Episodes

  • Grafton Memorial
    Nov 9 2024
    In honor of Veteran's Day, Army Veteran and Mayor of Grafton, Illinois joins Sue to talk about the new National Memorial of Military Ascent being built in Grafton. It will be a life-sized WWII reproduction of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Hear the story of Pointe Du Hoc and how it inspired the memorial that will honor all veterans.
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    39 mins
  • The History of The Ghost Army from WWII
    Nov 3 2024
    The show takes a look at the known and the unknown stories of the Gateway to the West. Sue Thomas grew up in St. Louis and has been a traffic reporter here since the 1990s. Sue loves her two English Bulldogs, swimming, biking, and all things St. Louis!
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    39 mins
  • The History of the St. Louis Browns
    Oct 25 2024
    This is the 80th anniversary of the 1944 World Series...the only one to ever include TWO St. Louis teams (and they both played at the same stadium), so we're talking baseball. Local sports historian, author, and filmmaker Ed Wheatley joins Sue to talk about the St. Louis Browns and their convoluted story! What an amazing baseball history we have in this city! Follow along, won't you?
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    39 mins
  • The History of Forest Park
    Oct 18 2024
    This week we dive into the history of Sue's favorite place in St. Louis...Forest Park! The park was dedicated in 1876, and is not only 500 acres LARGER than Central Park in NYC, but is the home to several national and internationally known venues. All of this and it is one of the most beautiful places in the area. Carolyn Mueller, author of "Forest Park, A Walk Through History" also fills you in on the backstory of several random things you see in the park.
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    39 mins
  • The History of St. Charles, MO
    Oct 11 2024
    Local author Valerie Battle Kienzle is back, this time to talk about the history of St. Charles. You may have heard about Historic St. Charles...did you know it was founded just a few years after St. Louis? It even served as the capital of Missouri while Jefferson City was being prepared! Oh, and you'll want to hear about the tanks that used to be test-driven down the streets. Valerie is the author of "Main Street St. Charles, Missouri...a Walk Through History". Enjoy!
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    39 mins
  • The History and Restoration of the Fox Theater in St. Louis
    Oct 5 2024
    In this episode of History of the Lou, Sue Thomas delves into the captivating story of the Fox Theater in St. Louis. Learn about its early days of grandeur following its 1929 opening, the intricate architecture, and the installation of its famous organs. Sue also highlights the career of Stan Kann, the beloved organist known for his comedic vacuum cleaner routines and frequent appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Discover how Mary Strauss spearheaded the theater’s restoration in the 1980s, ensuring its legacy as a St. Louis landmark.
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    38 mins
  • The History of the Central West End
    Sep 28 2024
    The show takes a look at the known and the unknown stories of the Gateway to the West. Sue Thomas grew up in St. Louis and has been a traffic reporter here since the 1990s. Sue loves her two English Bulldogs, swimming, biking, and all things St. Louis!
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    39 mins
  • History of Faust Park
    Sep 20 2024
    This week, Sue Thomas talks with Jesse Francis, the manager of Faust Park in St. Louis County, about the history of the park. Wow...if you think you know this park based on going to the Butterfly House, guess again! The land was onced owned by the second governor of Missouri, Frederick Bates, and is over 200 acres now. Hear a bit about the history of the Carousel and a cool new feature that will open in October!
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    38 mins