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Jan. 23, 2024

Behind the Pages of 'Lost Treasures of St. Louis'

"Do you remember those kaleidoscopes when we were kids that you would turn and they had these glass beads at the end?" began Arnold Stricker of Saint Louis In Tune. These childhood memories of beauty and delight, ensnared in a simple toy, is an apt metaphor for the book 'Lost Treasures of St. Louis'. Arnold, with his co-host Mark Langston, recently had a delightful conversation with Dennis Dillon, one of the authors of the book 'Lost Treasures of St. Louis.' The new edition of this book is full of bygone places, events, and items formerly identified with St. Louis. 

Refreshed Perspectives 

St. Louis is an epochal city, bubbling with history, culture, and all the accouterments of a modern city. The 'Lost Treasures of St. Louis' is like the kaleidoscope Arnold mentioned. The book is a kind of literary kaleidoscope that provides a fresh perspective and content on topics and events that shape our society, world, and the city itself. 

The Book's Journey

The book's second edition, entrusted to Dennis by the publisher, came to life amidst tight deadlines and personal tragedies. Despite these hurdles, Dennis and his writing partner, Cameron Collins, successfully completed the book with 130 new 'lost treasures', enhanced descriptions, and new introductions for each section. 

The 'Lost Treasures'

The book unravel tales of fascinating places such as Bloody Island, the Biltmore Club, and many more. For instance, through the pages of the book, you learn about the Biltmore Club, a speakeasy

 during the Prohibition era sitting atop a hill on the boundary of Jefferson County and St. Louis County. This secret spot was the haunt of high-rollers from society, nestling a world of gambling and hush-hush alcohol quietly but vibrantly. 

Conclusion:

The book is a delight to anyone interested in St. Louis, its history, or the joy of discovering lost treasures. It weaves stories from the past into the city's present tapestry, reviving memories and unearthing hidden slices of St. Louisan life. The updated edition serves as a reminder that the city’s lost gems still shine brightly in the collective memory and the hearts of those who got to experience them. Dive into the book, skim through the past, and uncover lost treasures in the ‘Lost Treasures of St. Louis.'