Old St Louis
 | |
| Location | The Pike |
|---|---|
| No. of Buildings | 20 |
| Construction | |
| Construction Cost | $50,000 ($1.51 million in 2021) |
| Proft | $102,873.30 ($3.1 million in 2021) |
| Entry | |
| Adult Entry | 25¢ ($8 in 2021) |
The Old St. Louis exhibit replicated on The Pike what the host city of the Louisiana Exposition appeared like in the year 1764, when it was founded as a fur trading post.
Description[edit | edit source]
Encompassing 20 buildings which included: a government house, a schoolhouse, a church and many stores; these buildings were placed very close to where the originals actually stood.
Highlights of the exhibit included: The `King of the Cowboys," Charles H. Thompkins' wild west show, a high wire act by Monsieur Leon. Leon, whose name was W. H. Green, dazzled the 2,000 capacity arena crowd until August 3rd, when he fell and fractured his skull.
Another dare-devil attraction was was presented by James Ballho and his wife. James performed a 122 high bicycle stunt act, while his Alfretta had a trapeze act. They were paid 13 dollars a week for their act.
The Old St. Louis attraction constantly changed as to keep the exhibits and shows fresh. There were impersonators of Napoleon and other such historical figures that were involved in the Louisiana Purchase; on a few occasions, carnivals were brought in to wow and thrill the patrons. Horse shows, including famed trick-rider Mabel Hackney marveled the crowd.
They had a reenactment of the famous Indian attack of St. Louis in 1770.
