Forest Park, a vibrant gem in St. Louis, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and let me tell you, it's got quite the backstory! We get right into the heart of the park's history, where we explore its origins and the myriad of events that have taken place since 1876. From hosting Olympic events to being the backdrop for Janis Joplin's free concert that had hippies dancing under the stars, Forest Park has always been a hub of activity and culture.

Our guests, Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins, are the authors of a brand-new book that captures the essence of the park's rich history, titled 'Forest Park, St. Louis: Gathering Places Since 1876.' They share fascinating anecdotes, including how the park was once considered a potential site for an airport! Who would've thought that the sprawling greens could have been a runway? This episode is a delightful mix of humor and history, perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about this beloved park with some hidden history.

[00:00] Forest Park Teaser

[00:35] Show Welcome and Sponsor

[01:13] World Refugee Day Plug

[02:05] John Muir Quote and Guests

[03:00] Authors Bios and Banter

[04:11] First Forest Park Impressions

[07:09] Janis Joplin Free Concert

[08:53] Founding Vision and Land Deal

[11:13] Park Memories and Renewal

[14:03] Writing the Book Together

[15:35] Pageant and Kennedy Woods

[18:51] Hidden Monuments and River Des Peres

[21:45] Worlds Fair Myths and Legends

[24:44] Cut Stories White Ghost Dogs

[26:01] Handball Rivalries and Crime

[26:20] Handball Rivalry Tale

[26:57] Book Tour Dates

[28:24] Research Beats AI

[30:33] Bandstand Basement Lore

[32:33] Forest Park Fun Facts

[34:52] Tornado Tree Aftermath

[35:35] Sponsor Break

[38:15] Writing The Book Together

[43:25] Design Choices And Layout

[47:09] Wrap Up And Odd Holidays

[51:35] Final Sign Off

Takeaways:

• Did you know that Forest Park was the site of Olympic events, making it a historical gem?
• Each year, over 15 million visitors flock to Forest Park, proving it's a must-visit spot!
• Janis Joplin once rocked a free concert at the World's Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, how cool is that?
• Forest Park is the first park in the country featuring a statue of Thomas Jefferson, predating D.C.'s by 30 years!
• The park has undergone a massive transformation, thanks to the efforts of Forest Park Forever, revitalizing its beauty.
• Did you know that the park's original plan was for it to be double its current size? That's some ambitious dreaming!

Book Tour Dates/Times

June 20: Noon-2pm, Barnes & Noble in Ladue

June 22: 1-2pm, Clarendale Clayton

June 24: 4-7pm, Forest Park Boathouse (150th anniversary of the park)

July 22: 7pm, St. Louis County Library Main Branch

September 20: 2-3:30pm, Kirkwood Public Library

• Amanda E Doyle - Author
• Distilled History - Cameron Collins
• Forest Park: St. Louis’s Gathering Place Since 1876 – Reedy Press
• Instagram - Forest Park 150

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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