When founded in 1876 at what was the outskirts of the city, many citizens found this park too remote for practical use; its name comes from the fact that it was a dense forest, in contrast to the prairie that originally made up much of the original city. Most of the park was cleared for the Universal Exposition-Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, better known as the World's Fair. Since that time, Forest Park has remained a popular attraction.
Due to neglect, the Park went into great decline starting in the late 1960s, but has recently been magnificently restored to glory.
The Grand Basin and Art Hill, topped by the Saint Louis Art Museum. Other institutions in the park include the Zoological Garden, History Museum, Science Museum, and Municipal Opera, as well as golf courses.
The sun was shining while it was raining.
The above photos were all taken within a few yards of each other.
A relative of mine came to Saint Louis to build the German Pavilion at the World's Fair. This particular pavilion was constructed with proceeds from the fair.
The renovation of the Grand Basin is beautiful and the fountains are a wonderful addition. The city is experiencing a spirited renewal. It is my fondest hope that departure of A-B from the city will not hinder that renewal. I hope some of the windfall profits of the sale find their way into the city! MD,A-B,Ralston Purina, the cities corporate identity is disappearing is it for the good or bad??? Opinions??
ReplyDeleteRenewal good, but can't replace the buildings that were destroyed after the fair.
ReplyDeleteThe German Pavilion is instructive -- proto-jugendstil.
Puma,
ReplyDeleteI my opinion, I think business leaving the city is very, very bad. Good relationships matter very much, more than a financial balance sheet. InBev will soon find that their sizable investment isn't worth what they thought.
Irene,
'jugendstil': "German term for Art Nouveau". I learn something new every day. Thanks!