We’re a friendly people
May 12, 2009
St. Charles County, MO
by Kris Kolk
I recently borrowed from the library a DVD called “This is Our Town,” a 1955 recording all about St. Charles. It was incredibly fun to watch, to see how much things have changed compared to what has remained the same.
The narrator boasts St. Charles’ amenities, such as a variety of land use (agriculture, residential and business districts) as well as diversity in our population. “We’re a friendly people,” says the narrator.
Some local businesses are described in length, like St. Charles Dairy (est. 1919) and the scientific way it produces ice cream and dairy products. Isn’t it so 1950’s to say ice cream is health in frozen form? At the time of recording, the dairy employed 60 people “most of whom own their own homes in the area.” Remember: ice cream is not a luxury, but a necessity, claims the narrator.
Other businesses described are: Hedges & Hafer Supermarket, Lindenwood Women’s College (founded in 1827) and Buse’s Flower Shop. The new 1955 Fairlane could be found at Pundmann Ford.
The film-makers spent a good amount of time recording daily life in downtown St. Charles, most of the women shopping dressed like June Cleaver--in skirts and blouses. There was a shot of the mailman, a policeman and some military men. Catching glimpses of businesses such as: Vogue, IGA, Woolworth, Thro and The Hub Clothing Co., the streetscape seemed almost, but not quite familiar.
I especially loved the way the film viewed neighborliness. Much importance was placed on being neighborly, even if intentions loomed a bit large. It seemed St. Charles was set to be the example and neighborliness was expected to spread—“first here, then the country, then the world.” Isn’t that awesome?
“All roads lead to St. Charles,” claims the film. Other areas are within driving distance, such as St. Louis. The new highways make travel so easy. Other places are “fun to visit, but we’re always glad to get back to our home,” says the narrator.
The DVD was published by the St. Charles County Historical Society and can be found in our St. Charles City-County Library (DVD 977.839 Saint).
Whether your family tree was planted in the area or if you are a relatively new neighbor creating new roots, I very much recommend this DVD.
You, too, will be proud to belong in our town, St. Charles, Missouri.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
