Historical Society of University City

Mayors and Parks 5 The signal accomplishment of Eugene D. Ruth Jr. was making The Woman's Magazine Building, then being used as a warehouse, into City Hall in 1930. HSUC boardmember Esley Hamilton commented, "Mayor Ruth was making a remarkably bold move in the depths of the Depression, but one for which all residents of University City can be grateful." Ruth Park has a 23-acre forest with nature trails and a 9-hole golf course.

Mayors and Parks 4 Andrew Cunningham died only a year into his term. U City continued to grow in area and population during his brief administration. He created the office of sanitation and the traffic division. Cunningham Industrial Park is currently under study by City Manager Gregory Rose, who hopes it can play a key role in attracting new business to the city.

Mayors and Parks 3 Warren C. Flynn, elected in 1920, is remembered as a friend of parks. U City had none when he took office. The Department of Parks and Recreation was established in 1922. The next year the city established Heman Park and acquired land for four more parks, including the one eventually named for Flynn.

Mayors & Parks 2 August Heman was the second mayor of U City. He was elected in 1913. Taking office amid the disorder caused by the abrupt departure of E.G. Lewis, he is credited with putting the city on a sound financial footing. U City grew larger by three annexations during his term. The city's largest and most prominent park is named after him. Heman Park holds Centennial Commons, the Community Center, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, jogging track, tennis courts, and St. Louis County's oldest municipal swimming pool. After being closed last summer, Heman Park pool is scheduled to re-open Memorial Day Weekend.

Mayors & Parks 1 Most U City parks are named in honor of former mayors. Lewis Park was named for founder and first mayor E.G. Lewis. It has a closer connection to the honoree than any other park; it was the site of Lewis's house in University Heights (house shown below). Lewis Park was established in 1923.

The Tysons with the new Century Plaque for their house on Yale Ave.

Joan and Peter Clarkson with the new Century Home Plaque for their house on Pershing in Ames Place

Phil and Amanda Slavin (and their dog Frankie) with their new Century Home plaque.

Blake Hoel with the new Century Home plaque for his house on Waterman.

Elsie Glickert, formerly a member of the Historical Society's Board of Directors, has received the Award of Excellence from Missouri State Questers. A national organizaion for lovers of antiques and history, Questers presented Ms. Glickert the award for her work on preservation and restoration of the Sutter-Meyer House, the oldest building in University City. Ms. Glickert has special knowledge and deep feeling for the house because her mother was born in it. She is currently ...a boardmember of Sutter-Meyer Society, which operates the house as a museum. For many years, she served on the City Council of University City. Questers stated: "Not only has Elsie hosted Questers meetings in the farmhouse, but she also participates in community events were she dresses in period clothing. Her efforts...to preserve and restore this historical farmhouse have been outstanding." The Historical Society congratulates Elsie on the award. See more