Episodes

  • Mapping St. Louis

    Mapping St. Louis
    Nov 23 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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    37 mins
  • History of Kirkwood and Geology

    History of Kirkwood and Geology
    Nov 16 2024
    This week, Sue begins by talking to Kathy Schrenk, author of "Kirkwood, A Walk Through History" about...you guessed it...the history of the St. Louis suburb. How it came to be and the role trains played in its founding. Next, Amanda Clark, Public Historian at the Missouri Historical Society stops by to talk about how the geology of St. Louis played a major role in its founding and industry. Lastly, Fred Bodimer and Tony Scott talk food.
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    40 mins
  • Grafton Memorial

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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