Nov 13, 2023

Before the passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, food safety in commerce was a roll of the dice, and change was slow to come even after that. By 1912, though, a St. Louis woman named Miriam Coste Senseney had had enough of having to deal with stores that carried inferior products, and she took matters into her...

Oct 16, 2023

For music lovers who came through St. Louis in the early 20th century, there was only one place in town to go, Tom Turpin’s Rosebud Cafe. This sprawling bar and nightclub was located on Market Street in the heart of the Chestnut Valley, a historic African American entertainment and gambling district. Just press play...

Sep 18, 2022

Milk once had varied levels of quality and even safety. The history of what it took to guarantee safe milk for everyone was filled with controversy and rancor. Some considered the licensing process to be burdensome and off putting, but in the end it was all for the best. Just press play to hear the whole story.

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Jun 9, 2022

Bevo Mill is a well known landmark today, and it is thought of as being whimsical and fun.  Its origin story was, however, rooted in its being a propaganda tool to counter early 20th century calls for Prohibition.  Namely, to convince the public that the brewing industry has always been a harmonious contributor...