There oughta be a Law

I recently posted the photo below and asked what the image had to do with St. Louis Brick. No takers!

In the mid 1800's a steamboat named White Cloud ignited on the levee. The fire spread and a third of the wood frame buildings in St. Louis burned. An ordinance was passed forbidding the construction of wood buildings and resulting in our astonishing brick work.

Somewhat cloud related: While driving home today I glanced in the rear view mirror to keep an eye on the lunatic edging closer and closer to my car. I was charmed to see the reflections of two white clouds on their windshield situated where two people would have been sitting in the car. It was spooky cool.

Morgan Ford in Motion: Saturday, Oct 3

Save the date: Saturday, Oct 3. 11-7 PM
The Morgan Ford Strip will be closed to vehicular traffic and the street open for a music festival, street fair and vendors.

Bruk and I will be there in a booth selling our handmade clothing and jewelry.
We've invited the luminous Fred Friction to join us at our booth

Music all day:
The line-up is as follows: 12:00 -12:45 String Buzz,
1:15-2:00 The Pinheads,
2:30-3:15 Funky Butt Brass Band,
3:45-4:30 Chucker,
5:00-6:30 Steve Ewing, and 7:00-8:30, Javier Mendoza

On Facebook: The Morgan Ford Strip.

Pop quiz

What does this image of steamboats on the Mississippi have to do with St. Louis Brick?

Half of a hint: Beau's native name is Running Cloud.

Chris

My ancient computer (complete with tower) took a dive last week. I am reluctantly making the switch to my lap top which hasn't been turned on in many years.

While I lost all of my photo files of brick I did find these old photos of Chris Deckard on the lap top. Some were taken in my old store on S. Grand and others at my house.

Chris moved to Seattle a few years back. All the lights went out when he left.





Proof that Chris cleaned the dishes:





The Drive to Chicago circa 2000.

SOLD: Witco Mid Century art wall hanging

From my collection and one of the best Witco pieces.
It's been sold but the photos must remain.

Head for the Hills

A few weeks ago Tim and I took a stroll in Kingshighway Hills to giggle at the outrageous details of the English Tudor Style (or Revival) homes.

In the 60s my Aunt had an apartment on Oleatha. When we visited my sister and I ran out of her building to skip along the novel interior sidewalk that cuts through the middle of the block.

5245 Lindenwood.
The door is carved and has a leaded glass window. It's for sale, click on the post title to view the interior.


Brick and limestone mosaic under an arch.

Crazy details abound: A massive limestone lentil over a window with brick work that cuts into the stone.

This house is completely made of Clunker bricks and borders one of the sidewalks.


Brick and stone with black vitrolite and a winding side walk:

Black vitrolite surrounds leaded glass windows with flower pots and a plant:

Crescent moon rising over a setting sun.

House with turret and crazy details:


See that 'trumpet' window below? When we first walked by we thought a kid had stuffed its big white plush dog against the glass. After admiring the house for a few minutes, the toy moved! It was a huge dog that had crammed itself into the space.
Check out that sheared brick work above the window.

Celestial details are everywhere. Click to enlarge to see the crescent moon and star leaded glass window.

Severe gables:


A few of the house have Roman tile roofs:


Below: One of the two sidewalks that are doubled in size to accommodate pedestrians, strollers, and wagons.

Chase Park Plaza

I met Rudolph Nureyev in the lobby of the Chase in...1976 or maybe '77.
He was small, gracious, and careless with his charm.