The Lafayette Park Conservancy

The Lafayette Park Conservancy has two PowerPoint presentations of interest to St. Louis area organizations: "TheFascinating History of Lafayette Park" and "The Man Who Made St. Louis Beautiful."

"The Fascinating History of Lafayette Park" relates how 30 acres of the old St. Louis Common became a Victorian strolling park praised as one of the most effective pieces of landscape architecture in the United States, shows its destruction by the Great Cyclone of 1896, and ends with Lafayette Park today. The Conservancy also offers guided tours of Lafayette Park. The park has many award winning gardens and historic monuments.

"The Man Who Made St. Louis Beautiful" is about the German-American landscape artist who "was the original designer of Lafayette and Forest Parks, who laid out Westmoreland and Portland Places, and whose work yet delights the eye at Compton Heights Reservoir, Benton, Hyde and other parks..." Fewpeople remembered his name in 1908. By 2011, he was nearly forgotten. This program rediscovers his life and works. (The title and quote are from a 1908 Globe-Democrat article.)

The program fee for a not-for-profit group is $50.00. All proceeds go to the Lafayette Park Conservancy to fund park restoration and improvements. The statue of Senator Thomas Hart Benton, dedicated in 1868, is being restored this summer. The 100 year old comfort station will receive a new clay tile roof this fall.

Contact Carolyn Willmore, LPC Outreach Chairman, to arrange a program or park tour.

(314) 664-0106
clwillmore@me.com