(Click to enlarge image) Please scross down to read highlights of November 10 - 30 edition of the First Capitol News. The entire edition including the ads can be found at firstcapitolnews.com.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS FRONT PAGE November 10, 2007
(Click to enlarge image) Please scross down to read highlights of November 10 - 30 edition of the First Capitol News. The entire edition including the ads can be found at firstcapitolnews.com.
Is the Ghostly Lady In Red Still Haunting The Goldenrod Showboat and Bringing It Bad Luck?
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
The Goldenrod Showboat, once a main attraction on the great rivers of the United States, and later the St. Louis Riverfront, was sold to the city of St. Charles in 1989. It was later moved into specially designed mooring facilities on the Missouri river causing a drain of $5 million in St. Charles taxpayer dollars. It has now become a drain on its current owners and is still siphoning off tens of thousands of dollars and causing major problems without any return on the more than $225,000 they have invested to keep the boat afloat. Many are wondering if the owner is suffering the curse from the ghostly “Lady In Red” known as Victoria who is said to haunt the vessel.
For years the Goldenrod has been rumored to be inhabited by a ghost called the “The Lady In Red.” She has been seen by many people wearing a red Victorian type dress in many locations throughout the boat. She apparently roams the Goldenrod at all hours. Rumor has it that a young lady and her father were visiting St. Louis and upon seeing the Goldenrod the young girl and her father had an argument over her wanting to be an actress. Her father reportedly said no and, in a fit of anger, she ran off the boat and was murdered that night.
The current owner of the vessel, John Schwarz of St. Charles said, “I have heard the stories but have never seen the Lady In Red myself, but apparently she is angry and still on board.” Schwarz said that after they moved the Goldenrod from St. Charles they stored it for a short time on the St. Louis riverfront south of the Gateway Arch. “We had ADT put an alarm on the boat and numerous times we were notified that the alarm had gone off but before we arrived it had reset itself. Once when the alarm went off the St. Louis police discovered that the boat had been broken into and during their investigation they discovered that on a table in the main lounge someone had written Victoria with salt on a table.”
The Goldenrod had been moored in St. Louis at the foot of Locust Street from 1937 until it was purchased by the city and brought to St. Charles in 1989 at the behest of the then CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Steve Powell. The Goldenrod was considered by many residents to have been a financial drain on the city.
In 2003 the Coast Guard declared the vessel unsafe and the boat was closed thus saving the St. Charles taxpayers the bleeding of millions more. After suffering the loss of millions of dollars of taxpayer money on the vessel, including building a $1.5 million dock that sits vacant at Bishop's Landing in Frontier Park, the city gave the boat to Schwarz and his group in May of 2003 by a unanimous vote of the St. Charles City Council and the approval of the Mayor. (As a side note on the dock, several years ago one of the largest vessels ever to be on the Missouri River, The Hotel Barge, was tied to a tree near downtown St. Charles and passengers were disembarked. When we questioned the Captain why his vessel was not using the $1.5 million dock he replied, “ I am a river man. We don't need any fancy docks. All I need for my boat is a large tree and a stout rope.”)
Schwarz and his group had planned bringing the Goldenrod up to Coast Guard safety standards and then having it moored somewhere in Missouri as a regional entertainment draw. While contemplating on what could be done with the vessel Schwarz had it towed to Calhoun County, Illinois and put in storage. There, with probably some urging by the Lady In Red, an argument between the storage company and Schwarz’s group escalated into a court fight where the outcome could have resulted in a sheriff's sale of the Goldenrod and the eventual dismantling of the vessel. Its steel hull would be valuable if sold for salvage.
Hopefully the Goldenrod will be saved and the boat will continue to float and be the home of the elusive and angry Lady In Red. According to attorney Scott Schultz, who represents Schwarz, “We are close to working out an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties and maintain the historical value of the boat.”
Built in 1909 by the Pope Dock Company of Parkersville, West Virginia for W.R. Markle, the boat cost $75,000 when it was new. It was 200 feet long and 45 feet wide and had an auditorium 162 feet long with twenty-one red velour upholstered boxes and a seating capacity of 1,400.
Several notable entertainers worked on the Goldenrod during its glory days. Red Skelton was a dockhand and when an actor fell ill he took his place and the rest is history. Ted Mack played an offstage bloodhound in one of the melodramas and Bob Hope toured with the Goldenrod. It has also been reported The Goldenrod served as an inspiration for the musical Showboat.
Hopefully by the time this story appears in print a settlement will have been reached. Schwarz told the First capitol News that his group is looking at several options and maybe soon the vessel will be alive with the sounds of music and fine dining and the “Lady In Red” will once again roam the decks of the Historical Landmark Goldenrod Showboat greeting its many guests.
The Goldenrod Showboat, once a main attraction on the great rivers of the United States, and later the St. Louis Riverfront, was sold to the city of St. Charles in 1989. It was later moved into specially designed mooring facilities on the Missouri river causing a drain of $5 million in St. Charles taxpayer dollars. It has now become a drain on its current owners and is still siphoning off tens of thousands of dollars and causing major problems without any return on the more than $225,000 they have invested to keep the boat afloat. Many are wondering if the owner is suffering the curse from the ghostly “Lady In Red” known as Victoria who is said to haunt the vessel.
For years the Goldenrod has been rumored to be inhabited by a ghost called the “The Lady In Red.” She has been seen by many people wearing a red Victorian type dress in many locations throughout the boat. She apparently roams the Goldenrod at all hours. Rumor has it that a young lady and her father were visiting St. Louis and upon seeing the Goldenrod the young girl and her father had an argument over her wanting to be an actress. Her father reportedly said no and, in a fit of anger, she ran off the boat and was murdered that night.
The current owner of the vessel, John Schwarz of St. Charles said, “I have heard the stories but have never seen the Lady In Red myself, but apparently she is angry and still on board.” Schwarz said that after they moved the Goldenrod from St. Charles they stored it for a short time on the St. Louis riverfront south of the Gateway Arch. “We had ADT put an alarm on the boat and numerous times we were notified that the alarm had gone off but before we arrived it had reset itself. Once when the alarm went off the St. Louis police discovered that the boat had been broken into and during their investigation they discovered that on a table in the main lounge someone had written Victoria with salt on a table.”
The Goldenrod had been moored in St. Louis at the foot of Locust Street from 1937 until it was purchased by the city and brought to St. Charles in 1989 at the behest of the then CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Steve Powell. The Goldenrod was considered by many residents to have been a financial drain on the city.
In 2003 the Coast Guard declared the vessel unsafe and the boat was closed thus saving the St. Charles taxpayers the bleeding of millions more. After suffering the loss of millions of dollars of taxpayer money on the vessel, including building a $1.5 million dock that sits vacant at Bishop's Landing in Frontier Park, the city gave the boat to Schwarz and his group in May of 2003 by a unanimous vote of the St. Charles City Council and the approval of the Mayor. (As a side note on the dock, several years ago one of the largest vessels ever to be on the Missouri River, The Hotel Barge, was tied to a tree near downtown St. Charles and passengers were disembarked. When we questioned the Captain why his vessel was not using the $1.5 million dock he replied, “ I am a river man. We don't need any fancy docks. All I need for my boat is a large tree and a stout rope.”)
Schwarz and his group had planned bringing the Goldenrod up to Coast Guard safety standards and then having it moored somewhere in Missouri as a regional entertainment draw. While contemplating on what could be done with the vessel Schwarz had it towed to Calhoun County, Illinois and put in storage. There, with probably some urging by the Lady In Red, an argument between the storage company and Schwarz’s group escalated into a court fight where the outcome could have resulted in a sheriff's sale of the Goldenrod and the eventual dismantling of the vessel. Its steel hull would be valuable if sold for salvage.
Hopefully the Goldenrod will be saved and the boat will continue to float and be the home of the elusive and angry Lady In Red. According to attorney Scott Schultz, who represents Schwarz, “We are close to working out an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties and maintain the historical value of the boat.”
Built in 1909 by the Pope Dock Company of Parkersville, West Virginia for W.R. Markle, the boat cost $75,000 when it was new. It was 200 feet long and 45 feet wide and had an auditorium 162 feet long with twenty-one red velour upholstered boxes and a seating capacity of 1,400.
Several notable entertainers worked on the Goldenrod during its glory days. Red Skelton was a dockhand and when an actor fell ill he took his place and the rest is history. Ted Mack played an offstage bloodhound in one of the melodramas and Bob Hope toured with the Goldenrod. It has also been reported The Goldenrod served as an inspiration for the musical Showboat.
Hopefully by the time this story appears in print a settlement will have been reached. Schwarz told the First capitol News that his group is looking at several options and maybe soon the vessel will be alive with the sounds of music and fine dining and the “Lady In Red” will once again roam the decks of the Historical Landmark Goldenrod Showboat greeting its many guests.
Trial Date Set For Express Scripts vs St. Charles Lawsuit
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
An April 2008 jury trail date has been set for the Express Scripts vs St. Charles lawsuit that was filed against the City in November of 2006.
The lawsuit was filed after the city rejected demands for $200,000 in damages that Express Scripts claim it suffered after the illegal signing of a contract by Mayor York without the approval of the city council.
In filings with the court the city has admitted that the Mayor signed the contract illegally in violation of the city charter and state statutes.
The contract, illegally signed by Mayor York on June 22, 2004, was not sent through the approval process and it could not be found in any records at city hall. Express Scripts furnished the city legal department with a copy of the signed contract.
This incident was the subject of several city council discussions during the term of the last city council but enough votes among council members could not be found to take action against the Mayor.
A federal grand jury subpoena was served on the city for records including those associated with the signing of this contract.
Further information can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com in the search field enter Mayor York.
An April 2008 jury trail date has been set for the Express Scripts vs St. Charles lawsuit that was filed against the City in November of 2006.
The lawsuit was filed after the city rejected demands for $200,000 in damages that Express Scripts claim it suffered after the illegal signing of a contract by Mayor York without the approval of the city council.
In filings with the court the city has admitted that the Mayor signed the contract illegally in violation of the city charter and state statutes.
The contract, illegally signed by Mayor York on June 22, 2004, was not sent through the approval process and it could not be found in any records at city hall. Express Scripts furnished the city legal department with a copy of the signed contract.
This incident was the subject of several city council discussions during the term of the last city council but enough votes among council members could not be found to take action against the Mayor.
A federal grand jury subpoena was served on the city for records including those associated with the signing of this contract.
Further information can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com in the search field enter Mayor York.
Business Owner Complains City Hall Plays Favorites
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
A St. Charles business owner, who for obvious reasons, does not want to be identified has complained to the First Capitol News that the people at St. Charles City Hall are playing favorites. That comes as no surprise as the First Capitol News has been reporting that for the past seven years.
This particular business owner said a member of the city staff threatened to send him to court and close the business if the banner, approximately 2 foot by 3 foot was not removed from the property. The banner, being used to announce a sale, was only up for a couple of days when the business owner was threatened.
“There are over 80 pods on the parking lot of Bass Pro along with boats and trailers but the city just lets them get by with it,” the business owner said. “And look at St. Joseph Hospital. I like the hospital and feel the folks there do a wonderful job providing health care for me and my neighbors but they have had two four story tall banners hanging on the west side of their building for over four years. The message changes but the banners remain. But when I put up a small banner to grow my business I am harassed. I complain to city hall and instead of my complaints being answered I get more harassment.”
Several months ago the First Capitol News made inquiries to the Community Development Department regarding the large number of pods being used by Bass Pro but the city has not yet responded to our inquiries. Another inquiry is being made to determine the legality of a large number of pods being allowed at Bass Pro for such a long period of time.
A St. Charles business owner, who for obvious reasons, does not want to be identified has complained to the First Capitol News that the people at St. Charles City Hall are playing favorites. That comes as no surprise as the First Capitol News has been reporting that for the past seven years.
This particular business owner said a member of the city staff threatened to send him to court and close the business if the banner, approximately 2 foot by 3 foot was not removed from the property. The banner, being used to announce a sale, was only up for a couple of days when the business owner was threatened.
“There are over 80 pods on the parking lot of Bass Pro along with boats and trailers but the city just lets them get by with it,” the business owner said. “And look at St. Joseph Hospital. I like the hospital and feel the folks there do a wonderful job providing health care for me and my neighbors but they have had two four story tall banners hanging on the west side of their building for over four years. The message changes but the banners remain. But when I put up a small banner to grow my business I am harassed. I complain to city hall and instead of my complaints being answered I get more harassment.”
Several months ago the First Capitol News made inquiries to the Community Development Department regarding the large number of pods being used by Bass Pro but the city has not yet responded to our inquiries. Another inquiry is being made to determine the legality of a large number of pods being allowed at Bass Pro for such a long period of time.
Casino Bars To Stay Open Till 3:00 AM
Casino Bars To Stay Open Till 3:00 AM
The Missouri Gaming Commission has given approval for the bars at Ameristar Casino & Hotel to remain open until 3:00 am while other bars in St. Charles have to adhere to the 1:30 am closing time.
The bars on the casino floor have always been allowed extended closing hours but the bars in the non-casino areas had to close at 1:30 am. Recently the St. Charles City Council and the St. Charles County Council voted to designate the Ameristar property as a convention area thus clearing a path for the subsequent action by the Gaming Commission. Just in time for the opening of the new multi million nightclub at the Casino Hotel which is scheduled to open in December.
The Missouri Gaming Commission has given approval for the bars at Ameristar Casino & Hotel to remain open until 3:00 am while other bars in St. Charles have to adhere to the 1:30 am closing time.
The bars on the casino floor have always been allowed extended closing hours but the bars in the non-casino areas had to close at 1:30 am. Recently the St. Charles City Council and the St. Charles County Council voted to designate the Ameristar property as a convention area thus clearing a path for the subsequent action by the Gaming Commission. Just in time for the opening of the new multi million nightclub at the Casino Hotel which is scheduled to open in December.
Liquor Task Force Plans To Stop Binge Drinking On North Main
By Tony Brockmeyer
In a discussion regarding how to monitor whether licensed liquor establishments in the historic business district comply with the 51% food requirement, Councilman Richard Veit told the council,”The liquor task force is going to have a lot of suggestions. We are discussing cheap alcohol, in fact not allowing certain discounts. We will encourage people to have a high class outfit where they can charge an expensive amount for alcohol to discourage binge drinking.We may have very fine establishments that run afoul of the 51% food requirement. We will have some stuff on using fake ID’s to get into bars and stuff.”
In the past two weeks the city council has approved three new liquor licenses for the historic business district.
Complaints from nearby business owners have prompted councilmembers to take a closer look when new liquor licenses are applied for.
In a discussion regarding how to monitor whether licensed liquor establishments in the historic business district comply with the 51% food requirement, Councilman Richard Veit told the council,”The liquor task force is going to have a lot of suggestions. We are discussing cheap alcohol, in fact not allowing certain discounts. We will encourage people to have a high class outfit where they can charge an expensive amount for alcohol to discourage binge drinking.We may have very fine establishments that run afoul of the 51% food requirement. We will have some stuff on using fake ID’s to get into bars and stuff.”
In the past two weeks the city council has approved three new liquor licenses for the historic business district.
Complaints from nearby business owners have prompted councilmembers to take a closer look when new liquor licenses are applied for.
RAMBLING WITH The Editor Tony Brockmeyer
In 2008 the voters in St.Charles City will be asked to elect a new State Representative for the 18th District. I wish I could say that Tom Dempey's shoes will be hard to fill, but that would not be true. Tom wasted his political leadership capitol by focusing on special interests. As a matter of fact the entire Republican contingent wasted a lot of time and effort. The only interest they displayed was securing a job other than representing the people who voted them into office. Representative Carl Bearden is now a lobbyist, Representative Tom Dempsey left early for a State Senate Seat and State Senator Chuck Gross is now on the county government payroll.
So now that the Republican leadership has special interested our County and City we need to look for someone who can help represent the rest of us. There are two front runners on the Republican side for Dempsey's old seat. Matthew Seed is a newcomer, yet has made his presence felt. Seed has been involved in the lucrative money laundromat once run by Thomas Smith. Seed certainly understands the special interest needed to garner huge donations. Ann Zerr has the old line Republicans believing she can win. The name recognition certainly will help.
The Democrats have two trying to gain support. Mindy Primm a perennial candidate for higher office is on the short list. Mindy's dad, Jim Primm, was one of the most respected political figures in the county before his untimely death. That being said, Mindy is not her dad and she needs to try to get elected at the city or county level before going for the big seats. She would fit perfectly in a race against County Councilman Dan Foust or for the City Council.
Former St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope has all but announced he is running and running hard as a Democrat. It appears the special interest politics of the Republican party has turned him off. Swope also experienced the politics of personal destruction the Republicans employed with his friend Joe Brazil at the receiving end. Swope has won county wide and is electable in the City.
So here is my prediction, Zerr vs. Primm, Zerr wins 51%-49%. Seed vs. Primm, Seed wins 51%-49%. Zerr vs. Swope, Swope 60%-40%, Seed vs. Swope, Swope 65%-35%. Pretty much a no brainier for the dems, Swope wins hands down.
So now that the Republican leadership has special interested our County and City we need to look for someone who can help represent the rest of us. There are two front runners on the Republican side for Dempsey's old seat. Matthew Seed is a newcomer, yet has made his presence felt. Seed has been involved in the lucrative money laundromat once run by Thomas Smith. Seed certainly understands the special interest needed to garner huge donations. Ann Zerr has the old line Republicans believing she can win. The name recognition certainly will help.
The Democrats have two trying to gain support. Mindy Primm a perennial candidate for higher office is on the short list. Mindy's dad, Jim Primm, was one of the most respected political figures in the county before his untimely death. That being said, Mindy is not her dad and she needs to try to get elected at the city or county level before going for the big seats. She would fit perfectly in a race against County Councilman Dan Foust or for the City Council.
Former St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope has all but announced he is running and running hard as a Democrat. It appears the special interest politics of the Republican party has turned him off. Swope also experienced the politics of personal destruction the Republicans employed with his friend Joe Brazil at the receiving end. Swope has won county wide and is electable in the City.
So here is my prediction, Zerr vs. Primm, Zerr wins 51%-49%. Seed vs. Primm, Seed wins 51%-49%. Zerr vs. Swope, Swope 60%-40%, Seed vs. Swope, Swope 65%-35%. Pretty much a no brainier for the dems, Swope wins hands down.
EDITORIAL _ County Executive Steve Ehlmann
COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE EHLMANN IS THE BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN
A local publication came out with it’s Best Of list this past week. I was happy to see the best of sealant company listed. God knows we all sit down and worry who the best is in the sealant world. The one that made me laugh was the best local politician. Mayor York won again. I guess Lionel, Patti and the council are the only ones that get to vote. My bet is the publication couldn’t produce the proof that would support any of their best of list.
That being said, The First Capitol News is nominating, voting and proclaiming a victor in the First Capitol News best local political figure, and the winner is St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.
Steve Ehlmann has quietly made his mark on St. Charles County and it’s a positive one. Steve Ehlmann has taken the Family Arena and turned it into a first class venue. Now the patrons choose who they see, not the County Executive.
Former county executive Joe Ortwerth censored the arena events and then the taxpayers had to pay the deficit. Steve Ehlmann has taken the hate for cities out of the county government. He understands he represents all the residents in the county and it’s not a city vs. county world.
County Executive Steve Ehlmann is a quiet politician and appears to be in politics for the right reason, to help and serve the public. For Steve Ehlmann it’s not about being named by a publication the “Best Of”. Nobody need vote in some bogus mail in Best Of contest. Nobody needs to act like the contest wasn’t fixed.
Our winner is a person who appreciates the history of the County and the people. Mayor York is so far out of Steve Ehlmann’s league she needs a telescope to watch the game. We are not going to ask our winner to purchase an ad nor our we going to try and sell ads to anyone for this bestowment upon Steve Ehlmann. But there was a St. Charles taxpayer paid for ad congratulating York for her winning. Wonder if that check and the other thousands to that publication are why she won? Mr. Ehlmann if you ever want to speak about this honor or any other subject please feel free to call.
A local publication came out with it’s Best Of list this past week. I was happy to see the best of sealant company listed. God knows we all sit down and worry who the best is in the sealant world. The one that made me laugh was the best local politician. Mayor York won again. I guess Lionel, Patti and the council are the only ones that get to vote. My bet is the publication couldn’t produce the proof that would support any of their best of list.
That being said, The First Capitol News is nominating, voting and proclaiming a victor in the First Capitol News best local political figure, and the winner is St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.
Steve Ehlmann has quietly made his mark on St. Charles County and it’s a positive one. Steve Ehlmann has taken the Family Arena and turned it into a first class venue. Now the patrons choose who they see, not the County Executive.
Former county executive Joe Ortwerth censored the arena events and then the taxpayers had to pay the deficit. Steve Ehlmann has taken the hate for cities out of the county government. He understands he represents all the residents in the county and it’s not a city vs. county world.
County Executive Steve Ehlmann is a quiet politician and appears to be in politics for the right reason, to help and serve the public. For Steve Ehlmann it’s not about being named by a publication the “Best Of”. Nobody need vote in some bogus mail in Best Of contest. Nobody needs to act like the contest wasn’t fixed.
Our winner is a person who appreciates the history of the County and the people. Mayor York is so far out of Steve Ehlmann’s league she needs a telescope to watch the game. We are not going to ask our winner to purchase an ad nor our we going to try and sell ads to anyone for this bestowment upon Steve Ehlmann. But there was a St. Charles taxpayer paid for ad congratulating York for her winning. Wonder if that check and the other thousands to that publication are why she won? Mr. Ehlmann if you ever want to speak about this honor or any other subject please feel free to call.
THE CITY DESK - Rory Riddler
When Did Halloween Get
Run Over By Christmas?
Maybe it is the pumpkin shortage that got to me, but I’m really missing the normal flow of the seasons. Sometime shortly after Labor Day, Sears opened their Christmas trim-a-tree display. Even the sales people winced a bit at all the comments they were getting about jumping the gun.
It was bad enough a few years ago to see retailers rush to put up Christmas right after Halloween. But now, to see aisles of the undead competing with Frosty the Snowman sends shudders up my spine.
I got a big dose of this kind of holiday compression when I tuned in to Tim Ezell’s segment on Channel 2 one morning last week. He was promoting a St. Louis County park that was holding a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the first of November!
Of course Halloween got its start simply as the eve of All Saints Day. Bad enough to have the good works of thousands of Saints (at least the thousands that existed pre-Vatican II) upstaged by an annual costumed sugar harvest. Now it’s being further downgraded to “Christmas Tree Lighting Day” by the St. Louis County Parks System. Sorry Saint Peter.
Then in the calendar section I saw that Fete de Noel de Soulard was going to take place last Saturday, November 3rd, with the arrival of Santa in Soulard! Are they sure he didn’t just get drunk at Mardi Gras and forget to go home?
I went to Schnucks on Zumbehl with my brother that same Saturday. And what to my wondering eyes should appear…but a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights. It seems that after falling a bit short last year, they decided to start a week or two earlier. This put them in direct competition with a poor guy trying to collect money for diabetes research. I gave him a dollar on the way out just because I felt sorry for him having to compete with the bell ringers. He might want to try selling candy next time. (And yes, I am only kidding about the candy.)
Keeping holidays separate has always been important around our house. Our daughter was scheduled to be induced on October 31st. but my wife Sue told the doctor that wasn’t happening. First, we had a four year old son to take trick or treating and secondly, we weren’t going to have our daughter’s birthday compete with Halloween.
My father remembers when families got their Christmas trees just a few days before the holiday and decorated them on Christmas Eve. For younger readers, and by that I mean anyone born after 1950, you may find that hard to believe. Rent a copy of the Bishop’s Wife, the good version with Cary Grant. You’ll see he’s helping decorate the Christmas tree on December 24th.
Today I feel like Scrooge if the tree isn’t up and decorated by the second week in December. That’s a bit trickier with a real tree. I’m still waiting for bio-engineers to make a tree whose needles won’t turn brown and fall off till January 2nd.
What all of these little assaults end up doing, is reducing Thanksgiving to the “Half-Time” show of the Christmas Shopping Season. Call me old fashioned…wait, no, that makes me sound too old. Call me a neo-traditionalist. I remember when Christmas was “unveiled” by the big department stores the Friday after Thanksgiving.
That’s when your parents loaded the family into the ’59 Chevy and you would all drive downtown to admire the Christmas windows at Famous-Barr and Stix, to visit Santa Land (before Santa started hanging out in Soulard all year) and to see the wonderful decorations and displays that graced the main floor. Sure the downtown department stores became economic dinosaurs in the 1970s, but it really isn’t asking too much for Macys to keep a little more of that Miracle On 34th Street feeling alive.
Perhaps I’m a little overprotective of Thanksgiving, but I enjoy contemplating harvest time, our debt to the Pilgrims, to Native Americans and to college football. Once the turkey and cranberry sauce has been relegated to the status of leftovers, then I’m ready for the start of the Christmas Season. I just want to enjoy all the holidays and season’s of the year without someone putting them in a blender and making them come out homogenized…like most of the Disney characters of the past twenty years.
Maybe I’m just tired of having to be a quick change artist, rushing to get up the next set of holiday decorations before I’m done enjoying the current ones. At this rate I’ll have to install a conveyor belt to get boxes of decorations out of the basement faster.
Personally I blame the 2008 Presidential Election. Several states keep battling to be the first primary state in a giant game of chicken called “How early can you schedule a 2008 primary election and still call it the 2008 election?” Now that the Iowa Caucus has been moved up to January 3rd, New Hampshire is probably eyeing New Years. This, of course, caused a rift in the space-time continuum which explains Santa Claus being spotted in Soulard before we even Fall Back for Daylight Savings Time.
It may also all be a result of global warming. Santa’s reindeer are becoming confused and disoriented as the ice shelves melt around them. Perhaps I can get a government grant to study that.
At this rate, we’ll be handing out candy canes at the door next Halloween.
ttt
Run Over By Christmas?
Maybe it is the pumpkin shortage that got to me, but I’m really missing the normal flow of the seasons. Sometime shortly after Labor Day, Sears opened their Christmas trim-a-tree display. Even the sales people winced a bit at all the comments they were getting about jumping the gun.
It was bad enough a few years ago to see retailers rush to put up Christmas right after Halloween. But now, to see aisles of the undead competing with Frosty the Snowman sends shudders up my spine.
I got a big dose of this kind of holiday compression when I tuned in to Tim Ezell’s segment on Channel 2 one morning last week. He was promoting a St. Louis County park that was holding a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the first of November!
Of course Halloween got its start simply as the eve of All Saints Day. Bad enough to have the good works of thousands of Saints (at least the thousands that existed pre-Vatican II) upstaged by an annual costumed sugar harvest. Now it’s being further downgraded to “Christmas Tree Lighting Day” by the St. Louis County Parks System. Sorry Saint Peter.
Then in the calendar section I saw that Fete de Noel de Soulard was going to take place last Saturday, November 3rd, with the arrival of Santa in Soulard! Are they sure he didn’t just get drunk at Mardi Gras and forget to go home?
I went to Schnucks on Zumbehl with my brother that same Saturday. And what to my wondering eyes should appear…but a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights. It seems that after falling a bit short last year, they decided to start a week or two earlier. This put them in direct competition with a poor guy trying to collect money for diabetes research. I gave him a dollar on the way out just because I felt sorry for him having to compete with the bell ringers. He might want to try selling candy next time. (And yes, I am only kidding about the candy.)
Keeping holidays separate has always been important around our house. Our daughter was scheduled to be induced on October 31st. but my wife Sue told the doctor that wasn’t happening. First, we had a four year old son to take trick or treating and secondly, we weren’t going to have our daughter’s birthday compete with Halloween.
My father remembers when families got their Christmas trees just a few days before the holiday and decorated them on Christmas Eve. For younger readers, and by that I mean anyone born after 1950, you may find that hard to believe. Rent a copy of the Bishop’s Wife, the good version with Cary Grant. You’ll see he’s helping decorate the Christmas tree on December 24th.
Today I feel like Scrooge if the tree isn’t up and decorated by the second week in December. That’s a bit trickier with a real tree. I’m still waiting for bio-engineers to make a tree whose needles won’t turn brown and fall off till January 2nd.
What all of these little assaults end up doing, is reducing Thanksgiving to the “Half-Time” show of the Christmas Shopping Season. Call me old fashioned…wait, no, that makes me sound too old. Call me a neo-traditionalist. I remember when Christmas was “unveiled” by the big department stores the Friday after Thanksgiving.
That’s when your parents loaded the family into the ’59 Chevy and you would all drive downtown to admire the Christmas windows at Famous-Barr and Stix, to visit Santa Land (before Santa started hanging out in Soulard all year) and to see the wonderful decorations and displays that graced the main floor. Sure the downtown department stores became economic dinosaurs in the 1970s, but it really isn’t asking too much for Macys to keep a little more of that Miracle On 34th Street feeling alive.
Perhaps I’m a little overprotective of Thanksgiving, but I enjoy contemplating harvest time, our debt to the Pilgrims, to Native Americans and to college football. Once the turkey and cranberry sauce has been relegated to the status of leftovers, then I’m ready for the start of the Christmas Season. I just want to enjoy all the holidays and season’s of the year without someone putting them in a blender and making them come out homogenized…like most of the Disney characters of the past twenty years.
Maybe I’m just tired of having to be a quick change artist, rushing to get up the next set of holiday decorations before I’m done enjoying the current ones. At this rate I’ll have to install a conveyor belt to get boxes of decorations out of the basement faster.
Personally I blame the 2008 Presidential Election. Several states keep battling to be the first primary state in a giant game of chicken called “How early can you schedule a 2008 primary election and still call it the 2008 election?” Now that the Iowa Caucus has been moved up to January 3rd, New Hampshire is probably eyeing New Years. This, of course, caused a rift in the space-time continuum which explains Santa Claus being spotted in Soulard before we even Fall Back for Daylight Savings Time.
It may also all be a result of global warming. Santa’s reindeer are becoming confused and disoriented as the ice shelves melt around them. Perhaps I can get a government grant to study that.
At this rate, we’ll be handing out candy canes at the door next Halloween.
ttt
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor,
Once again I have to agree with Rory Riddler.
So glad you “stood up” for the much-needed arts, Rory.
From the Crescendo Concert series to Act II, Flood Stage, St. Charles County Symphony, Missouri Choral, (and other chorales and instrumentalists) all are needed: Lindenwood and the City Band, Jazz, Classical all, give to the well being of this town.
I’ve harped on the need to support them (no pun intended) and to attend the music, dance and voice.
I consider myself blessed.
Most of this is free or very inexpensive. May I continue to be entertained by these fine artists for a long time yet.
I applaud you all.
Lilah Contine
Dear Editor,
In March, the Saint Charles School District administration went before the school board with the bus plan for their new reorganization. This amazing plan, according to them, was capable of transporting the increased numbers of children, across greater distances, yet would not require any additional busses.
When this plan was finally revealed months later, this administration described the horrible retching noise that followed as just “a few hick-ups”, blaming the parents and children for the problems. As their plan continued to crumble, this administration decided they also needed to blame the bus drivers and the bus company.
We pay these administrator’s six-figure salaries and they bungled the most important aspect of their reorganization. This administration failed miserably then refused to take responsibility. In my book that makes them irresponsible, but it’s even worse.
In April, their financial officer said it costs this district about $50,000 a year for each bus. They are currently hoping to lease out a school they closed for $100,000 a year, the cost of two buses. If this administration had kept that school open, they could have left the fifth graders in the elementary schools, wouldn’t have needed to bus them and the other middle school children all over town. Instead of the 40+ buses they’re using now, they could have done it with 30, maybe even the original 25. This administration’s ill-conceived reorganization is wasting more than $500,000 on buses rather than saving money (and schools).
Since this administration can’t do the job they claimed they would do, can’t do the job they’re over-paid to do, then perhaps the best solution for our district is to not pay them at all. The only “children” to blame for this mess are the incompetents on Country Club Road.
Jim DuMontelle
Once again I have to agree with Rory Riddler.
So glad you “stood up” for the much-needed arts, Rory.
From the Crescendo Concert series to Act II, Flood Stage, St. Charles County Symphony, Missouri Choral, (and other chorales and instrumentalists) all are needed: Lindenwood and the City Band, Jazz, Classical all, give to the well being of this town.
I’ve harped on the need to support them (no pun intended) and to attend the music, dance and voice.
I consider myself blessed.
Most of this is free or very inexpensive. May I continue to be entertained by these fine artists for a long time yet.
I applaud you all.
Lilah Contine
Dear Editor,
In March, the Saint Charles School District administration went before the school board with the bus plan for their new reorganization. This amazing plan, according to them, was capable of transporting the increased numbers of children, across greater distances, yet would not require any additional busses.
When this plan was finally revealed months later, this administration described the horrible retching noise that followed as just “a few hick-ups”, blaming the parents and children for the problems. As their plan continued to crumble, this administration decided they also needed to blame the bus drivers and the bus company.
We pay these administrator’s six-figure salaries and they bungled the most important aspect of their reorganization. This administration failed miserably then refused to take responsibility. In my book that makes them irresponsible, but it’s even worse.
In April, their financial officer said it costs this district about $50,000 a year for each bus. They are currently hoping to lease out a school they closed for $100,000 a year, the cost of two buses. If this administration had kept that school open, they could have left the fifth graders in the elementary schools, wouldn’t have needed to bus them and the other middle school children all over town. Instead of the 40+ buses they’re using now, they could have done it with 30, maybe even the original 25. This administration’s ill-conceived reorganization is wasting more than $500,000 on buses rather than saving money (and schools).
Since this administration can’t do the job they claimed they would do, can’t do the job they’re over-paid to do, then perhaps the best solution for our district is to not pay them at all. The only “children” to blame for this mess are the incompetents on Country Club Road.
Jim DuMontelle
CASE IN POINT by Joe Koester
“Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context — a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.”
Eliel Saarinen
One exciting plan that the City had been planning is a city-wide trail system. While on council, I had an opportunity to see the preliminary plans and give some input on the project. It was my hope that the greatest majority of the trails would be off-street whenever possible. This can be a challenge in an older town that has established neighborhoods and little open space; however, there are several key projects that should be considered immediately so that at least these projects can be tied into the trails plan effortlessly. One location includes the golf course development off of Friedens (Had the St. Andrews location been annexed into the St. Charles City, then I would include this location – perhaps the County could still consider hooking that location into the City plan). While many in St. Charles may not think of our town as a walking city, we have the best chance in the county to become just that. It is this kind of advantage that can help make St. Charles a viable option for young families who now overlook us mainly due to cheaper and newer housing stock farther west. If a house in St. Charles were to come with greater amenities such as intricate trails that allow for biking around town, this could help draw residents here who see St. Charles as a true community rather than a boring bedroom community filled with cul-de-sacs and strip malls.
One of the factors placing Columbia, Missouri regularly among the most desirable communities in the nation is its “walkability.”
St. Charles has many other factors already that help to make it a desirable town and a few that detract from this. Readers know most of what both of these lists include – some pros: varied housing stock; hospital; proximity to highways, airport, and services; parks and recreation; identifiable downtown area; arts; festivals; entertainment. Some cons: shuttered businesses; lack of services such as retail; grade schools and middle schools that are far from many residents resulting in longer bussing times; many areas of town with old infrastructure; *good-old-boy politics. *This last one is particularly entertaining to hear people talk about because this claim goes back as long as I can remember. Many moving here in the 1970s and 1980s made the same claims and you see that addition of St. Louisians has not changed this gripe and in many regards many people believe it is worse than ever.
I remember as a young adult being amazed at what little our City asked of developers – I’m talking about when St. Charles really was the place to move to! Many developments weren’t required to put in sidewalks or any amenities for that matter. Some developments allowed shoddy construction resulting in buildings inferior buildings that look pretty bad for their age. Of course, this is a direct result of the “best democracy money can buy” and should be expected when politicians have to finance expensive elections and depend upon businesses – including developers – for contributions to run those campaigns.
Regardless, an opportunity was passed up and now St. Charles needs to take steps to make our town more and more desirable. One way this can be done is to embrace a “greening” of our community, including a trail system that could be used by bikers to get from here to there.
Other things that could be included into a green plan would be continued encouragement of the recycling program; a rebate program for installing compact florescent lighting and a recycle program for those same bulbs; a tree planting initiative for both businesses and residential properties; study of where wind/solar power could be implemented in town to cut utility costs for our schools and public spaces.
One place that comes to mind where the City could permit tree plantings would be the farthest portion of Target’s parking lot. No one has ever parked in this lot (at least not someone who then went to Target to shop). The City mandates parking space requirements and could reduce the number required here and ask Target to plant a mixed stand of trees that would reduce water runoff, trap tons of carbon, and provide wildlife habitat. As for residential tree plantings – the City could contract to put in a set number of trees in front yards throughout town each year free of charge to residents to help green up the streetscape. Take a drive through parts of Bob Kneemiller’s neighborhood and you’ll be amazed after fifteen or more years the number of homes that still have no trees in their yards!
Our town does need the vision to make certain that we do not become the “stagnant, old part of the county.” One very good way to stave off this perception is to become the most progressive town in the county.
Eliel Saarinen
One exciting plan that the City had been planning is a city-wide trail system. While on council, I had an opportunity to see the preliminary plans and give some input on the project. It was my hope that the greatest majority of the trails would be off-street whenever possible. This can be a challenge in an older town that has established neighborhoods and little open space; however, there are several key projects that should be considered immediately so that at least these projects can be tied into the trails plan effortlessly. One location includes the golf course development off of Friedens (Had the St. Andrews location been annexed into the St. Charles City, then I would include this location – perhaps the County could still consider hooking that location into the City plan). While many in St. Charles may not think of our town as a walking city, we have the best chance in the county to become just that. It is this kind of advantage that can help make St. Charles a viable option for young families who now overlook us mainly due to cheaper and newer housing stock farther west. If a house in St. Charles were to come with greater amenities such as intricate trails that allow for biking around town, this could help draw residents here who see St. Charles as a true community rather than a boring bedroom community filled with cul-de-sacs and strip malls.
One of the factors placing Columbia, Missouri regularly among the most desirable communities in the nation is its “walkability.”
St. Charles has many other factors already that help to make it a desirable town and a few that detract from this. Readers know most of what both of these lists include – some pros: varied housing stock; hospital; proximity to highways, airport, and services; parks and recreation; identifiable downtown area; arts; festivals; entertainment. Some cons: shuttered businesses; lack of services such as retail; grade schools and middle schools that are far from many residents resulting in longer bussing times; many areas of town with old infrastructure; *good-old-boy politics. *This last one is particularly entertaining to hear people talk about because this claim goes back as long as I can remember. Many moving here in the 1970s and 1980s made the same claims and you see that addition of St. Louisians has not changed this gripe and in many regards many people believe it is worse than ever.
I remember as a young adult being amazed at what little our City asked of developers – I’m talking about when St. Charles really was the place to move to! Many developments weren’t required to put in sidewalks or any amenities for that matter. Some developments allowed shoddy construction resulting in buildings inferior buildings that look pretty bad for their age. Of course, this is a direct result of the “best democracy money can buy” and should be expected when politicians have to finance expensive elections and depend upon businesses – including developers – for contributions to run those campaigns.
Regardless, an opportunity was passed up and now St. Charles needs to take steps to make our town more and more desirable. One way this can be done is to embrace a “greening” of our community, including a trail system that could be used by bikers to get from here to there.
Other things that could be included into a green plan would be continued encouragement of the recycling program; a rebate program for installing compact florescent lighting and a recycle program for those same bulbs; a tree planting initiative for both businesses and residential properties; study of where wind/solar power could be implemented in town to cut utility costs for our schools and public spaces.
One place that comes to mind where the City could permit tree plantings would be the farthest portion of Target’s parking lot. No one has ever parked in this lot (at least not someone who then went to Target to shop). The City mandates parking space requirements and could reduce the number required here and ask Target to plant a mixed stand of trees that would reduce water runoff, trap tons of carbon, and provide wildlife habitat. As for residential tree plantings – the City could contract to put in a set number of trees in front yards throughout town each year free of charge to residents to help green up the streetscape. Take a drive through parts of Bob Kneemiller’s neighborhood and you’ll be amazed after fifteen or more years the number of homes that still have no trees in their yards!
Our town does need the vision to make certain that we do not become the “stagnant, old part of the county.” One very good way to stave off this perception is to become the most progressive town in the county.
The View From The Cheap Seats by Jerry Hafferkamp
By Jerry Haferkamp
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. The German surrender took place in the railway carriage of French General Ferdinand Foch. This act signified the end of World War I, the “War to end all wars”. When it ended, an estimated 13 million soldiers were dead or missing. Of course, it wasn’t really the end of all wars. In fact, when Germany forced the surrender of the French in World War II, Hitler thought it poetic justice that the French surrender in that same rail carriage.
There have been wars since the beginning of time. When people can’t come to a resolution of their differences, wars and killing are sometimes the result. Probably the first reference to this is when Cain killed his brother in the Garden of Eden and it progressed as time went on.
War always spawns the “anti-war” protesters. The only “pro-war” faction that I can think of would be war profiteers. In the past, they were punished. Today, they are rewarded with military contracts. No one I know is “pro-war”, not even those who support the current war.
The most “anti-war” people I can think of are the brave men and women in our military. No on hates war more than the ones who could ultimately die in war, these men and women. But to protect our way of life and bring freedom to millions, they answer the call. Whether their assignment is in a safe area or in the teeth of the fight, they would all probably rather be at home having dinner with their families.
On Sunday, Veterans’ Day, there will be an opportunity for all of us to give thanks to our protectors. On that day, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a ceremony will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial monument on our riverfront. The monument is located adjacent to the boathouse/museum at the foot of Boone’s Lick Road.
Attending won’t mean you are supporting this or any other war. It means you are supporting those who served when called. Come down and show our veterans you care. They certainly care for you.
That’s the view from the cheap seats.
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. The German surrender took place in the railway carriage of French General Ferdinand Foch. This act signified the end of World War I, the “War to end all wars”. When it ended, an estimated 13 million soldiers were dead or missing. Of course, it wasn’t really the end of all wars. In fact, when Germany forced the surrender of the French in World War II, Hitler thought it poetic justice that the French surrender in that same rail carriage.
There have been wars since the beginning of time. When people can’t come to a resolution of their differences, wars and killing are sometimes the result. Probably the first reference to this is when Cain killed his brother in the Garden of Eden and it progressed as time went on.
War always spawns the “anti-war” protesters. The only “pro-war” faction that I can think of would be war profiteers. In the past, they were punished. Today, they are rewarded with military contracts. No one I know is “pro-war”, not even those who support the current war.
The most “anti-war” people I can think of are the brave men and women in our military. No on hates war more than the ones who could ultimately die in war, these men and women. But to protect our way of life and bring freedom to millions, they answer the call. Whether their assignment is in a safe area or in the teeth of the fight, they would all probably rather be at home having dinner with their families.
On Sunday, Veterans’ Day, there will be an opportunity for all of us to give thanks to our protectors. On that day, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a ceremony will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial monument on our riverfront. The monument is located adjacent to the boathouse/museum at the foot of Boone’s Lick Road.
Attending won’t mean you are supporting this or any other war. It means you are supporting those who served when called. Come down and show our veterans you care. They certainly care for you.
That’s the view from the cheap seats.
Success Despite Adversity - St. Charles Office Furniture
Success Despite Adversity
St. Charles
Office Furniture
A profile of Pete Barteau, former police chief, deli operator and owner of St. Charles New & Used Office Furniture
By Tony Brockmeyer
We first wrote about Pete and St. Charles Office Furniture in March of 2002. After operating out of several strip mall stores on Highway 94 North, they are now located in a large 17,000 square foot warehouse on Fountain Lakes.
Pete Barteau and I grew up a few blocks apart in Florissant. That was back when the population was about 250. Somewhere in our lineage we believe that we were related. My grandmother was a Barteau. But more of that later.
While Pete worked as a police chief in Hillsdale, Edmundson, St. John and Pevely, his wife Pat operated a deli for ten years on Highway 94 South. At the urging of his wife, Pete quit the Pevely police department to help her at the deli. Then came the 1993 flood, which ruined the deli and left them both out of work.
“After the flood we didn’t know what to do,” Pete said. “Everybody around us was filing bankruptcy. We told our creditors, don’t sue us and we will get you all paid.” Pepsi wrote us a nice letter of credit for $7000 but we didn’t want to get back in the deli business because the business is hard and you are on your feet a lot.”
In December of 1993 Pete started selling office furniture out of a two-car garage with two desks that he got from McDonnell Douglas. “They were so ugly you wouldn’t even want them in your garage, but, I sold them. I remember going to the hospital and telling my father, dad I sold those two desks that I cleaned up and painted for $75. Two ugly old desks that I fixed up. He was in intensive care dying. He rose up smiled and layed back down. He has passed, but, if he could see me now he would really be happy”.
When asked how he decided on office furniture Pete said, “I knew that every office had to have a desk and every desk had to have a chair and I just though I would give it a try. That is how I started. I had a dream. I wanted to be the biggest and the best and actually my dream has come true. I pray a lot when I go to bed at night. I really do. I thank God for all the good things that have happened to me throughout the day. Things just seem to get better and better, I swear.”
Pete started with used office furniture but later added new office furniture. “I never thought I could sell new,” Pete remarked. “But I had customers come in who wanted new furniture. So I started a little piece here and a little piece there. I gave them good deals that they couldn’t get anywhere else. I actually helped little businesses that were starting out and couldn’t afford to put out a lot of money so I gave them a lot of credit. I extended credit to them with no interest. Helped small little insurance companies and things like that get started. They have come back to me bought more and more because nobody else would do for them what I did. I kind of grew my business that way. I have the best.”
When St. Charles Office Furniture sells office furniture it is cleaned up and is fixed up before it is ever offered for sale because Pete wants his customers to have a good product. At St. Charles Office Furniture they care about their customers.
Pete was asked as a successful businessman what advice would he give to someone just starting out in business. “Be honest with your customers. Give them a good product for their money. And above all stand behind your product,” he said.
Pete said that the most important things he has learned, as a businessman was integrity. ‘When I sell a product to a person I am excited about the product. When they walk out the door I know they have a good product. I know they have a product that is going to last them. I know they have a product that is going to hold up. Be honest with your customers, give them a good value and stand behind it.”
St. Charles Office Furniture sells top of the line business furniture. Steel Case, Hayworth, Herman Miller, DSA, Performance, and most major brands. If you need something that St. Charles Furniture does not have they will get it for you. Financing is available. Delivery and set-up is also available.
Asked if he had any disappointments Pete said, “No disappointments, not really. Everything has been good. I have to say, and I don’t know why everything has been good. I am just treated well. Maybe it is the praying I do at night before I go to bed. God has been good to me. I have to say that.”
Pete’s wife Pat has retired from the business but other members of his family are involved.
The 17,000 square feet of office furniture at St. Charles Office furniture can be found at 710 Fountain Lakes Boulevard. Their hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and they can be reached at 636 947-3172.
During the time we were growing up in Florissant the city had a volunteer fire department. When you called the station for a fire alarm the hone would set off the siren that was located atop the firehouse. When you heard the siren go off drivers knew it was time to get off the streets. The firemen, most of whom were local businessmen, would jump in their cars; turn on their red lights and sirens and race to the firehouse. When they arrived they leaped from their vehicles and ran for the fire truck. Their personal cars were sitting all over the streets by the firehouse with their motors running, headlights on and red lights flashing. Pete lived across the street from the firehouse. The volunteer firemen trained him on how to turn off their cars and lights. When the fire truck pulled out Pete would run over and turn off the cars and the lights and stay there and keep an eye on things until the firemen returned. His reward was a bottle of soda. I would have liked to have had that job, but, Pete had it sewed up.
St. Charles
Office Furniture
A profile of Pete Barteau, former police chief, deli operator and owner of St. Charles New & Used Office Furniture
By Tony Brockmeyer
We first wrote about Pete and St. Charles Office Furniture in March of 2002. After operating out of several strip mall stores on Highway 94 North, they are now located in a large 17,000 square foot warehouse on Fountain Lakes.
Pete Barteau and I grew up a few blocks apart in Florissant. That was back when the population was about 250. Somewhere in our lineage we believe that we were related. My grandmother was a Barteau. But more of that later.
While Pete worked as a police chief in Hillsdale, Edmundson, St. John and Pevely, his wife Pat operated a deli for ten years on Highway 94 South. At the urging of his wife, Pete quit the Pevely police department to help her at the deli. Then came the 1993 flood, which ruined the deli and left them both out of work.
“After the flood we didn’t know what to do,” Pete said. “Everybody around us was filing bankruptcy. We told our creditors, don’t sue us and we will get you all paid.” Pepsi wrote us a nice letter of credit for $7000 but we didn’t want to get back in the deli business because the business is hard and you are on your feet a lot.”
In December of 1993 Pete started selling office furniture out of a two-car garage with two desks that he got from McDonnell Douglas. “They were so ugly you wouldn’t even want them in your garage, but, I sold them. I remember going to the hospital and telling my father, dad I sold those two desks that I cleaned up and painted for $75. Two ugly old desks that I fixed up. He was in intensive care dying. He rose up smiled and layed back down. He has passed, but, if he could see me now he would really be happy”.
When asked how he decided on office furniture Pete said, “I knew that every office had to have a desk and every desk had to have a chair and I just though I would give it a try. That is how I started. I had a dream. I wanted to be the biggest and the best and actually my dream has come true. I pray a lot when I go to bed at night. I really do. I thank God for all the good things that have happened to me throughout the day. Things just seem to get better and better, I swear.”
Pete started with used office furniture but later added new office furniture. “I never thought I could sell new,” Pete remarked. “But I had customers come in who wanted new furniture. So I started a little piece here and a little piece there. I gave them good deals that they couldn’t get anywhere else. I actually helped little businesses that were starting out and couldn’t afford to put out a lot of money so I gave them a lot of credit. I extended credit to them with no interest. Helped small little insurance companies and things like that get started. They have come back to me bought more and more because nobody else would do for them what I did. I kind of grew my business that way. I have the best.”
When St. Charles Office Furniture sells office furniture it is cleaned up and is fixed up before it is ever offered for sale because Pete wants his customers to have a good product. At St. Charles Office Furniture they care about their customers.
Pete was asked as a successful businessman what advice would he give to someone just starting out in business. “Be honest with your customers. Give them a good product for their money. And above all stand behind your product,” he said.
Pete said that the most important things he has learned, as a businessman was integrity. ‘When I sell a product to a person I am excited about the product. When they walk out the door I know they have a good product. I know they have a product that is going to last them. I know they have a product that is going to hold up. Be honest with your customers, give them a good value and stand behind it.”
St. Charles Office Furniture sells top of the line business furniture. Steel Case, Hayworth, Herman Miller, DSA, Performance, and most major brands. If you need something that St. Charles Furniture does not have they will get it for you. Financing is available. Delivery and set-up is also available.
Asked if he had any disappointments Pete said, “No disappointments, not really. Everything has been good. I have to say, and I don’t know why everything has been good. I am just treated well. Maybe it is the praying I do at night before I go to bed. God has been good to me. I have to say that.”
Pete’s wife Pat has retired from the business but other members of his family are involved.
The 17,000 square feet of office furniture at St. Charles Office furniture can be found at 710 Fountain Lakes Boulevard. Their hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and they can be reached at 636 947-3172.
During the time we were growing up in Florissant the city had a volunteer fire department. When you called the station for a fire alarm the hone would set off the siren that was located atop the firehouse. When you heard the siren go off drivers knew it was time to get off the streets. The firemen, most of whom were local businessmen, would jump in their cars; turn on their red lights and sirens and race to the firehouse. When they arrived they leaped from their vehicles and ran for the fire truck. Their personal cars were sitting all over the streets by the firehouse with their motors running, headlights on and red lights flashing. Pete lived across the street from the firehouse. The volunteer firemen trained him on how to turn off their cars and lights. When the fire truck pulled out Pete would run over and turn off the cars and the lights and stay there and keep an eye on things until the firemen returned. His reward was a bottle of soda. I would have liked to have had that job, but, Pete had it sewed up.
Kratzer's Corner by Mel Kratzer
Kratzer’s Corner - Mel Kratzer
The St.Charles Mole Epidemic
Drive down any St.Charles street and you’ll see some lawn sporting an underground tunnel protruding up like a winding country road over some poor soul’s property. The moles are out in force this year stepping up their claim on everyone’s turf trying to be first class pain in the posterior.
“My yard is looking like a World War One battlefield thanks to those stupid moles digging up a storm,” exclaimed my riled neighbor who is intensely clutching a heavy duty garden rake in hand.
Later on that afternoon I watched that same neighbor use the bludgeoning method to rid moles in his yard. He was aggressively pounding that rake on the ground aiming at little blades of grass that ruffled hoping to clobber a mole underneath. On this day the final score was Mole 1 -neighbor zero.
Before we get into other mole eradication techniques, lets reveal what these mole critters are because some people have never heard a mole as an animal. Some local citizens I’ve met think of a mole as that ungodly looking growth pushed up against your Aunt Rose’s schnoz. The one mole we are talking about is as the dictionary puts it, “ a small underground dark gray mammal with strong forefeet used for burrowing. Another neighbor of mine had some choice four letter words to a describe the mole who trashed his front yard, so we’ll just stick with the dictionary version to translate what a mole is.
Moles run rampant these days I guess because the predators in St.Charles are far and few between. Its not like we have a bunch of foxes, wolves, or coyotes to hunt down these lawn -tearing-up-pests keeping their population in check.
And don’t count on your pet to vanquish the common mole as house or backyard dwelling cats and dogs are lazy when it comes to preying on the mole. Back in the day, a cat or dog would earn his keep and meal from his owner by catching and killing moles, raccoons or any other varmints. Now my mutt and overweight feline are content to lounge around like a horizontal statue only to rise when I come out with their full food bowl.
Go into any local St.Charles hardware store asking outloud how to eliminate them damn moles.” People will come out of the aisles with their own mole assassination methods as you begin to realize that this is an all out community battle featuring man versus mole.
The resident across the creek utilizes the Jack “Dr.Death” Kevorkian method hooking a hose to his car exhaust pipe gunning the engine emitting carbon monoxide into the mole’s tunnel. Sounds pretty creepy and lurid to me, but if it works, go for it!
A former neighbor used to wipe out moles with the Holocaust method taking gas pellets and burying them in a mole’s hole then covering them up. I’ll bet some World War two Gestapo German invented this effective technique. As long as this method is administered on moles and not humans I say more power to it.
Good friend across the street has tried the smoke bomb method releasing Fourth of July fireworks into a mole underground crevice to drive out the critters. Then he wails the cane on the mole.. It’s a site to see and makes you wonder if you are still in St. Charles or on the grounds of Malcolm Bliss Mental Hospital.
Was stunned to hear that an earthquake method to decimate moles from a lawn was used by placing these violent shaking sticks in a mole ground area making the underground vibrate so powerful that it drives a mole away from his yard territory. What will they think of next?
How about the “arsenic and old lace” method where poison peanuts or gel are placed at the mole’s hole entrance in an attempt to get this 6 inch four-legged rat-like thing to ingest it and keel over. My dad’s next door neighbor uses this technique daily on squirrels, usually morbidly tossing the rigormortis carcus in his garbage can consistently.
Think you’ve heard it all? Somebody living behind my place on the other street was observed using the Waterworld method taking his garden hose and jamming it into the mole’s tunnel opening in an effort to drown this ground dwelling nemesis. This tactic I have heard is pretty successful and if it fails at least you watered your thirsty lawn.
Then there’s the Good Ol Boy method used by rural southern Missourians who wait around pre-dawn when moles like to surface only to be blown to smithereens from a shot gun. Definitely don’t recommend this maneuver as it could lead to showdown shootout with the St. Charles Police SWAT team and that would for sure ruin your day.
I’ll admit I’m not much of a lawn manicuerist. Mow it and trim it and that’s about the extent of it when it comes to lawncare. When people ask what kind of grass I have,my response is usually “variety.” So having a mole plow through the yard doesn’t really get me bent out of shape. But I can see how moles blasting their way through your yard would drive a lawn perfectionist berzerko.
What ever way you use to erase a mole from your life, I wish you good luck and good success. Its rather amazing to believe that this awkward looking animal can cause so much damage, but they can. If all else fails, hire Elmer Fudd to “bwast out that flea-bitten mole varmint” out of his hole!
The St.Charles Mole Epidemic
Drive down any St.Charles street and you’ll see some lawn sporting an underground tunnel protruding up like a winding country road over some poor soul’s property. The moles are out in force this year stepping up their claim on everyone’s turf trying to be first class pain in the posterior.
“My yard is looking like a World War One battlefield thanks to those stupid moles digging up a storm,” exclaimed my riled neighbor who is intensely clutching a heavy duty garden rake in hand.
Later on that afternoon I watched that same neighbor use the bludgeoning method to rid moles in his yard. He was aggressively pounding that rake on the ground aiming at little blades of grass that ruffled hoping to clobber a mole underneath. On this day the final score was Mole 1 -neighbor zero.
Before we get into other mole eradication techniques, lets reveal what these mole critters are because some people have never heard a mole as an animal. Some local citizens I’ve met think of a mole as that ungodly looking growth pushed up against your Aunt Rose’s schnoz. The one mole we are talking about is as the dictionary puts it, “ a small underground dark gray mammal with strong forefeet used for burrowing. Another neighbor of mine had some choice four letter words to a describe the mole who trashed his front yard, so we’ll just stick with the dictionary version to translate what a mole is.
Moles run rampant these days I guess because the predators in St.Charles are far and few between. Its not like we have a bunch of foxes, wolves, or coyotes to hunt down these lawn -tearing-up-pests keeping their population in check.
And don’t count on your pet to vanquish the common mole as house or backyard dwelling cats and dogs are lazy when it comes to preying on the mole. Back in the day, a cat or dog would earn his keep and meal from his owner by catching and killing moles, raccoons or any other varmints. Now my mutt and overweight feline are content to lounge around like a horizontal statue only to rise when I come out with their full food bowl.
Go into any local St.Charles hardware store asking outloud how to eliminate them damn moles.” People will come out of the aisles with their own mole assassination methods as you begin to realize that this is an all out community battle featuring man versus mole.
The resident across the creek utilizes the Jack “Dr.Death” Kevorkian method hooking a hose to his car exhaust pipe gunning the engine emitting carbon monoxide into the mole’s tunnel. Sounds pretty creepy and lurid to me, but if it works, go for it!
A former neighbor used to wipe out moles with the Holocaust method taking gas pellets and burying them in a mole’s hole then covering them up. I’ll bet some World War two Gestapo German invented this effective technique. As long as this method is administered on moles and not humans I say more power to it.
Good friend across the street has tried the smoke bomb method releasing Fourth of July fireworks into a mole underground crevice to drive out the critters. Then he wails the cane on the mole.. It’s a site to see and makes you wonder if you are still in St. Charles or on the grounds of Malcolm Bliss Mental Hospital.
Was stunned to hear that an earthquake method to decimate moles from a lawn was used by placing these violent shaking sticks in a mole ground area making the underground vibrate so powerful that it drives a mole away from his yard territory. What will they think of next?
How about the “arsenic and old lace” method where poison peanuts or gel are placed at the mole’s hole entrance in an attempt to get this 6 inch four-legged rat-like thing to ingest it and keel over. My dad’s next door neighbor uses this technique daily on squirrels, usually morbidly tossing the rigormortis carcus in his garbage can consistently.
Think you’ve heard it all? Somebody living behind my place on the other street was observed using the Waterworld method taking his garden hose and jamming it into the mole’s tunnel opening in an effort to drown this ground dwelling nemesis. This tactic I have heard is pretty successful and if it fails at least you watered your thirsty lawn.
Then there’s the Good Ol Boy method used by rural southern Missourians who wait around pre-dawn when moles like to surface only to be blown to smithereens from a shot gun. Definitely don’t recommend this maneuver as it could lead to showdown shootout with the St. Charles Police SWAT team and that would for sure ruin your day.
I’ll admit I’m not much of a lawn manicuerist. Mow it and trim it and that’s about the extent of it when it comes to lawncare. When people ask what kind of grass I have,my response is usually “variety.” So having a mole plow through the yard doesn’t really get me bent out of shape. But I can see how moles blasting their way through your yard would drive a lawn perfectionist berzerko.
What ever way you use to erase a mole from your life, I wish you good luck and good success. Its rather amazing to believe that this awkward looking animal can cause so much damage, but they can. If all else fails, hire Elmer Fudd to “bwast out that flea-bitten mole varmint” out of his hole!
Mike McMurran First Capitol News Sports Editor
With Veteran’s Day coming up, I thought I would share one of my all-time favorite stories with you. It is very personal, and at the same time one of my favorite stories to tell. It has to do with the two disciplines that most changed my life: the U.S. Navy and football.
You see, I am not only the first in my family to graduate from college, I pretty much was the only one to make it out of high school. I’ve two brothers, one of whom spent over 20 years in the penitentiary, and one who the authorities are looking for as we speak. Both have a child and neither plays a role in their child’s life. Regular readers know how much my kids mean to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always such an all-american. At one point in my life the judge said: “Jail or the military,” which is how I ended up in the Navy. The unit I was assigned was Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 – I was a “Fighting Seabee.” Our motto was, “We build, we fight,” and we did plenty of both. We also engaged in just about every athletic endeavor you can imagine: Boxing, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball and of course football. It was while stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, that I joined the Battalion football squad. Unlike my current physical condition, I was literally in the best shape of my life – 6’ 0”, and 185 pounds, 32 inch waist. I was hot! But I digress.
I played offensive line; I wasn’t really a dirty player, but close. I would do “whatever it took,” to insure the man I was assigned to block would not make the tackle. We played Marine Battalions and small local colleges. I was named first team All-Caribbean at right guard – an award to this day I cherish!
Anyway, in the Navy they have this little rule about “fraternizing.” It had nothing to do with males and females, rather it had to do with officers and enlisted. We were allowed to work together and play football together, but that was about it. If we saw an officer off-duty and out of uniform, we were pretty much to ignore him. Repeating, we were allowed to play football together, which is where this story is heading.
One day, I’m not certain if it was after practice or a game, an ensign was sitting next to me in the locker room. This is what I said to him: “Permission to speak, sir?” Yeah, it was that formal. He granted me permission to speak to him. “I don’t get it, sir. We leave here and you go sit down in a restaurant-like setting and the Philippinos serve you your dinner. I on the other hand stand in line in the chow hall.” You could tell he was only acting like he was interested in what I had to say. “We leave here and you have someone iron your uniform for inspections while I have to spend hours preparing my own uniform.” You could tell he was loosing his patience as he responded, “Is this little conversation going anywhere?” Yeah, it was going somewhere! “On the football field I’m faster than you, stronger than you, pretty much kick your butt up and down the field – what makes you feel you’re so much better than me,” I asked him.
He sternly pointed out that I had stepped over the line with the “kick your butt” comment, but wanted to help me figure out why he was “better than me.” I’ll never forget what he said: “I graduated from college.” Four words that changed my life forever.
Remember now, no one in my family had ever graduated from high school, let alone college. Thinking back upon it, I think the work “college boy” probably had negative connotations to it in family conversations. That being said, when that ensign said to me, “I graduated from college,” I knew that if graduating from college warranted such respect, such a difference in life-styles, that I too would do whatever it took to someday graduate from college.
It wasn’t easy, but then I don’t think it was suppose to be. I started at the junior college level, taking night classes as I worked construction. After I changed jobs and went to work for the railroad, it was impossible to take classes working all three shifts, seven days a week. So after a little over five years, I quit working for the railroad, got a job tending bar (greatest social move I could have made) and returned to school full-time.
At 35 years-old I’m rather certain I wasn’t the oldest graduate at UMSL’s May 1990 commencement – but I was older than most. When awarded my Master’s from Lindenwood in 2002 my mother showed up for the ceremony and asked, “I thought you already graduated from college?” She didn’t know the difference between an Associate Degree, which I also earned, and a Master’s Degree – but she shared with me how proud she was that I was earning all those degrees.
If I have shared this story with you already, I apologize. It’s just that it comes to mind around Veteran’s Day. I do know that I’ve credited the U. S. Navy and football for most of my success in life. They both taught me an unconditional discipline I’ve followed my entire adult life. One thing I think I’ve failed to do is to thank someone else – my lovely wife, Lynn. Without her believing in me I’m not so certain I could have done it.
Quickly, this Sunday is Just Kids biggest show of the year – the Veteran’s Day show at St. Peter’s. As much confidence as I gained playing football, my daughter’s “football,” is performing in front of hundreds of people with her performing arts group – Just Kids of the Patt Holt Singers. Watching my daughter perform so gracefully, so confidently – well, it’s just one of those magic moments in life. Happy Veteran’s Day! See ya next edition.
You see, I am not only the first in my family to graduate from college, I pretty much was the only one to make it out of high school. I’ve two brothers, one of whom spent over 20 years in the penitentiary, and one who the authorities are looking for as we speak. Both have a child and neither plays a role in their child’s life. Regular readers know how much my kids mean to me.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always such an all-american. At one point in my life the judge said: “Jail or the military,” which is how I ended up in the Navy. The unit I was assigned was Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 – I was a “Fighting Seabee.” Our motto was, “We build, we fight,” and we did plenty of both. We also engaged in just about every athletic endeavor you can imagine: Boxing, wrestling, basketball, baseball, softball and of course football. It was while stationed at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, that I joined the Battalion football squad. Unlike my current physical condition, I was literally in the best shape of my life – 6’ 0”, and 185 pounds, 32 inch waist. I was hot! But I digress.
I played offensive line; I wasn’t really a dirty player, but close. I would do “whatever it took,” to insure the man I was assigned to block would not make the tackle. We played Marine Battalions and small local colleges. I was named first team All-Caribbean at right guard – an award to this day I cherish!
Anyway, in the Navy they have this little rule about “fraternizing.” It had nothing to do with males and females, rather it had to do with officers and enlisted. We were allowed to work together and play football together, but that was about it. If we saw an officer off-duty and out of uniform, we were pretty much to ignore him. Repeating, we were allowed to play football together, which is where this story is heading.
One day, I’m not certain if it was after practice or a game, an ensign was sitting next to me in the locker room. This is what I said to him: “Permission to speak, sir?” Yeah, it was that formal. He granted me permission to speak to him. “I don’t get it, sir. We leave here and you go sit down in a restaurant-like setting and the Philippinos serve you your dinner. I on the other hand stand in line in the chow hall.” You could tell he was only acting like he was interested in what I had to say. “We leave here and you have someone iron your uniform for inspections while I have to spend hours preparing my own uniform.” You could tell he was loosing his patience as he responded, “Is this little conversation going anywhere?” Yeah, it was going somewhere! “On the football field I’m faster than you, stronger than you, pretty much kick your butt up and down the field – what makes you feel you’re so much better than me,” I asked him.
He sternly pointed out that I had stepped over the line with the “kick your butt” comment, but wanted to help me figure out why he was “better than me.” I’ll never forget what he said: “I graduated from college.” Four words that changed my life forever.
Remember now, no one in my family had ever graduated from high school, let alone college. Thinking back upon it, I think the work “college boy” probably had negative connotations to it in family conversations. That being said, when that ensign said to me, “I graduated from college,” I knew that if graduating from college warranted such respect, such a difference in life-styles, that I too would do whatever it took to someday graduate from college.
It wasn’t easy, but then I don’t think it was suppose to be. I started at the junior college level, taking night classes as I worked construction. After I changed jobs and went to work for the railroad, it was impossible to take classes working all three shifts, seven days a week. So after a little over five years, I quit working for the railroad, got a job tending bar (greatest social move I could have made) and returned to school full-time.
At 35 years-old I’m rather certain I wasn’t the oldest graduate at UMSL’s May 1990 commencement – but I was older than most. When awarded my Master’s from Lindenwood in 2002 my mother showed up for the ceremony and asked, “I thought you already graduated from college?” She didn’t know the difference between an Associate Degree, which I also earned, and a Master’s Degree – but she shared with me how proud she was that I was earning all those degrees.
If I have shared this story with you already, I apologize. It’s just that it comes to mind around Veteran’s Day. I do know that I’ve credited the U. S. Navy and football for most of my success in life. They both taught me an unconditional discipline I’ve followed my entire adult life. One thing I think I’ve failed to do is to thank someone else – my lovely wife, Lynn. Without her believing in me I’m not so certain I could have done it.
Quickly, this Sunday is Just Kids biggest show of the year – the Veteran’s Day show at St. Peter’s. As much confidence as I gained playing football, my daughter’s “football,” is performing in front of hundreds of people with her performing arts group – Just Kids of the Patt Holt Singers. Watching my daughter perform so gracefully, so confidently – well, it’s just one of those magic moments in life. Happy Veteran’s Day! See ya next edition.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)