It's party time in Maplewood

By Todd Smith

The city of Maplewood had more than 200 people in attendance last Thursday, Jan. 24, for its centennial kick-off at The Jive and Wail Dueling Piano Bar, 7376 Manchester Road.

This 2008 centennial year will feature numerous festivities. A wine and a book have been created as part of the celebration of the city's 100th birthday.

Rachelle L'Ecuyer, Maplewood's director of community development, said she was impressed with the number of people who came out for the kick-off.

"This really shows the enthusiasm the community has for the centennial," she said.

Maplewood Mayor Mark Langston pointed out that a proclamation was read and presented to the city from the Missouri Senate, and that a resolution was presented from St. Louis County, both in support of the centennial.

The mayor recalled that Maplewood was incorporated May 24, 1908.

"The city had its beginning when James Sutton in the mid-1800s bought up property in the area," Langston said.

Langston mentioned that when Sutton died, his properties were divided among his children, who then sold their properties to developers.

The city's incorporation was triggered by a disaster, he pointed out.

"A large fire broke out at the Banner Lumber Company in the area and destroyed nine buildings in 1908," the mayor said.

Langston said residents in the area that would become Maplewood believed the St. Louis city fire companies were unable to provide sufficient fire protection.

"The people in the area decided to incorporate into a city to have a fire department and a school," he said. "The name Maplewood came from the first subdivision that was developed in the area."

He said the kick-off provided a first look at a number of events that will be taking place throughout the Maplewood's centennial year.

Langston said that in celebration of Arbor Day, the city will plant 100 trees. This is planned for Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26. To obtain a tree, call City Hall, (314) 645-3600.

Langston said there will be a Century House Tour and History Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10. This is a way to see Maplewood's century-old homes on a guided tour. Another tour will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 6.

This year's Maplewood Community Fair, set for Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, will be bigger than ever.

"We will have a big blowout performance done by Sh-Boom on that Saturday night," Langston said.

Also on June 14, the Maplewood Centennial Parade will take place at 10 a.m. Langston said he hopes all of these centennial events will increase awareness of the city.

"The centennial can bring attention to our community and the people that live here," he said.

He said Maplewood businesses are sponsoring the centennial, including Auto Plaza Ford, Citizens National Bank, Architectural Design Guild and National City Bank.

Jennifer Williams, owner of St. Louis Cellars wine store, 2640 S. Big Bend Blvd., said she has been a business owner in Maplewood for many years and wanted to find a way to become part of the centennial celebration.

"This is a very significant event for Maplewood, and I wanted to find a way to tie my business into celebrating the centennial," she said.

Williams said she has many relationships with private label wineries and was able to find one to help create a centennial wine, which was then approved by the city. The wine includes the Maplewood centennial logo on the bottle.

"This is a limited-edition wine with limited quantities, and we will sell them until we run out," she said.

Williams has seen all of the positive changes that have happened in the city in recent years.

"I have been a business owner in Maplewood for the last 12 years, and I have seen Maplewood really come back," she said. "Maplewood has become the hippest and coolest place to work, go to school or run a business."

St. Louis Cellars is adjacent to her other business, St. Louis Closets, which is at 2626 S. Big Bend.

Carol Kline, who is on Maplewood's history book committee, said that to help in celebrating the centennial, a book about the city's history is being written. The committee hired Joyce Cheney to write the book, which reflects the changing nature of Maplewood.

"We wanted the book to show the spirit of Maplewood, its beginning, the tough times and how Maplewood has risen to the challenges throughout the years, and the community's resilience," Kline said. "The book is not just a parade of facts, but gives the character of the city."

Kline said the book should be available in May.

You can contact Todd Smith at tosmith@yourjournal.com.

Celebrating

100 years

Women Making History

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6.

Where: St. Louis Closet Co., 2626 S. Big Bend Blvd.

What: Tours of female-owned businesses.

Arbor Day celebration

When: Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26.

What: Celebration of Arbor Day, with the city planting 100 trees.

Contact: Call City Hall, (314) 645-3600, to obtain a tree to plant.

Century House Tour and Walk

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10.

Where: Downtown Maplewood and Maplewood's historic neighborhoods.

What: See the historic sites of downtown Maplewood and century-old homes in its neighborhoods.

Summer Concert Centennial Series Special Centennial Concert

When: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 28.

Where: Junior High Park, Sutton Boulevard at Lyndover Avenue, two blocks north of Manchester Road.

What: Free concert and special birthday celebration with cake and ice cream.

Maplewood Centennial Parade

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14.

Where: Downtown Maplewood.

Maplewood Community Fair

When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 13, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 14.

Where: Deer Creek Park, 3200 Laclede Station Road.

What: Food, music, sports, kids activities and carnival rides. Performance by Sh-Boom on the main stage at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Fall History Tour

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.

Where: Downtown Maplewood and Maplewood's historic neighborhoods.

What: See the historic sites of downtown Maplewood and century-old homes in its neighborhoods.