History of the Lou - 97.1 FM Talk

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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!

  1. May 30

    150th Anniversary of Forest Park

    2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the amazing Forest Park. Co-authors of the new book, "Forest Park - St. Louis' Gathering Place Since 1876" Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins join Sue for a discussion about the beginnings of the park (it was originally supposed to be 3000 acres) and the changes it has undergone in the last century and a half. There's even a story involving a camel!

    38 min

  2. May 23

    St. Louis County Greek Festival History

    Every Memorial Day weekend, The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Des Peres Road hosts its annual Greek Fest. Long-time member Tony Theranos stops by to talk with Sue about not only the festival itself, but also his own family's story, beginning with his father coming over from Greece in 1917 and eventually settling in St. Louis. Find out the purpose of Greek Fest, and why it is held on Memorial Day Weekend. If you're headed to the event, you can find more at stlgreekfest.com.

    36 min

  3. May 9

    The Last 40 Years of Media in St. Louis

    St. Louisan and independent journalist Jack Grone joins Sue to talk about the last 40 years of print (and other media) in St. Louis. Jack's journalism background is interesting in and of itself, and he and Sue went to high school together in Kirkwood, MO. Remember the St. Louis Sun? What happened to it? How were the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat intertwined for awhile? Tune in and find out!

    39 min

  4. Apr 25

    The 100th Anniversary of Route 66

    The Mother Road turns 100 this year, and the Missouri History Museum is putting on an impressive celebration. Join Public Historian Andrew Wanko as he talks to Sue about the history of Rt. 66, and what you can see locally and in Missouri if you decide to drive it yourself. Wanko co-directed an Emmy-winning documentary entitled, "Show Me 66: Main Street through Missouri" for Route 66's 90th anniversary, and it will be shown during this year's celebration. For more information and a schedule of events, go to mohistory.org/museum.

    38 min

  5. Apr 18

    St. Louis Sports Memories

    This week, City SC broadcaster and first-time author Joey Zanaboni joins Sue to talk about his book, "St. Louis Sports for Kids...Forever Lore in the 314". It's really a book for adults, too, covering 20 different sports and their histories in St. Louis. Relive some of the greatest sporting events tied to St. Louis, and some of the amazing athletes who were involved. To whom did Joey sell his first book? It's a great story...listen and find out!

    37 min

  6. Apr 11

    The History of Stark Publishing and Scott Joplin

    When Scott Joplin lived in Sedalia before moving to St. Louis, he met Will and then John Stark, with whom he worked out a deal to publish his music. John Hancock, of Hancock and Kelly on KMOX is also a Scott Joplin expert (and pianist) who recently met Kyle Stark, a descendant of John Stark and they came in to tell the history of the collaboration. Amazing! Both Stark Publishing and Scott Joplin ended up in St. Louis, and Stark published 72 pieces by Mr. Joplin. What a story.

    36 min

  7. Apr 4

    The History of Normandy

    For the history of Normandy in St. Louis County, a listener led Sue to Terry Gannon... a long-time Normandy resident and historian. Gannon explains not only the history (think 1800's and the Louisiana Purchase) of the city, but explains where names like Lucas and Hunt came from, and the origins of its FIVE golf courses. She also talks about the beautiful homes in Normandy and when UMSL came along.

    38 min

  8. Mar 16

    The History of Dogtown

    Did you know that Dogtown isn't an official St. Louis City neighborhood? It is actually a combination of 4 separate ones, and dates back to the 1700s! Learn about the neighborhood's interesting history and how it got its name. In honor of upcoming St. Patrick's Day, Sue and Dogtown Historical Society President and life-long resident John Corbett also talk about the area's famous parade that is coming up soon!

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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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