a headline that reads in Spanish, "Cheapest Property on Earth". That will probably be the only way anything is going to happen in the 'City Without Pity'. At least there is the possibility of a booming downtown economy of tacos stands, restaurant establishments, swap meets, farmer's markets, import shops, community festivals, currency exchanges, cut rate furniture, baby stores, party supply stores, art & crafts, home improvement stores that also sell garden supplies, of course, and anything else your little heart desires.

cocabrown		18-Jul-2007 15:31
Vonica, Give me a BREAK-unless you want to be part of the madness, GO BACK:-)If there is going to be positive change, give the youths outlets instead of easy access to drugs and guns. The place is a shit hole. I could never go back until they change the people making decisions. How about curfews and accountability? How about some real SEX education? How about you pray that we be accountable for our own children and ourselves? You are not going to move back-there are NO decent areas AT ALL!!!!!!!

Voncia		17-Jul-2007 21:21
What are we doing!!!!? Why haven't we went back to help the ones who are suffering in East Saint Louis. I plane too. What is the problem with us why are we so far from Christ if you grew up in East Saint Louis, I can say one thing you "do" know the Lord Jesus. What has happen to us why have we forsaken our brothers and sisters there why have we let the Enemy come and destroy what the Lord has placed in our hands. If you still live there why haven't you talked to your family members on the corners who's selling dope to your other family members. Why do you, listen to all the debatchery ( I know I spelled this word wrong); No time to correct it, and the rudeness that comes from our little ones 2 years of age and up, it is ver sad how the children talk there and how they fight each other there. Where are their parents who are there mothers and fathers and what has happen to us were we can not talk to each other and will the "MEN" in east Saint Louis PLEASE!!!!!! stand up, get an education and start taking care of your children and stop saleing Dope to your mothers, and fathers what has happen to you all where is the Love. Well, I will be back, I am away preparing my self for greatness so I can come back and build and leave a legacy, I will get as many young men in East Saint Louis as I can, Saved Sactifyed and allow them to follow on the right tracks and become great men of God but I need men to help me because I know a woman can only tell a man what is right but she can not and will not ever be able to teach a man how to be a man because she has never been a man. Yes she could install some great values and norms but a woman alone will never be able to teach a man to be a man. I strongly believe that the man is the head , so what is going to happen if all the heads are cut from us..... Yes, you are right we die, the body can not function without the head...... PLease will the real men stand up and help raise the not so real men up.... O live you all and I will be back strong as ever with the help of the Lord Jesus because we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. And MOTHERS, we need to help the young women there they only know how to get their hair and nails done and party Wen. Thur. and Frid, and Sat., and what makes it really bad they party on Sunday after church I know I was once one....I do not speak for all women when I say this because we have some strong sisters getting their schooling on. but, YOU the one who has left and know better come back and "HELP FOR GODS SAKE"..... I do not apologize if you are offended, you need to hear the truth. And WE all need JESUS.............

Guest		16-Jul-2007 14:38
Kelly,I believe that the gentlemen that is traveling to East ST. Louis. I do not think he attended anything negative by his comment. At least I hope that is the case. I am from East ST. Louis born and raise. I live in the ATL.now.I get this all the time, that our home is so bad.I am sure he has viewed the negative comments from these close minded "ASS" people.Yes there is a lot of crime in East ST. Louis and there is crime through out the world. There are good and evil people as well in the world. I say that to say come judge East ST. Louis and the people for your self. That way you can say you have experience it for your self. And not go by what you here other people say. You need to watch your back where ever the hell you go, do not get it twisted. This is the currupt as USA we live in, every body is out for them selves....

Kelly		15-Jul-2007 20:56
Do you really have to state that you are white and he is black? Is it really uncommon for you to interact with someone of a different color that you feel so inclined to share this experience with us? You are obviously over compensating for your true feelings by expressing them here. There are many good people in East St. Louis, you just have to watch out for the few that cause most of the problems. East St. Louis is a dump but that doesn't mean you won't come across pleasant people while you are there, if this surprises you then you need to get out more.

Guest		15-Jul-2007 04:01
I will be travelling to East St. Louis tomorrow night. My daughter was driving from Chicago to visit a friend at Washington University. The car broke down (around midnight) and was towed by AAA to a Meineke shop in ESL. I had numerous phone calls with the mechanic there today and he couldn't have been more nicer or more helpful. He was even willing to stay past their closing time to fix the car. Unfortunately about 40 minutes after they were supposed to close he called to tell me he could find the part today. I will be spending a few hours in their shop on Monday morning as he called to have a part shipped overnight. I am looking forward to meeting the SUPERB gentleman I dealt with over the phone today. I am white and he knows that. I also know that he is black, as is the rest of the neighborhood according to my daughter. Am I supposed to feel some kind of tension when I get there? because I certainly did not find a hint of it in our phone conversations. I am going there to drive home with my daughter as all of her friends have to get back to Chicago tomorrow and I don't want her driving all the way by herself with a car that has just had mechanical problems.

Guest		09-Jul-2007 14:05
Brother Lenny, I concur. After I posted this comment, I did notice some of your comments stating that you were from East St. Louis. That's what's up. Have you thought about running for mayor? Ms.D. Powell and I attended jr. High and High school together. How did she fair as mayor? You appear to have "Very Strong Beliefs". I will come back on some weekends to help support your campain. Lenny for Mayor.

robin		09-Jul-2007 04:35
MY NAME IS ROBIN I TO AM FROM THIS CITY I MUST SAY EVENTHOUGH I STILL VISIT MY FAMILY ONCE A YEAR THIS TOWN IS JUST NOT FOR ME. I FIRST LEFT IN 1991,I MOVED TO CO SPRINGS CO I REALLY LOVE THAT STATE IT IS VERY BEATIFULLY PLACE TO STAY BUT MY SON STILL GOT IN TROUBLE THERE. MY SON IS NOW DOING 24YRS IN PRISION YES I MOVED TO GIVE HIM A BETTER LIFE.AT LEAST I CAN SAY HE GRADUATED AND HAS TWO YRS OF COLLEGE UNDER HIS BELT.I NOW LIVE IN NC I LOVE THE WEATHER HERE BUT THE JOB MARKET SUCKS I DECIDED TO GO TO COLLEGE I DONT DOWN THE CITY IT'S JUST NOT FOR ME AT LEAST NOT RIGHT NOW IM HOPING THE NEW MAYOR CAN GET IT ON THE RIGHT TRACK GOOD LUCK TO ALL MY PEOPLE THAT HAS THE COURAGE TO STAY I JUST COULD'S I SEND MY LOVE TO YOU ALL

lenny		08-Jul-2007 15:09
Guest (29 June, 2007) Yes, I am from ESL. Born and raised there. Still work there in a public service capacity. Read some of my previous comments. My brother, there are many problems the people of ESL are faced with. However, we have to start somewhere. Execuses have no place in my world, so let's forget them. The social services mentality of our people has to go too. The blood sucking, self indulged, narrow sighted politicians must go. and so on, and so on, and so on. At the end of the day, we must educate ourselves. We must become aware of what's going on around us on a daily basis. I agree that our leadership is corrupt; but who elects them? Corrupt people perhaps? I agree that we all have needs some times; but is this a perpetual problems? Hell, if the new TANF law was not put in effect in 1997(not sure), a lot of our people, black people, would venture to make a living of welfare. What kind of sh.. is that? All I am saying is, we gotta make progress and not excuses!

GR Johnson		05-Jul-2007 03:17
I was born in E. St. Louis in 1942 at Christian Welfare Hospital. I attended Harding Elementary and Clark Junior High. It was a beautiful place. My father worked for Alcoa. In 1955 he got a job with Eastern Air Lines in Miami. I have been back a few times and feel so sad as to what I see. I use to live on 67th Street off State Street. I wish the best to the people that are trying to restore my birth place!!!. I also loved going to Jones Park!!!

Guest		02-Jul-2007 21:01
I feel if you haven't stayed there then you can't say shit about it...i have lost many friends to the streets of East Saint but I have also met great people that helped me become who I am today.........I have my Masters in Chemistry and still acheiving as we speak.........thanks

Guest		02-Jul-2007 17:26
Awful city. Why would anyone live there? Looks like Iraq. I can't believe this city is in the United States. If people are poor I can see why the robbing and stealing crime stats are high, but that's no excuse for the rape stats. That's disgusting. These people raping woman are the worst-of-the-worst. I can't see how this city will rise again. Who would want to have a business there?

Guest		29-Jun-2007 16:50
Brother Lenny, Ok you are correct interms of the population. My point is, that there is crime in every state.Let's ease up on my home town. If the goverment funding was place in the right hands, it would be a better place to live in. We are very strong people in East ST. Louis, we will over come these crises one day......Lenny are you from East Saint?

Wcrosby		28-Jun-2007 21:48
In order for My city to rise again, we must first get rid of anyone who was in office during the sevnties, eighties, nineties and some of two thousands. You see this where the problem start. For years they've been raping our city of resources it needs to rise. All they do steal, con our elders to vote for them or make falsehoods on what they're going to do. We can rise again but we must get rid of these old school policticians and board members. Then Bring in some new blood. And for all those haters, especially across the bridge, we all know city is worse. All you have to do is read the "Whirl" newspaper. One thing we need to stop all this negativity, especially black folks. It does not matter where you from, you gonna always be Black. Stop putting down you own people. Be apart of the solution, not the problem. If we can come together as a race; support, uplift, nerture and look out for each other then we can rise. If we can accomplish these simple feets then East Boogie can rise again as an All- American city

lenny		28-Jun-2007 18:56
Mr. Bradley, Get real!! East St. Louis has a population of a little over maybe 27,000. Atlant has over 400,000 people. To say that it is just as much crime in ATL as in ESL is absurd. Put in perspective, ATL is at least 14 times the size of ESL. If ATL had 30 homocides per year it would almost not register percentage wise. Less than a percent. If ESL had 30 homocides in a year it would be about a 7% murder rate. Think in terms of per capita man, and quit trippin. No comparison between ATL and ESL.

cc		28-Jun-2007 17:36
i was born and raised in ESL and no matter where i go in life, or how many places i move to, ESL is always my hometown. no shame here!

Guest		28-Jun-2007 15:14
Most of the people who were born in East St. Louis or one of it's surrounding towns such as centreville and Alorton, grow up and move on in search of a better life. There is nothing wron with paying homage to where you were born, but there is something wrong with not searching for something better.

Anthony Bradley		28-Jun-2007 14:59
For those of you, who have forgotten where you have come from let's not forget the good times. (1) Long lines waiting for chinese food (2) Greasey Church's Chicken after the high school dance. (3) I am going back on you now, remember the drive In.by eastside high school. (4) Going down to the river front for the 4th of July fire works.(5) After washing your car, cruzing down state street avoiding those pot holes, driving 10 mile per hour.I live in Atlanta now but I STILL MISS ALL OF THIS!!!!! EAST BOOGIE FOR LIFE!!!

Anthony Bradley		27-Jun-2007 21:15
I was born and raised in East Saint Louis as well, I left in 1985. I moved away for a better way of living. I have no regrets growing up in East Saint Louis, it just made me a stronger person in life. I live in Atlanta GA. now.It is just as much crime here as it is back home, crime is every where. I visit home at least twice a year,when I bring guest's home with me to visit, yes they do make fun of it. I tell them all the time I am "East Boggie To I Die". I would not wante to be raised any where else other than the Boggie.Only the strong survive, if you soft, stay the Hell Out!!!

Guest		25-Jun-2007 00:00
@ East St. bomba Who said anything about what people look like? I have read many of the comments and I don't see racism, I see people being critical and I also see people being delusional. If you want respect, stop writing like an ignorant person. What is your point about saying something to someones face? Many of the critics aren't looking for a fight. The residents of East St. Louis can make a difference, you can clean up your town. East St. Louis is one of the most decayed cities I have ever seen. Illinois is filled with abandoned and decayed business districts, while East St. Louis has more hope and life compared to Cairo, Illinois, it has a long way to go until perception changes for the better.

East St. bomba		23-Jun-2007 22:17
My thing is everybody always got something to say bout East St. but how many people would come to my town and say bad stuff to our people? we can't help where we are from or what we look like or how we talk but East St. will FOREVER be my home and i'm still repping to the fullest!!! Er body else just needs to quit hating cuz in da long run St. Louis ain't no better than us and thats just being real

lenny		18-Jun-2007 19:51
In looking at thank GOD we don't all have the same mentality. I was born and raised in ESL. I work in a leadership position, and I am ashamed of the condition of my city. Anyone who isn't is merely in denial. Might as well face up to it fellow ESLians. The City is in turmoil, and in order for us to turn things around here, we must first feel ashamed and even embarrassed about our City. Where there is no conviction (guilty feelings)there is no motivation to change. Every time one of you native ESLians make an ignorant statement about being proud of your City, be aware that what you are really saying is that you are proud of the condition of the City. What is there to be proud of here? Le't not talk about the number of professional athelets that came from ESL. So what! They are all living somewhere else nice. Gauranteed! What is there to be proud of? The fact of the matter is that a community is made up of people. Therefore, if a community is in shambles, then what does that say about the people? Hey, I know some of you are going to say something like, my parents raised me right, or my grandma and grandpa always made sure we where fed, clothed and did our homework and they were good people. That's wonderful! That's an indication that they instilled good personal values in you. Are you using them? If you are, good for you. However, there is obviously not enough of you. That's a fact. If there were, it would be evident in our community. If you are considered a non-productive part of a society, assuming you have all of your mental and physical capacity intact, either you are not practicing the morales and values instilled in you by our parents and teachers or even gaurdians when growing up; or you were never taught morales and values growing up. (much could be said about this). Ok, blame it on leadership. That wont work either. Why? Because leaders are people chosen to lead by other people. That's what happens in a Democracy. Come up with any excuse for the condition of the City that you want, and I gaurantee I will be able to refute it. Try me! I guess what I am saying people is that we need to feel bad about our City, and stop making excuses for the condition of it. Only then will we will be motivated to change it. Replace your PRIDE with PRODUCTION, and maybe we can get somwhere! I feel sorry for Derryck.

Guest		18-Jun-2007 19:13
Please do not judge East St. Louis is you have never stayed her. It's poverty in EVERY city. If you look at St. Louis, Mo...someone gets killed over there every day. I see that all the out of towners dont hestitate to come to East St. Louis to go and spend money on the Casino Queen. Hmmmmmm! Im a EAST ST. LOUISIAN TO HEART! I love my city! If you have any more comments, contact me. james_johnson90@Hotmail.com

Guest		17-Jun-2007 03:58
lol @ the guest who posted on 4-25.... new york city is heralded as one of the safest cities in america.

Guest		16-Jun-2007 19:07
No, every city does not need an East St. Louis. Many of you are living in a hip-hop song. East St. Louis is a wasteland. How about you keep it real and admit that East St. Louis is a slummy, littered, run down embarrassment to its neighbor across the river. Get your act together, grow up and clean your town up. If you see litter pick it up, if the paint is pealing on your house, sand it down and paint it. If I was from East St. Louis, I wouldn't be proud, I would be embarrassed. The city is in decay and the people are looked down at because they don't have any pride to clean up after themselves. Some uneducated souls might think it is cool to be from East St. Louis because it might be perceived as tough and street cred worthy but then reality sinks in and you realize East St. Louis is nothing more than a stop between Belleville and St. Louis on the metro with crumbling buildings along the way.

Derryck Tazzell Jenkins		16-Jun-2007 15:58
I lived in East Boogie, & the city had its UPS & downs, BUT, Overall, people still LOVES it, even the haters, especially the ones that comes over to visits the strip clubs, & even the ones that comes over to do they dirt, like kills or do bodily injuries to St. Louis, E. St. Louis, or Out-Of-Town natives! Everybody has their own opinion, but, people can say that, Everywhere needs a East Boogie or, is it there?

Jenine Humber		14-Jun-2007 18:19
Wow... Your opinion of ESL was so articulate. I am from ESL also. I went to Assumption Catholic High School. I graduated in 1980. I loved growing up there. My cousins and I were always walking to the skating rink (MLK) or to Jones Park. It amazes me that there are NO outlets for the youth in the city. They have no caring leadership anymore. There is so much to be proud of at home. I was among some of the most successful succession of graduates form Assumption. The only reason most of us haven't returned is because it is so unsafe. I would love to come back home. My Mother and sister were murdered in 1985, Minnie (Thurman) Morris and Dawn Blanton. It was so awful. Someone, of course no one seen anything even though it was on a bright sunny June day. They were stabbed to death in my Mothers home. My sister was only home with her three year old son temporarily while her husband was transitioning to Korea. It nearly destroyed me. My grandmother and aunts (3) are still living there. I would love it if my Grandmother would move to Arizona with one of her daughters. I have been very blessed in my life, but living in ESL made me very appreciative of what hard work is. It made me KNOW that you cannot get anything for NOTHING. You come out of there with a level of "street smarts" that is unparallel-REALLY:-) I am currently living in MA. I love my life, but nothing; I mean nothing will take ESL out of my heart.

bcp		28-May-2007 05:13
Isn't it a shame that the so-called Ghetto's brightest achiever's chose to abandon thier birthright's. We live in a consumer oriented society that dictates our thoughts.Beverly Hills,Ladue Mo.,and the richest abodes in America creates places like E. St. Louis IL. and Gary,Ind. ect. All of us are one step away from poverty and death. Pretend that they don't exsist. If you have something to offer (keep your money) invest some of your time and effort to add a blessing to the so-called ghetto, or be careful of what you say or perhaps you will end up with the bad reputation and ghetto mentality.

Jack		25-May-2007 18:41
I lived in Quincy, Illinois, which was not too far from East St. Louis. The only time that we ever drove through East St. Louis was if we took a wrong turn! I can remember East St. Louis in the early 60's, and it was starting to decay then.

guest		23-May-2007 01:42
I was born in 1927 and raised in East St.Louis.I was married in 1950 to a girl from Wisconsin I met in college. I remember swiming at Jones Park and playing baseball in that area,which was called the No1 ball diamond. I remember Argonne Drive and ice skating on the lagoon in winter and went to St Elizabeth grade school and East St. Louis high school. My father had a mens store on Collinsville Ave. and lost it in the depression. I cannot say anything bad about the town. We survived.

james robinson		22-May-2007 14:00
I was born there in 1954, by the mid sixtys it already a shit hole, it's far worst, left in 1972, and never look back, i will never go back to that shit hole. james e robinson

lenny		21-May-2007 17:27
To the Guest traveling through (May 19, 2007 entry) The Crown Hotel adjacent to the Casino Queen Riverboat. Located on the Riverfront right off the highway. Suggest you do search in Mapquest or some other mapping website for door to door directions. The address is 200 South Front Street, East St. Louis, IL 62201. ph: (618) 874-5000 Barbeque: The Red Door located on 2138 St. Clair Avenue, East St. Louis, IL 62205. Suggest you do map search for directions to this also. Both locations are just off the highway. Enjoy.

Tom Porter		19-May-2007 07:28
This is what happens when we have a "Global Economy" with things like "NAFTA". We need to start MAKING things in this country again! We CANNOT continue to keep importing things from China!!! When that stops it's going to stop quick and the Chinese won't get their money because we'll be BROKE!

Guest		19-May-2007 02:25
My wife and I are traveling through East St Louis next week. I'd love to find a nice motel and great BBQ place along I70. Suggestions?

Guest		15-May-2007 18:18
I HATE FOR PEOPLE TO MAKE IGNORANT COMMENTS ABOUT "DA CITY"... AIN'T NUHTIN WRONG WIT IT SO PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP DA SILLINESS TO THEY SELF... IMA EAST SAINT LOUIS NATIVE... SO HATAZ FALL BACK

Breakthecycle		13-May-2007 05:49
I worked in E. St. Louis for a while at the Casino Queen and I have met so many wonderful people that reside in this city. Unfortunately it is very difficult to break the cycle of a city's culture. E. St. Louis has a poor education system. You can say what you want about schools and testing favoring white children, however there is an undeniable pattern that has been set in this community. How is a child going to succeed while their parents have grown up in a community that blames others for its problems. The graduation rate of this city is terrible because children have had parents that were not ready to be parents for generations now. I first hand witnessed a couple that was having a child that came into Casino Queen every night. The pregnant mother would sit around until six in the morning and wait for the father to be to get done playing craps. What a horrible place for a mother to be!!! The second hand smoke in this casino has given employees that don't smoke lung cancer, and a mother to be was spending hours there every night. I didn't see that couple for two weeks when she delivered the baby. Unfortunately they were back every night after those two weeks. I wonder who the hell was watching their child while they pissed away their money. What a good way for a child to grow up. Great role models! One last thing, I got really tired of hearing the gunfire every other morning and having an employee of the Queen find a dead body next to the train tracks near the property. Break the cycle people. That is the only way to make this city better.

Donald M Weeks		08-May-2007 18:59
My name is Donald Weeks. I am a retired Old Catholic priest and I lived in East Saint Louis three times during my ministry. I am originally from Scott Field/Shiloh. When I was a young lad (1960) I had an ice-cream rout in ESL, from Kinghighway to 89th Street, My favorite elementry schhol teacher and later, ESL High School teacher Loraine LaChance lived in ESL, just around the corner from Saint Patrick Church, on Vogal Place. She refused to leave ESL when other white people were terrified of the city. In the mid-1960s I lived on Lincoln Trail and spent my days in ESL at Saint Tesea's helping students that had tough times at home. Those summers, I worked with many people who became life-long friends and loved ones. I returned to ESL in 1984, to become president of the ESL Bible Institute, in the old Holy Angels Church rectory. After becomming friends with Mator Carl Officer, I worked with others to help gang members with their home-problems and family situations. Many a night I spent at the Gateway Hospital. They fimally made me a chaplain and I conduct Sunday Services there. I spent hours at a Jr High School on 35 and State Streets and often had days for the students where Jerry Costello, Sheriff Justice, Senator Ken Hall and Mr. Officer would come as my guests and participate in programs of education. Mr. Clyde Jordan was a great frirnd of mine. A man who had the best interst of ESL. I had the honor to participate in his home-going. Another jewell of the city was Mr. Officer of the Officer Funeral Home. I watched him cry with folk, bury them when they were dirt poor and the family had no money. He would buy a nice dress for the ladies and a suit for the man. I met many sportsmen in ESL like Spanky Wilson and believe it or not, I knew many thugs and gang members who were pretty nice people. It was the circumstances that involved them in a life of crine. I wish I could be in contact with some of those men today. Tony Penn, Robert Hill Perkins (who murdered a boy for taunting him in Belleville), John and John Yates, whos father worked at State Community College. Then there is the other side of the city. My home was robbed several time and there was no police protection. I was robbed at gun point on outter State street. The man was going to kill me, but when he found out I was a minister, he let me go saying "my grandma goes to the Baptist Church on Bond Avenue and she would not like me killing a minister" I think I could write paragraph after paragraph about East Saint Louis. I love the city, I support Mayor Carl Officer, His brother Myron is another jewell in the crown and speking of jewells, Mrs. Ann Jordan, Jeff Cooper and all those whom I have forgotten to mention, because I am an old man now and my memory slips away at times. I lived at 1722 MLK Avenue and was Chaplain at Gateway Community Hospital. I still have my badge and I can remember on Sunday Morning, a lady 96 years old stood up and said she wanted to be saved. She was a 'mother' in a local church. We told her that she already was saved and had been for years. That afternoon she went to every room in the hospital proclaiming her salvation. She died that Wednesday. It made me sick to visit East Saint Louis and see that hospital standing as it is. Contact me if you like, I have nothing to hide, but I have love to share. Donald M. Weeks, OSB DMWeeks@aol.com

Geneka Gully		07-May-2007 19:56
How many of you people live in this fallen city? How many of you work here? How many of you pay your taxes and call the city home? Probably not many of you. To kill all of the skepticism, yes, the city does have a high crime rate and has fallen drastically from glory. However, Home is where the heart is. I was educated in east saint louis as a pre- college student, which are the formative years. In my later years- college- I went off. Currently, I live, work, have my children educated, shop and play in the beautiful city of East Saint Louis. We all know that we have problems. However, show me a city with no problems. There are people like you - negative, pesomistic, retroactive, lazy and judmental- that keep our city down. I have a challenge for you....GET OFF YOUR THRONES, RETIRE THE CROWNS AND CONTRIBUTE.

Pam		26-Apr-2007 21:38
There is a lot of tqlk about ESL, but is there anyone out there to make aq difference. Instead of talking about the problems, help to find the solutions to the problems. Anything can be changed, if people cme togather to make a change. SO MAKE THAT CHANGE MAN IN THE MIRROR!!!

LaVeeda Simmons/ Jones		26-Apr-2007 19:22
Growing up in East St. Louis was great for me. I would not change it for anything. I learned how to survive and I learned how to give back. I know the city needs some work but for the work to be done, families, and community leaders have to give back for it to be more beautiful than what it is now. There is beauty all over East St. Louis and it is in the people. Beauty is not in having new streets, new buildings, new homes. Beauty is making what you have into a home and a community that makes others feel loved and appreciated. My family and many of my heros still live and work in the community and I would not trade my family and heros for anything. I will say that if we get leaders to come in and lead and not destroy, East St. Louis can do nothing but progress. All the people who talk badly about our city need to take off the nice clean Harvard ware and put on the down and dirty make it clean gear and do something to help the people continue to make EAST SAINT LOUIS HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest		25-Apr-2007 22:07
For all the people who think E.St. Louis is the worst city,you are DEAD wrong.Let's talk about many other cities that have a high crime rate New York,St.Louis, and so on. Now that E.St.Louis is a black city everyone wants to but it down.If it was still white then it would have been fund things in the city, create jobs. ,13 year old student prospective!!!!

Guest		23-Apr-2007 01:59
Maybe you need to annex Sauget, they are the ones that took your jobs. Could East St. Louis be a respected community again? Sure... But it will never be anything special and if you think it would you are only fooling yourself. Presidents still visit East St. Louis. President Clinton came through East St. Louis on his "Ghetto Tour" because East St. Louis is one of the worst decayed cities in America. East St. Louis, Camden, NJ & Gary, Indiana are the 3 worst wastelands in America. Anacostia, Washington D.C. would be #4.

Col. Walt Johnson		22-Apr-2007 19:00
other famous people who made ESL home at one time or another were : Ike & Tina Turner, Jospehine baker, Jackie Joyner, and her famous Sister in Law. Back in the 1950's until we moved in the mid 1960's ESL was the center of the universe it seemed. back then organized crime kept things cleam, but it is also what contributed to the downfall of the city. Can ESL come back ? Sure it can and I feel that it will. Southern Illinois has a branch campus there now. That is progerss. Now what the city needs to do it take back the streets. Make the area too uncomfortable for the gangs and drug dealers. Clean up the buildings now in shambles. Ride that Mayors office to death until he does something, or get rid of him and elect someone who will. The town was once full of jobs, it can be that way again, but you have to give potential employeers good reasons to come. You already have a work force ready to take jobs. The real estate values are also at a point that should encourage development. All you need is someone to organize these efforts. East St. Louis was once the center of the univesrse it seemed. Presidents visited there at one time. Get the pride back and place your efforts where your pride is at. As to the assorted people who have left negative words here, hey, it is America, even if they have no idea what they are talking about they have a right to shoot off thier mouths

Randy		19-Apr-2007 23:09
It is great the people are proud of East St. Louis but East St. Louis is one of the most run down towns in America. I have traveled quite a bit and I must say that it is an embarrassment to St. Louis to have East St. Louis across the river. The only reason why people go to the East Side is for strip clubs. How about some of you with so much pride, bend over and pick up some trash when you walk the streets. I am a fan of grit but even I am ashamed to show people St. Louis' neighbor to the east.

Guest		19-Apr-2007 04:18
So,you saw a dead body in the street? East Saint Louis is the worst place you ever seen? Be serious how fare did you travel into East Ssint Louis when you came. I have lived her for 21 years and I have never saw a dead body laying around. You had nothing else to do with your time. If East Saint Louis is the worse place you ever seen you need to travel more. You should really do some research before you make such a comment!!!!! Why you go to the travel park and post pictures of that?

Guest		19-Apr-2007 02:45
I saw the facades of the buildings of downtown E St L from the interstate a couple of years ago, and it took me a while to figure out where they were. The ornate old building fronts look magical to a stranger from a distance. I have driven back (minivan and all) a couple of times to take pictures. I'm only in the area once or twice a year, but would gladly support some of the local merchants if people could suggest shopping areas.

Guest		18-Apr-2007 16:38
THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF EAST ST LOUIS CONTINUES TO HIRE THESE MAYORS AND NEVER HOLD THEM TO ANY TYPE OF STANDARD. THE STREETS IN THIS CITY IS TERRIBLE

Mike		17-Apr-2007 00:21
one of the worst places I have ever seen saw a dead body lieng in a pile of trash. this was in the early 90's

lenny		16-Apr-2007 17:53
Catherine, Agree 100%. You must be a Business Major. Better still, maybe you simply employ common sense. Need more people with insight such as yours. Hopefully it's contagious.

Ursula Whitfield		16-Apr-2007 04:14
Thanks for all of the people who still have faith that ESL can be a viable place to live and raise a family. I also want to send a shout out to my classmate, D. Murdock. We go way back and I have some fond memories. Also to Ms. Dunn, we lived in the same neighborhood and I attended school with your brother, Mike. Now, I still believe that this city can be a place to be proud of again and will explore options to do so. It is time that I put my money where my mouth is. Since losing my mother recently and having come home, I have to say that there are aspects that I miss about this city. Anyway, take care and let's keep the faith. Ursula Whitfield

Guest		14-Apr-2007 23:14
this is the nastiest place in the world.it used to be a beautiful city.how can anyone defend this?people who live there cant walk the street without being raped,robbed,or murdered.now it is moving to cahokia and dupo.i did grow up there,until i was 11.thank god,my dad got us out of there.prostitutes roam the streets,blacks killing blacks and whites.living like rats in a tin shit house.

Guest		13-Apr-2007 21:26
People dumb enough to re-elect Carl Officer after what he did during his first term in office deserve what they get.

Guest		13-Apr-2007 19:32
What a friggin dump. Reminds me of Compton, Watts, INglewood, South Chicago. I wonder why?

Catherine Billups		11-Apr-2007 19:19
For those of you that are so busy "knocking" East St Louis, why don't you take a stake in its future by purchasing the lowered-price parcels that are sure to bring untold wealth to your children in the future. That is what I call investment in a future! If you know your history at all, that is the way it goes. Knock it down, then build it up.

Lashanda		10-Apr-2007 02:56
I was born and raised in East St. I moved out of state as a teenager. No matter where I go it's still home. No matter what it looks like it's still home.

Guest		09-Apr-2007 18:25
East St Louis I was raised up in Washington Park, and grew up in School District 189, and East St Louis has a whole lot of potential, only if there be a change in city officials. It is time for new faces in city hall instead of the same people running for such positions every chance they get and winning. There are ghetto's everywhere here in america & I just came from Toronto Canada and there is even ghetto areas in Canada. And i have a statement "If you haven't lived one day in East St Louis, then don't talk about something you never experienced." & Alexi add Trenton NJ to the mix

Col. Walt Johnson		09-Apr-2007 05:40
I grew up on 13th just off State Street, would love some photos, then and now of that area, These are great, but do make a person homesick

Guest		02-Apr-2007 23:21
some people need to learn how to write

Guest		30-Mar-2007 05:00
Hello my fellow ESL comrades and you too Eugene Redmond my fellow ex classmate and graduate of class 1957 midterm snow on the ground old Lincoln High. Looking at those pictures posted above really brought back many memories when everything was not so somber. Presently living in San Diego Ca. after my 20 year stint in the Navyand having traveled over 3/4 of the way around the world. I never disowned ESL the place of my birth but find it very difficult to live there under its present situation. Like that old blues song, I ain't gon quit you baby , im just gon put you down for a while. It's been 1984 since I've been back that way. There are quite a few ESL people here in calif. Got CHA back SYLVESTER JOHNSON . EMAIL SLVESTLOUIS@WEBTV.NET

l		29-Mar-2007 17:33
Also, as a side note to all of you pro-ESLians. Maybe concentrate more on what needs to be done here, and less (if any) on what people have to say about this place. A wise man once said, "It's not what they call you; it's what you answer to that determines who you are." Food for thought.

lenny		29-Mar-2007 17:29
Christol, Are your intentions after you finish with your education to come back here and put that education to use here; or will you do like most others do after they finish college, and get the hell outa here? Just wondering.

Christol		28-Mar-2007 14:14
Okay- I was born and raised in E. St. Louis. As a college graduate with two bachelors and working towards completing my Masters. I still attend church and have several family members that still reside. You know you people that decide to post a negative comment about East Boogie, just says that you have no substance. Yes, we know that the city could use some improvements..but as one person mentioned already, there are many places in the world that are in much worse conditions, and are you doing anything to contribute to rebuilding the community..probably not because you are selfish and not so bright.

Michelle		28-Mar-2007 00:12
I WAS RAISED IN EAST ST LOUIS ILLINOIS. Ilove home,but I would like to see some Pogress. I still have a lot of relatives their.My brother has a cab business their.Their are a lot o professional people that came from East ST.louis Illinois and I AM ONE OF THEM. THAT WAS THE BRIDGE THAT BROUGHT ME OVER.

Guest		18-Mar-2007 18:30
Ms. Tyra I believe if east st. louis political leaders and people in this community would stick together to rebuild the whole city and the streets, east st. louis will be a beautiful place to live.And that's the focus everybody should have on the place where they live,and that's making it better place. One shouldn't down the place where they live,let's do something about it.let's think positive and stay positive.Everybody needs to get involved to get this done. for ex.get up on saturdays and tear down those vacant buildings, sweep the streets,remove graffitti off the buildings, rebuild downtown east st. louis and let's live comfortable. Let's show our children that we care.

lenny		13-Mar-2007 21:10
Thanks Kim, My name is lenny, as you can see in the comments. I too was educated outside of the ESL proximity, and I too chose to come back here and contribute back to my community. Mind you, I do not live in the City. But this is not necesarily because I don't want to. It is because I have concerns about the safety of my wife and daughter. I live just outside of ESL in Belleville, however, I work for the City, I invest in the City, I spend my money in the City. All of this in hopes of one day being able to help create a safe, stable and sustainable community that my family and I can move back into it. Thank you.

e luster		13-Mar-2007 16:52
I have one thing to say about the people who dont like EAST ST LOUIS.............IF YOU THINK IT SUCKS DONT GO THERE................PERIOD.All the folk that live there are not bad people.There are bad people everywhere,every state,every city.If you want the perfect place to live keep praying hopefully you will go to heaven.Until then shut your pie hole about MY CITY!

Kim Hawkins		12-Mar-2007 01:43
All very interesting comments. I am a current resident of ESL. I moved back after graduating college. I lived in Belleville and St. Louis before moving back to ESL. The ironic thing is that I am choosing to live here where my husband and I are raising our boys, and I never thought I would raise my children here. One earlier comment said it best. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. I choose to be a part of the solution. The solution for me is to help inform the citizens who do care, put my money where my mouth is and volunteer my time & efforts where I can. I recently became an Election Judge and was amazed at the naivet� of other judges. Some did not even know who was on the ballot. It's easy to give up and walk away and I sometimes too get discouraged, but for now I vow to stay involved, and get more involved. All of the citizens should know what's going on in your school districts and your city government. The information may not seem readily available, but it's there. I implore all of you who care, to get involved, stay involved, and spread the word. Demand change, attend city government meetings & forums, write your state and city leaders, ask questions. So much of the information out there is public information and as a resident and taxpaying citizen, you have the right to it. Do not lie down, do not give up and for God's sake, do not be so quick to dispose of people. You have to maintain hope & faith, because without either we are all doomed, ESL resident or not.

Kiara		08-Mar-2007 23:32
RESPECT EAST.ST.LOUIS!!!!! If you cannot respect east.st louis then maybe people should not leave disrespectful comment s i LOVE EAST.ST.LOUIS and that's were i am from and i tell the truth it's not all that bad like people say it is matter of fact it's not bad at all some people just make it seem a bad place and all they do is think that because a handful of people just mess it up i hate when i moved because they think just because i am from EAST.ST.LOUIS that i am a bad person or just about to walk up to someone and stab them for no reason but it's not like that people should just keep EAST.ST.LOUIS out their mouth if it's not good so holla back EAST.ST.LOUIS ALLDAY WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T WORRY ABOUT THOSE WHO SHALL PUT YOU DOWN BUT REMEMBER THAT YOU STAY HERE AND YOU KNOW WHAT AND WHAT'S NOT TRUE SO DON'T WORRY!!! MUCH LUV MZ.KIARA A.K.A MZ KEKE THE ONE LADY !!!ONE!!!

keashia		08-Mar-2007 19:57
I hate East St. Louis until i die!!!!!!!!!!!!

James L Drummond		07-Mar-2007 20:08
I love my City! I was born and raised in East ST. Louis. I have traveled all over this world and I will tell you there is no place like home. I have been in the military for over 20 years. I grew up on 2535 Monroe Street. I remember the fun days attending school at Jefferson Elementary on 25th Street. We would get up in the morning and get ready...wait for all of our friends and walk to school together, on the corner of 25th and Waverly St. stood two neighborhood stores. We would stop in the store first, and grab our favorite snacks (Now& Later Chico-sticks...) I really loved that place. After school we would run home to watch our favorite cartoon (speed racer or Giant robot). Ounce our chores� and homework were done we rush out side to play stick ball, base ball, and ride bikes until the street lights came on. And during the summer I loved helping my dad with one of his many businesses and that was building barbecue pits and pick nick tables. We even had fun during the winter months. We would build sleds and go to the "old-folks home" and slide down the large hills surrounding it. Everyone knew each other and we all seemed to get along (except for the occasional fight at school. I also attended Rock Jr. High for a short time. I attended Lansdowne Jr. High too. The best High school in the world was Lincoln Sr. High, and we had a great time there also. I said all of that to say this, back up off of my city!

alan		06-Mar-2007 22:58
I live over in st. chuck (st. charles) and I have been through the east side plenty of times. the place is a joke. can you say eminent domain? I can't believe people still live there. They should blow it down and reconstruct a new urbanized community there, like new town (even though new town is kinda creepy). And if not, somebody should buy it all (cant be over 2 million for the downtown area) and turn it into the worlds biggest urban paintball arena!! now that would be sweet, and it would attract lots of visitors.

Andrea		28-Feb-2007 17:38
This comment is in response to the gentleman who wondered why he was questioned by a trooper when he was lost in E. St. Louis. Yes this is relatively routine. In more of the crime ridden areas of the city when a police officer sees something out of the ordinary (i.e. a White person riding up and down the street)the officer will want to see what is wrong. More than likely the White person is in the city trying to buy drugs. This happens so much that unfortunately racial profiling takes place. Especially in recent months when two white females were "missing" and either the female was found or her body was found in E. St. Louis. These females were not there against their will. They were there scoring drugs and unfortunately did not have positive results. So to answer your question...this is why the trooper asked what you were doing.

Guest		27-Feb-2007 16:01
Jayson, For a city comparable to ESL, check out Flint, MI. Used to be a major auto manufacturing city, with a tremendous downtown. It is so sad to drive thgough it. As of a few months ago, Flint had the highest unemployment rate in the U.S. You asked for a city, I'm giving you one.

lenny		26-Feb-2007 18:08
Guest 21 Feb. 2007 (17:57) Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated further after that publication. In fact, high drop out levels, chronic tardiness, disruptive students, etc. lead to closing of one of two high schools in the city. A number of teachers and administrators were fired or prosecuted for improprieties, both with education funds and involvement with students. You might want to do a web search on the City of ESL School District 189. There is some good information about the state of the current situation in the classes. For all it's worth, the City is starting to turn things around at this time. We have several newly constructed schools and, staffing has been replaced and/or rearranged to maximize effectiveness, the competency of educators is now being tested, enrollment is slowly increasing. So things are getting better. Hope this helps, and thanks for you concerns.

lenny		26-Feb-2007 17:54
Jennifer, I agree. The City is actually on its way to economic redevelopment. Do a web search on the State of Illinois River Edge Redevelopment Zone Initiative. I appreciate your positive outlook on the City and its potential.

Maria		26-Feb-2007 01:25
I have live in East Saint Louis for 52 years. It is past time to stop complaining about East Saint Louis, Illinois, and connect yourself with the team who has developed a plan to build a new East Saint Louis in East Saint Louis, Illinois. In May a 3 day conference will occur with the heads of the Federal Reserve Bank to discuss the plan.The Federal Reserve Bank has funds to assist distressed cities with rebuilding or building a new community. Keep you chin up. The day has finally come.

Michael Irvin		23-Feb-2007 20:18
I lived in ESL from 1955-1963, from the age of 4 to 11. We lived in Parkside subdivision and then on 11th st. just north of State Street. I attended Parkside Elementary for the first four grades and then Harding for 5th and 6th. then a few weeks at Clark Junior High before we moved back to South Saint Louis. In some ways those were some of my happiest childhood memories.

Odie A. Carpenter		22-Feb-2007 23:24
I am originally from East St. Louis. Many of my relatives still live there, while others have migrated to areas like Belleville, Fairview Hgts., Cahokia and other surrounding cities. I am presently living in Springfield, Illinois. I miss my home. If we or the citizens of East St. Louis can get a government in place that puts the interest of the people first the city has great potential to blosom once more. Recently I became the first african american to head a State Police Agency in the history of Illinois. My training began in East St. Louis and I am proud of that fact.

Guest		21-Feb-2007 17:57
For those of you who are from East St. Louis, i have a few questions. I just finished reading Jonathan Kozols book, Savage Inequalities. I was wondering if any of you have read it and if you have could you tell me if the city is really how he describes in the book, or has it changed since the book was published (1991).I come from a small rural area in Minnesota and the conditions described in the book seem horendous, completely foreign to anything i have ever seen. So i was just wondering if condtions have improved over the 16 years or not.

Jennifer		21-Feb-2007 03:12
As a St. Louis citizen, I am completely fascinated by East St. Louis. I feel like there are a lot of good people there and a lot of wonderful architecture. I have a dream of someday being able to help redevelop East St. Louis as well as North St. Louis in Missouri. The government needs to find a way to bring industry and jobs back to these areas. We need to figure out a way to invest in the city so the people in these areas will have a fighting chance to be self sufficient. I live in between downtown St. Louis, Lafayette Square, and Soulard. I have seen St. Louis explode with improvements. Our mayor is a large part of that progress. I know that this progress is possible in areas that seem to have no hope at all. I don't look at North St. Louis or East St. Louis in disgust; I look at it in amazement. I see potential and I see areas that need to be given a fighting chance! I am proud of St. Louis and I have hope for East St. Louis! Jennifer

lenny		15-Feb-2007 17:43
Guest 11 Feb. 2007 That's good on your part. You have obviously overcome many obstacles to get where you are. You are right to say many good people come from ESL. However, I would like for you to consider this. Good people coming from ESL is not the problem. Many "great" people have come from ESL. Good people returning to ESL to help create a safe and prosperous environment after they have gone off to obtain their education or whatever, like myself, is the problem. This comment applies to Ms. Dunn as well. Good luck to both of you. I have work to do here because I love my city. My regards!

Guest		11-Feb-2007 22:10
It is easy for outsiders to look at East St. Louis as a horrible place. No one ever takes the time to see the good things that come out of the area. I graduated from East St. Louis Sr. High in 2006. I currently attend Truman State University( The Harvard of the Midwest). For all those who doubt my city, see me as an example and know that I am not the first and will not be the last good thing to come from East St. Louis.

Schneil Dunn		07-Feb-2007 22:06
I was born and raised in East. St. Louis, Illinois, graduated from East Side Sr. High School in 1982. I have resided in Texas for 25 years, however I always go home, because for me there is no place like home. I am so proud to tell people I am a native of East. St. Louis, Ill. I will never be ashamed of my roots or speak negative of my home. I am who I am today, being raised here equipped me with values, self-respect and to know that I can be successful. Many of my relatives and friends are still living in East. St. Louis and they are all doing well. Always remember even in bad situations there are still so good. I LOVE MY HOME!!!!!!!!

Michelle		07-Feb-2007 06:10
Hi all. Been a while since I've been here. Thanks for the tips. Food for thought: how do we make hope and pride contagious?

darwyn murdock		01-Feb-2007 16:50
My name is darwyn murdock(class of '80 Assunmption High).With all due respect to you, Jayson, I wish you could show pictures of the E. St. Louis of old, say 30 years ago and beyond, when it was in its glory. E. St. Louis didn't always look the way it looks now. It's safe to say the decline began when James Williams became our first black mayor in '71. In '71 we were just three years removed from when Dr. MLK was assassinated and still in the midst of the civil rights movement, so when we elected our first black mayor, the white citizens as well as many businesses pulled up stakes. Sure for a few years(the 70s decade and perhaps 1980-81), E. St. Louis was okay, but it was all down hill. But despite the gloom and doom what my town looked like then in its glory or in its downward spiral, I have nothing but tons of fond memories of E. St. Louis and I do believe there will be a rebirth, slowly but surely. I think it's sad that the "myth" of E. St. Louis is based on the photographs which then leads to saying/thinking negative of the citizens who lives there. There are good solid citizens here ordinary and not so ordinary, who can regale you with stories of the old days. I actually have a tape of a program (that was done on PBS) about E.St.Louis a few years ago about E.St.Louis which talks about the birth and decline of this city. I could go on, because the subject is about the pictures of E.St.Louis, not the people who lives there. I will check out your photo galleries. If I may, I like to give a shout out to fellow classmate, Ursula Whitfield. I hope you see this.

Guest		29-Jan-2007 14:07
The pictures of East St. Louis are very revealing as well as those on a very fine site called "They Built St. Louis" by an architect at Washington University. Although the city was in its nadir in the late 1950's when it laughingly received its "All American City" Award, I was nurtured there in spite of an environment that many would have considered less than ideal. My earliest background in philosophy and history was at the Southern Illinois University campus at East St. Louis. Some day I or someone will write about that small city and its many good people who worked hard before the collapse of the local industries. Richard Murian

Todd		23-Jan-2007 06:28
East St. Louis has some great old buildings and I think with the right people the city can make a turn around. I live right on the border of St. Louis City and County. I know people that have or are currently living in East St. Louis and they are great people. They deserve better from their city officals, the state, and business leaders of the whole St. Louis Metro Area. I used to hate being in this metro area because downtown St. Louis was getting crappy and I just felt that it was just going to hell. St. Louis has been doing great and is on a path for greatness. I think another part of the puzzle for St. Louis Metro to be a great place again is for the focus also to shift to East St. Louis. I am only 28 and see pictures of the East St. Louis of the past and just think someday maybe it can be like that again. Some might say I am a dreamer but I think that it can be a reality and it can be remade into the great area it once was. I read one comment that said that lets just pretend East St. Louis doesn't exsist. You know thats wrongs why forget about when something can be done about. I know there are a lot of people that live in East St. Louis that are proud of where the live because it is there roots. I think the Metro area needs to band together to get the area back on track so they can be even more proud of their city. The City Officals, the State, and business leaders in the metro area get together and do something for once for the people of East St. Louis.

lenny		17-Jan-2007 15:27
Guest (11 January, 2007): No, we are not doing the best we can do. Maybe you are. If this is the best we can do, then whe need some serious help! And no, we have not made a lot of progress, unless you have awfully low standards. Let's just say, there are signs of improvement. We need to raise the bar, people. I'm not giving out free accolades for mediocre performance. Let's get to some real work people!

Guest		11-Jan-2007 23:57
Lady Born and raised in East Saint Louis and I have it tatted on my back!Love it would not trade it for the world and yes parts of it looks a mess but it is really progressing and were doing the best we can do to rebuild it. I think that what weve accomplished so far is great and downtown looks a mess but the city is beautiful!

lenny		05-Jan-2007 22:04
Ursula Whitfield It would be a pleasure to meet you should you visit. I am in agreement that successful native ESLians would return it might have significant impact on the situation. I also agree that if we who are still here would bond together it would make for a better situation. Oh, and JJK is not all it's cranked up to be. Believe Me! In as few words as I can, I will sum up the real problem here. We have a community where only a few 25%-30% of the residents have any significant amount of education, income, stable health, etc. This group also comprises the local governance. If the people being governed are not educated enough to know what their local leaders' obligations are to them, then local leadership does not feel pressured to deliver. They just collect fat checks and other benefits under the table and go their own way. There is about 10% out of that educated group that genuinely care. However, they do not carry enough fire power to get much done, as they are too few in numbers. So they just hope to make a difference in the life of at least one person per day, and pray to God for the rest.

Guest		30-Dec-2006 05:25
I love East Saint.. it's my childhood memories, and I'm glad my childhood was there.

Guest		25-Dec-2006 12:35
I was born in DuQuoin Illinois and moved to East St. Louis when I was four years old. We moved to California when I was 11. I will never forget the wonderful time I spent in ESL. We would play softball in any open field. We rode our bikes everyday. I lived on 15th street, I cant remember the address but I could see Cannady elementary school at the end of my block. My brother was in the boyscouts, my mother was on the PTA. She also sold candy at school on certain days. Oh and I remember the candy apple lady. There was a park right across the street from Cannady and the candy apple lady's house was across from the park. After school we would all rush to her house for one of the biggest, bestest candy apples I ever ate. You remember the ones with the red hard candy on them. And there was this place called "the neighborhood house" and we would go there after school for different activities. It was so much fun and so safe. I never remember hearing about any gangs or shootings during that time. My fondest childhood memories are of East St Louis. I am so sad that it has changed so much. It really was a very pretty place and a great place to raise a family. My elementary crew consisted of me,(kelly) patty, patrice,charlotte, my little boyfriend dwan foy, his best friend ray,,i cant remember the other names. My step dad used to drive cab and people called him "rabbit". Man those were the days. I guess it's true, you can never go back. But to all of you people who are dissin the city why dont you put your money or even your time where your mouth is. If you're not part of the soulution you are part of the problem.

Ursula Whitfield		21-Dec-2006 04:31
I am a native of East St. Louis and have to say that if you can live in ESL, you can survive just about any other place in the United States. I graduated from Assumption High School in 1980 and have to say, have had some of the fondest memories living in ESL. The survival skills I grew up with enabled me to be the person who I am today. There are some wonderful people still living there and I wish that one day that the residents of this city would bond together to make a better community. I also believe that if enough people like myself who have left and become successful in other parts of the country would return, we could make some great things happen. Jackie Joyner-Kersee cannot do it by herself. There are many successful people who have come out of ESL and if some of those people, myself included would go back and open businesses and help build up the community, it could be the model city of the century.

Guest		19-Dec-2006 21:04
I actually lived in St.Louis (not East St. Louis) for my entire life. I don't live in the county or anything, I live near downtown, (off of Jefferson near Chippawa for those of you who know where that is), so it's nothing fancy. It's cleaning up a bit now, but it's still very hood.The one thing I have been noticing is that this area is starting to clear out and more welfare cases are being moved to the county..making the people who live in the county move FUTHER back intp the county. Example: My boyfriend use to live in north county, straight down Broadway, and use to be scared of my neighbor. No, this isnt really a racial thing considering we are both black. (techincally I'm bi-racial, but my family is entirely black.) My neighborhood had all the crack/old/section 8 houses bought out, and rehashed, moving all the section 8 abusers to his area around north county...so his family moved out to the new houses being built around florrisant outside of section 8 districts. MOVING ON, I dont want to hear about how "oh you've never seen a ghetto.." and trust is, no matter had bad it gets here in ST. Louis, MO, most of us are still terrified and disgusted at the ruins of East St. Louis. That place is a dump of shit hole.We have a saying over here is that Hell is St. Louis. No No..hell is EAST St. Louis.

lenny		12-Dec-2006 16:17
To the Teacher to be in East St. Louis: Your comments are well-spoken, well-taken, and well worth more thought. Let's not get into the business of perpetuating something that happened 40 years or more ago as a reason for the City's current distress. The fact is that the "White Flight" may have caused the City to fall into socio-economic ruins, however the same is not the cause of the City's current situation. (review some of my previous comments). We need to stop allowing our residents outlets through excuses and start pointing them to outlets through progress. I welcome your comments on this.

Jayson		10-Dec-2006 21:45
This page is not a blog, it is a photo gallery of East St. Louis' central business district and riverfront. Next time I am in East St. Louis I will try to expand on the gallery.

Teacher to be in East St. Louis		10-Dec-2006 20:17
All, I am a life long resident of East St. Louis and I am utterly appalled at some of the remarks made on this 'blog'. The pictures posted here are just a small SECTION of East St. Louis. Much of the stigma associated with East St. Louis has been sensationalized by the media and "eager beavers" from various universities doing reserach in Urban Politics, Urbaning Planning, Urban Development and any other other doctrine that focuses on the woes of of a small city with BIG CITY issues. Here's what they wont tell you... Desperation led to East St. Louis being something of a "guinea pig" for every new Federal program that came along � the Model Cities program, the Concentrated Employment Program and Operation Breakthrough. The programs did little to prevent the inevitable. (See wikipedia.com) Why was the city left in desparation? Simply put, the former white politicians and residents moved out of the city and the assitance they used to keep the city afloat was SNATCHED. The city economy was raped and pillaged by their dessertion. I have visted cities all over this country and I have seen similar images but under no circumstance have I been naive enough to think that the ENTIRE city was in total shambles. So, I CORDIALLY INVITE anyone to stop in and visit my fair city, the birthplace to the Honorable Donald F. McHenry, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Al Joyner and many more. The stomping grounds for Eartha Kitt, Ike and Tina Turner. The hometown of the late Katherine Dunham. East St. Louis is now and has always been a city of CHAMPIONS. To learn more check out wikipedia.com... here a little bit about some of our native sons and daughters: Tennis legend Jimmy Connors was born in East St. Louis, and grew up near Frank Holten State Park. Connors' father was a toll-taker on the Veterans Bridge, now the Martin Luther King Bridge. Connors' grandfather was a one-time mayor of East St. Louis, as well. Track legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee and brother Track gold medalist Al Joyner were born and raised in East St. Louis. Illinois Senator Richard Durbin is a native of East St. Louis. Jazz legend Miles Davis grew up in East St. Louis. NFL Former NFL All-Pro Tight-end Kellen Winslow was born in St. Louis, but raised in East St. Louis. Poet-laureate Eugene Redmond is a native of East St. Louis. Byron Cox, Former NFL player, is a native of East St. Louis. Darius Miles, Current NBA player, is a native of East St. Louis.

Vincent Waclawek		09-Dec-2006 07:19
I'm a photographer as well, who has well over 200 pics of Gary In. I thought there was no other place worse than Gary, In and Harvey, Il, but E STL takes the cake, in fact I wanna take pics before E STL rots to nothing. Its not so much race that plays into this, go to Chilton County, AL where white people live in school buses and converted truck trailers poverty transcends race, maybe now with the democrats taking over both houses change will come???

Ballcardbill		22-Nov-2006 05:14
I lived on Delmar Drive in French Village in the 1960's. I attended St. Clair Terrace, from grades 1-3, Warren G Harding Grade School in the 4th-6th grades in the mid 60's and Martin Luther King Jr. High in the 7th grade, before moving to Southern Illinois. If anyone was a classmate at these schools from 1964 thru 1970 or lived on Delmar Drive in these years. I would love to hear from you. Ballcardbill

Guest		19-Nov-2006 08:51
Why in God's name doesnt the state do anything to help these people out? This should not happen in the United States of America!

chris		05-Nov-2006 13:48
I left East St louis in the 80s , crime was so bad, i don't see why people would want to stay, there was nothing there for anybody.i went to cannady elementary, landsdown and rock jr high, i stayed by parks and field behind that dreadful plant called pfizer, hoping i didnt get some kind of later on in life illness from all of that damned red dust that used to coat the cars, the cats , dogs and the snow during the winter. i rember when i went to cannady elementary and an idiot came into the school with a knife and robbed a teacher, from then on during school they put chains and locks on the doors.when i was there gangs ran rampant too, bgds , vls, paps,and others i can't remeber, i'd never return there to live , only to visit family who is to stubborn to leave that hell hole. i hear these rappers glorifying the ghetto like it's cool but it isnt. i love my beautiful black people from there but i can't love that place. all i can remeber mostly are the bad things( rats , roaches, trash, shootings, robberies,not enough food to eat,gang fights) and only a few good things ( jones park, fotball games at parks and field, aldis the stock up store,and christmas. i'm out

lenny		31-Oct-2006 17:25
George, The love you have for the City is much appreciated. I believe that most of the people who could really have a profound positive affect on our City are also gone, just like yourself. However, there still are some people here who genuinely care and are trying to make a difference. One day maybe you can come back and help a brother out. Know what I mean? Oh, and King Skating Rink is still there and open, however the name has been changed to Skate City. Hopefully "Sharing" won't try to refute this bit of information. Godspeed.

George Mickens		30-Oct-2006 19:45
I was born in ESL but moved to Detroit when I was 5 but all of my family still lives there, we call them the 5 families of ESL, Mickens, Edmonds, Norman, Myers and Baldwin. I remember spending every summer sence we moved there until my Father died in 1979. Carl Officer's Father "Marion Officer" who was raised by my grandmother buried all of my family. Mayor Bush is a relitive and his father Claud Bush had the best BBQ joint in the city, when I was a kid, my Great Grandmother Delilah Norman use to send me to Foxe's Tavern with a white bucket to get it filled with Falstaf beer "no wonder that bucket was yellow on the inside", my aunt Nancy and Daisy lived on 22nd and Broadway right behind MLK Skating Rink, "is it still there?" and we use to skate until our knees gave out hehehe. I hate that I never came back after my Fathers death and I hate myself for it. I feel that if I would have continued to come to ESL I could have made a differance if just a small one. All I can say is that I hate what has happened to my home and I pray to God that it gets better and I will be back. I Love You ESL. P.S. ESL has the Best BBQ and the Best Blues City in the world. All of my ESL Brothers and Sisters give me a Holla VIA e-mail. I Love You All.

lenny		18-Oct-2006 15:00
Jackie, The last thing the people of ESL need is to be further pacified. Yeh, I know the history about how we ended up in this largely indigent community. However, I also know that we can continue to make excuses, or we can choose to make progress. Just because we inherited this mess, does'nt mean we have to stay in this mess. It's been a long time now since the great white exodus; over 40 years. How the heck can you insist that it's not the people's fault that we still waddle in poverty? Get real! I work in a public service capacity for the City. I help people for a living. I can tell you for a fact that many of our people have become so accustomed to hand me downs that they do not have a desire to work. In fact they know the social services system better than the social workers. We need to stop giving our people things, and start providing them with the tools to enable them to get their own things. There are some people out here who genuinely are looking for help and willing to work. But then there are some people out here who are able bodied and minded to work but choose to rape the social services system. Well, I weed them out daily. If you are able to work and choose not to, then you don't eat and you sleep on the streets. Eventually you just whither away. Oh well. That's by choice. Not my problem. God helps those who help themselves, and so do I. Eliminate excuses, implement progress!

lenny		17-Oct-2006 18:40
Tom, The prison is still here. Don't see it leaving anytime soon either.

lenny		17-Oct-2006 18:23
Sharing, I must exercise some patience with you. I deal with your kind everyday. You see, you're my special child. I promise to spend more time with you. Let's start with basic reading comprehension. Point number 1. When someone says "High School", I take it that they're not talking about a "Middle School." Point 2. The John DeShields are located on 10th and Bond as the writer indicated, and so too was "Lincoln High School"; again I say "High School." Point 3. My special child, the school of which you speak is located on 10th and Broadway, it is newly built, and it's for Junior High School students. The Lincoln on 10th and Bond was converted into a Middle School for awhile. Then because of the deteriorating conditions of the building, another Lincoln Middle School was built. Again, I say, Lincoln High School no longer exists. Lincoln Middle School is newly constructed. And by the way, I am a matter of fact type guy who was born and raised in the city. I pledge to spend more time with you until we can raise your comprehension skills at least one grade level. The writer was reminiscing about the old Lincoln High School on 10th and Bond, not the Lincoln Middle School on 10th and Broadway, Lincoln High School was combined with East St. Louis Sr. High a few years ago. That my friend was the end of Lincoln High School. Who are you anyway, to doubt a native East St. Louisan? What the heck is the world comin' to?

Reed Richards		16-Oct-2006 19:25
jackie is hot and bothered... hopefully more hot, than bothered... because her passion is exciting me.

Jayson		16-Oct-2006 19:23
"Pot, meet Kettle"

jackie		16-Oct-2006 16:02
Some of you people typing on here are so ignorant. "Let's pretend it doesn't exist?" Why don't we just pretend YOU don't exist while we are it. I love how the people disrespecting East St Louis want to try and be so self-righteous about how it's a "ghetto" (which I bet you've never even seen a "ghetto" and no looking at your local town's projects doesn't count). How can you point fingers at ESL as if it's all the fault of the people living there? Pick up a freaking book and educated yourselves please! This is what poverty and racism created. And it's just that attitude, to "pretent E. St. Louis doesn't exist" is what keeps the cycle going. But besides that you see people are writing on here who STILL live there and are trying to tell you the good that is there. And whoever the photographer is I just want to say something, you think that by going to a city and taking pictures of it's business district is an accurate reflection of the city? I think not. For example your pictures of Boston, the city I've lived in since I was 4 years old, you really couldn't have taken more basic photos if you had tried. Why even bother going to the city and taking pictures? You might as well just buy a bunch of postcards and you'd be all set. Those pictures represent the most toursity parts of Boston, as a matter of fact if you had walked just 10 more minutes from Boston common you would have found the downtown area of Boston where the "real" and majority of Bostonians shop, instead of Newbury Street (alot of tourist walking up and down this street anwyays). My point is that your pictures reflect the very very limited picture of what your trying to protray.

Sharing		14-Oct-2006 15:49
for the person named lenny get your facts together, goes to show u dont know anything about the city at this current time. lincoln middle school is still open, it has a brand new building. anybody from the city would have known that. that's whats wrong with this country now, too much judging and no support. we need to get it together ppl, working together and never giving up is the way to go and we can make it happen through prayer and teamwork. IT IS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom		13-Oct-2006 11:32
I was born & raised in ESL until I moved in 1982 to a slightly less dangerous place, Richmond, VA. My high school, Assumption HS was turned into a prison since I left. I don't know if it is still there or not. I sometimes daydream about moving back but now that I am married with kids I don't want my wife & kids to live in a more dangerous place than we already do. Richmond is nearly as crime ridden but at least it's not rotting under our feet. I hope I do have a chance to move back someday & help rebuild ESL. It has been the whipping post for a million jokes & politicians. It has a very rich & interesting history. It could be a great place to live again. Maybe once we are done flushing billions of $ away in Iraq we could take a tiny fraction of that money & some of the humanitarian efforts to rebuild our own cities starting with ESL! Long live East St. Louis!!!

shawn		11-Oct-2006 08:25
I moved to Saint Louis about 2 years ago. St. Louis is an average city IMHO, I've seen much worse. Namely Savannah GA. East St. Louis though... wow. Truly these pictures don't quite get across what a shithole this place is, thought a couple come close. It is terrifying in a way to imagine that you are still in America, the richest nation on earth, yet witnessing poverty and filth that would rival any 3rd world country. I personally think the place will just degrade until it vanishes, it will become a ghost town and be forgotten, as it should be. There is nothing left there, its too far gone and rebuilding it would be like building a city from scratch. There really isn't a city left there to rebuild... Anyone left there is kidding themselves.

Jon W		02-Oct-2006 17:51
Why do the police stop you for no reason in ESL? I am a visitor from Seattle and decided to go to the riverboat casino acrooss from the arch. I took the bridge got lost taking exit 1 ( its one of the pics above). I had to make some turns up and down the street trying to find my way back and a trooper stops me asking " What are you doing here?" Is this routine? Do cops just stop cars for driving around at night? Cant a guy just drive and look at one of the worse ghettos in the nation for fun? ESL does have attraction for us who want to see the wrong side of the tracks. Anyway, I am so glad my car didnt break down. Its deserted!! At night, its like bad, do people dare to walk the streets? If I had to move to ST. Louis for a living I guess I would follow the flock and move to the suburbs also.

Brett		02-Oct-2006 05:14
Maybe if some public of private funding were made available then the majority of the real estate could be bought out since it's so cheap. Also public assistance could be offered to help citizens leave if the want and to help the citizens that want to stay improve their property. Also increase police and education funding obviously. Raze all of the buildings that are too decayed to be repaired and obviously save all the architecturally significant possible. And add tax incentives to do this. But obviously theres no political incentive to fund do all that and there would be significant public opposition considering it to be a race issue. Perhaps if downtown St Louis were significantly improved then east STL would follow.

Guest		01-Oct-2006 00:30
Its too bad, the area can be PRIME real estate. Beautiful views, close to downtown. Oh the irony. I was just there and didnt want to get out of my car day or night.

Hail Columbia		26-Sep-2006 03:17
East St. Louis? From what I've heard, it's more like East Germany. But seriously, East St. Louis has a future as a bedroom community of St. Louis, much like Hoboken/Jersey City/Bayonne, NJ are to New York City. But, does the will exist?

lenny		25-Sep-2006 17:52
Michelle, It's really nice knowing you desire to help in some way. I suggest you lobby State Governments, i.e., Senator Clayborne's office (57th District),Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO)for funding to support economic redevelopment, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)for Brownfields funds to clean up of contaminated sites. Or you may even work in some capacity where you can tap into some potential sources for funding for the City's economic redevelopment efforts. Also, under the Governer's River Edge Redevelopment Zone Initiative, the City stands a chance to receive serveral million dollars in funding to redevelop the riverfront. This will be a 30 year initiative. You can check the State of Illlinois' website for this initiative. Hope this information helps.

Guest		25-Sep-2006 02:51
It's so easy for some to forget, some of the worst living conditions are in rural America where the poverty level is the norm. Guess who makes up this population? As for safety while driving through East St. Louis,ironically, the cars on the parking lots of the stripo clubs in the wee hours are from surrounding communities, namely St. Louis...funny, they don't seem to be afraid to be in East St. Louis after dark. Guess what? They aren't African American men.

bea		24-Sep-2006 19:53
I love east boogie and it makes me sad to hear people talk about it like everyone there are losers and given up on themselves. By the grace of God we all have what we have and please stop judging and have love in our hearts and pray that all the evil that is going on in east boogie will end some day.

Michelle		21-Sep-2006 04:52
To all who live in East St. Louis, I want to say you have my respect. I'm a fellow Illinoisan who's been totally unaware of the problems and the great history of this city in my home state. I'd like to see it restored, but I don't know how.... Any sincere suggestions would be appreciated. Post them here, and I'll re-check. I also have to respond to the guest who made the comments about the architecture on Sept. 18... Maybe you could take a look at Kozol's website about ESL...it's called ThirdWorldTraveller. Google that along with the name East St. Louis. After you read it, you'll see for yourself that the problem is not mainly the crumbling architecture, but the problems that plague people. Take a look at some of the earlier posts for a greater depth of understanding about ESL. And check out Wikipedia's content about East St. Louis, especially the riot in July, 1917. The problems with ESL are deeply heartbreaking, and outrageous. As in every city, good people live there, trying to raise their kids and scraping for any break they can. Chemical companies have messed up the water, soil and air, and are not held accountable. The comment about "picking up a glove and a trash bag" is particularly galling when you know about the sanitation problems that go way beyond what the residents can do for themselves (read Kozol's article). The list of problems is daunting, so it's not really surprising that some people become desperate, and do things they wouldn't normally do. It may be true that some people have mixed priorities about how money is spent in ESL...but then again, middle and upper class white Americans have mixed priorities about how they spend theirs, and even more importantly, their time. I fit into this category and can say from the heart I would have preferred a smaller house and less cars if I could have had more time with my dad, who worked himself to an early grave just to feel "successful" by some skewed standard. And as far as being a racist or classist issue, let's be real, folks. Racism still happens. Discriminating against people because they're poor or the "wrong" color still happens. And not just a little: every day. Now we're just comfortable in our concessions, without having real love or appreciation for all our people, whatever their color or culture. We don't have the greats like MLK marching our streets anymore because we prefer to believe things are "fine." Let's self-examine instead the next time we want to broadly point fingers without researching the issues and people at stake. Or let's get off our own butts and love our neighbors, okay? I don't want to preach anymore.

Guest		18-Sep-2006 04:28
I was Traveling through St Louis one night and took a wrong turn I was stopped by the police ....they said you do NOT want to go any farther turn around !!! this was In E st Louis , I am From Texas.

Guest		18-Sep-2006 02:33
I can't believe that any sane person believes that ESL is a good, or even a decent city or place to live. As a lover of old architecture, it saddens me every day as I pass through ESL on my way to work in St. Louis. What people have done to this once beautiful city is very disheartning! Some of the buildings were once so truly beautiful and it is extremely disrespectful to let them go to waste as they have. Trash piles up on the sides of roads......why can't the citizens of ESL get of their asses and start rebuilding....pick up a glove and a trash bag....that isn't difficult! They take pride in their NIKES and their FUBU and their Timberlands, but what about their city??!!