Alfonso Juan and Carmen Nora (Davis) Cervantes

Catherine Patricia (Cervantes) Day Baker Maclaury

Alfonso Juan Cervantes, Sr. Carmen Nora Davis-Cervantes

Alfonso lived in the Cervantes family home at 3723 Juniata most of his early life. At the age of ten, Alfonso’s confirmation occurred at St. Pius V Church. He attended grade school at St. Pius and then went to St. Mary Magdalen’s school near Chippewa and Kingshighway. (At the age of 16 “Fonse” which all people called him. Moved to California to be with his sister Virginia Smith. He attended Hallywood High School and ___ (Spanish)

Being entrepreneur they were successful. When WW2 started he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and was sent to radio school at Gallups Island Boston – Served as radio operator and was at sea months at a time allowing him to obtain his college education in business. After World War II, he opened an insurance business and became part owner of Laclede Cab Company.

Alfonso and Carmen obtained their marriage license in St. Louis, however, they traveled to Springfield, Greene County, Missouri to be married. Alfonso’s childhood friend, William J. Stephens made the arrangements.

By 1955, Alfonso was the president of A. J. Cervantes & Co. located at 600 South Vandeventer. In 1964, A. J. Cervantes and a friend built the Lodge of the Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. (In 1965 he was elected to his first term as mayor).

With six children, Judy, Alfonso, Lucius, Barry, Brett, and Cory, the Cervantes household was undoubtedly an active place. Carmen was busy serving as a loving wife, caring mother, gracious first lady of St. Louis, and an elegant goodwill ambassador. What do the children recall of their younger years? Barry remembers frequent trips to the Ozarks where his mother prepared snacks and treats for the

Carmen Nora Davis when she met A. J. Cervantes (mid to late 1940's)

three hour trip. Carmen would tell stories and jokes or provide games to help pass the time. Barry carried on this same tradition with his children thanks to Carmen.

For more than forty years, the Cervantes family has gathered at the “lake house” at the Lake of the Ozarks for family time on each Fourth of July. This is also a memorable time for Brett and other Cervantes children.

The Cervantes Clan at their favorite vacation spot: The Lake of the Ozarks

Other family vacations included skiing. Judy remembers a trip with friends of her parents, John and Betty Soult. The group, eight or nine family members, two pilots and Brandy, one huge St. Bernard dog, climbed in a little jet at Spirit of St. Louis airport on the way to Aspen, Colorado. The plane had to land unexpectedly in Denver and the vacationers traveled the rest of the way to Aspen in one car through the mountains where they stopped for dinner at a chili and soup cabin restaurant in the mountains. Judy stated that trips were always wild, never a dull moment.

In 1949, Alfonso phoned Carmen to tell her that he had been asked to run as Alderman from their ward. Carmen knew something was up when A. J. started the conversation with “Hey honey, guess what!” Neither knew what an Alderman was or did at the time, nor had they voted prior to the upcoming election. Carmen and Alfonso immediately registered to vote, Carmen on 15 February 1949. Carmen was able to vote for her husband on her first ballot and Alfonso voted for himself on his first ballot.

Alfonso and Carmen (Davis) Cervantes casting their first ballots.

Alfonso won that election, defeating the Republican incumbent who had held the job for fifteen years. Little did the Cervantes family know how much that election would change their life!

In later years, President Truman visited St. Louis and presented A. J. Cervantes a gavel made from wood at Blair House. While Truman was vice president, Blair House was under reconstruction.

From 1949 to 1957, Alfonso, or “Fonse” as he was often called, was an alderman from the fifteenth ward for the City of St. Louis, an area south of Tower Grove Park. From 1957 to 1961 he served as president of the Board of Alderman. The three year mayoral campaign ended successfully in 1965 with the election of Alfonso as Mayor of St. Louis, who served two terms ending in 1973.

The Cervantes term in office brought a real family to City Hall. The mayor and first lady had six growing children who needed attention and love. Like all families, they faced carpools, education, business concerns, holiday gatherings, aging parents, recreation, plus life in the public eye.

The City Mayor, A. J. Cervantes Sr., at the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch

The Arch was completed in 1965. Renowned St. Louis photographer Eldon Arteaga caught this moment when the City Mayor went to have lunch with the construction workers and make sure everything would be ready for the dedication ceremony planned on October 28, 1965, with the Vice President of the United States, Hubert H. Humphrey. He dedicated the photo: “Hoping this photo will bring back pleasant memories of July 22, 1965, when you, the Ambassadors and the Press had lunch with workers on the Creeper Crane about 600 feet on the outside of the Gateway Arch. Sincerely, your friend Eldon Arteaga.”

During the mayor’s first term in office, he founded the “Saint Louis Ambassadors, Inc.” This organization was founded with the desire to attract new business to St. Louis, retain current businesses, increase tourism

and convention business, and increase the cultural life of St. Louis. Many civic leaders were members of this organization including Barry Cervantes who served as president of this organization in later years. The St. Louis Ambassadors are still a viable organization in 1999, having created a number of sister organizations in cities throughout the world. A.J Cervantes envisioned tourism and hospitality to be St. Louis’s “Smokeless Industry” that would bring many benefits to the city.

During the Cervantes term as mayor there were many landmark events. Busch Memorial Stadium, a multipurpose sports facility in St. Louis, Missouri, operated for 40 years, from 1966 through 2005, was dedicated on 8 May 1966; new street lights were installed in the spring of 1969; first convention and tourism board was created; first committee on civil rights were formed in addition to the mayor’s office in aging; $200,000,000 Lambert Airport Expansion, to name a few. And the major one was a bond issue passed to create a much need convention center dedicated Feb 7, 1983 as the Cervantes Convention Center.

In 1970, more than 100 years after the Mounted Patrol Unit was originally established, Mayor A.J. Cervantes made a proposal to the Board of Police Commissioners to reestablish the Mounted Patrol Unit. He had studied Mounted Units in cities across the country and believed a revived Mounted Patrol would be beneficial to the city. A year later, a newly reorganized Mounted Patrol Unit was established in its current location in Forest Park. A former airplane hangar was used as the unit’s headquarters which was staffed by twelve Police Officers and ten horses.

The Cervantes household was very active during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. At various times, some family members moved to a hotel if their house was used for guests or parties. Dignitaries from across the country visited St. Louis and were entertained by the first family of St. Louis. The city provided fifty thousand dollars (a 4 year contingency fund) to the mayor for entertaining, however, Carmen stated that amount was used long before the first year was over. (Indeed across the world. When the Spanish Pavilion from the New York world’s fair 1964-1965 was given to St Louis and thru major donations No tax money still exist 1999 as a grand lobby of the Pavilion Hotel in downtown St. Louis containing a hand painted mural 30 feet long by the renowned artist Vaquero Turcious of Spain- much of this gift resuited because of FR Lucius friendship with

Fraga Irebarne- the Spanish minister of tourism and president of Midrid University where Lucius had been granted a __ foundation fellowship. General Francisco Franco was in power still and Alfonso and Carmen went to meet with him “an audience” so to speak- however at the last moment Carmen was not included for “his excellency” due to protocol did not “see” ladies in daytime. Carmen and “A.J.” Sr. were recognized and entertained by many important people. Throughout the remaining ten days stay in many of the Spanish “posadas” lovely and __. Owned many of them former castles, convents, converted, etc).

General Francisco Franco receives a souvenir of the St. Louis Gateway Arch from A. J. Cervantes, Sr. Nov 18 1965

Figure 21 The Cervantes home at 51 Westmoreland Pl

Mayor Cervantes was a friend of then Vice- President Hubert Humphrey, who was the public official that dedicated the Arch. The Cervantes were often invited to the White House during the Johnson Administration due to the friendship with Humphrey. Likewise, Muriel and Hubert Humphrey visited St. Louis. On one occasion, the Humphrey family visited the Cervantes home at 51 Westmoreland Place. Secret Service men were on the roof at the old Congress Hotel, across Union Boulevard from the home. The VicePresident could only be transported in secret service cars. Therefore, Carmen and Muriel were required to use the Cervantes car while the Mayor and Vice-President went elsewhere in the official V.P. car. Bearing in mind this was shortly after the Kennedy assassination, the Secret Service always had to search and secure the house, grounds, and general area prior to the arrival of the Vice-President.

Carmen Cervantes with Vice-President Hubert Humphrey

Figure 22 Invitation to the 1965 Inaugural Ball.

Figure 23 1969 Inaugural Figure 24 1969 Inaugural

Figure 25 Cervantes family prior to Cory’s birth 1962-63.

Figure 26 The Old Courthouse where Cervantes and Hertling families transacted business.

Figure 27 St. Louis City Hall in the 1900s.

The Cervantes were invited to dinner at the White house on numerous occasions. On one occasion, Carmen recalls she was seated next to an astronaut. Unfortunately, Carmen was served after the astronaut who was apparently very hungry that evening. Carmen realized that others were waiting to be served after her, so she took a very small helping. The astronaut to her side stated, “You don’t think they will run out of food at the White House?” after observing the small amount of food Carmen was eating. She made a polite comment,

refraining from stating his servings were far too large. Just a short time after that dinner, NASA named that same astronaut to be the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

Dinner at the Whitehouse: A. J. Cervantes Sr., Carmen Cervantes, Sen. John Glenn, Sen. Walter Mondale, Sen. Thomas Eagleton and his wife Barbara

Beautification of St. Louis was one of the new mayor’s high priorities. Before Alfonso knew First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, he received a phone call from her inquiring about this new program. At first the mayor did not believe it was really the First Lady calling—he thought someone was playing a joke on him. But after some awkward moments the conversation progressed and they became friends. Alfonso and Carmen were invited to a White House dinner and seated at a table for ten with the First Lady.

During the term as mayor, the Cervantes visited Rome in 1969, and met Pope Paul IV. This trip was for the elevation of Archbishop John J. Carberry to Cardinal. Their next visit with a Pope was at the White House in 1979 where they met Pope John Paul II. Carmen produced a medal given to Mrs. Cervantes by Pope Paul IV in 1969 and made this request, “Your holiness, would you bless this please?” The Pope replied, “But my dear It’s already been blessed.” Pope John Paul II graciously gave the medal a second papal blessing and then moved down the aisle to the podium. The newspaper account stated that the mayor held out the medal, however, Mrs. Cervantes stated she was the one who held out the medal and requested the blessing. That was the only time the Pope stopped to speak with the audience. (As Pope John Paul came thru the aisles people were standing on __ side and he made sign of the cross. Carmen held out medal- the Pope __ shake hands, only blessed)

Figure 28 Alfonso and Carmen with the Pope Paul VI and Cardinal Carberry.

For many years, the social event of St. Louis was the Veiled Prophet Ball held at the Khorassen Room at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. However, during the Cervantes era, the ball was moved to Keil Auditorium. Alfonso presented his daughter, Judy, to the Veiled Prophet in 1962 and Carmen “walked” in the ball in 1969.

... Another maid choosing classical white was Miss Judith Ann Cervantes, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Cervantes. Brilliant centered crystal flowers ornamented the off-the-shoulder bodice of her billowing peau de soie dress.

...Gowns adorning maids of honor at the Veiled Prophet Ball in Keil Auditorium last night seemed even more brilliant than usual - that is if it was possible to top the glittering displays that have marked the Prophet’s previous visits...

Judy was presented to Archbishop Carberry in 1962 at the newly established Fleur-de-lis Ball. This was a new event at the time and perhaps more meaningful to Judy since this event included a group of her school mates and friends.

The first home of the Alfonso and Carmen Cervantes family was a four family flat on Botanical near Shaw’s Garden. They were planning to buy a house in St. Louis County before the invitation to run for alderman. At that point plans changed and the new house was in the city. Alfonso and Carmen purchased their first house in 1949 at 4115 Flora Place, moving in at the same time as the birth of their first son. With their Beloved daughter Judy and infant son, A. J., they moved into this house without furniture and the first Christmas found only a tree in the middle of the living room, the furniture was ordered but had not yet been delivered. The Cervantes lived in this four bedroom house for ten years, where they entertained extensively. Carmen remembers 400 people catering a simple spaghetti, green salad, French bread-beer and wine donated- for a senator __, SR while son Jimmy played the guitar).

In 1959, the Cervantes family moved to 51 Westmoreland Place. At that time, Alfonso had plans to run for mayor. In 1969 they sold that house and moved temporally to 4501 Lindell in the Lindell Terrace Apartments. They leased the top floor until 1971 when 23 Westmoreland became available. The new home had been tied up in the estate of the seller for some time.

The Cervantes family lived at 23 Westmoreland from 1971 until October 1984. (Fonse died June 23, 1984. With only Cory still living at home and away at college Carmen, after living on Westmoreland and Place for 25 years sold 23 Westmoreland place and moved to a Terrace Apts at the Park Plaza to face east toward the magnificent Sarinen Arch, a fitting tribute to all St. Louisians) (more on the many ___ people whom we entertained and met while in office- travel to Spain- __ meeting with ___etc).

Judith Ann Cervantes, The Debutant (1962)

The home at 4115 Flora Place.

Cervantes family at City Hall.

In 1975 Mr. Cervantes was diagnosed with lymphoma. After an illness of eight years, including operations and chemotherapy, Mr. Cervantes died on 23 June 1983 in St. Louis. Barry Cervantes remembers the impact of his father’s life and death.

“Dad gave us so many memories, but more importantly he taught us not only how to live but how to die. In living, he shared his enthusiastic zest for life through his love of people, adventure, risk-taking and work–play hard life philosophy and his playful expressions, ‘Hey you big dumb kid, you got the world by the A ,’ etc. In dying, he taught us the importance of strength, facing fears, an “always positive” attitude in spite of insurmountable pain and chronic suffering. One can never imagine a better role model.”

There were some difficult times in the life of A. J. Cervantes—the Life Magazine article and his fight with cancer. Both situations were handled with dignity. The Cervantes term in office brought a real family to City Hall. The Mayor and First Lady had six growing children that needed attention and love. Like all families, they were faced with car pools, education, business concerns, holiday gatherings, aging parents, recreation, plus the life in the public eye.

After the death of Alfonso, Carmen moved to the Park Plaza in a two story apartment suite with a terrace and an east view of the Arch. Carmen was very happy in this unit; however, the Park Plaza was renovating and soon asked her to move to another unit, one previously occupied by radio announcer, and St. Louis celebrity, Jack Carney. Reluctantly she moved.

At this point she said no and purchased a condominium in Fairfield in St. Louis County. While Carmen was out of town in 1987, a defect in wiring caused a fire which destroyed part of the condo along with many personal possessions.

Carmen then moved into an investment apartment at 4466 West Pine in the Executive House where she lived for five years. She was understandably tired of moving after four moves in four years. In 1992, Carmen purchased a home in Oaktree Estates, in Chesterfield, St. Louis County. The Chesterfield home was close to her daughter and the nursing home where her mother lived.

Carmen maintains many family heirlooms and photos in her home. Among those items is the baptismal gown worn by numerous family members. She has it framed, however, ready for use when needed. Photos of children and grandchildren adorn her home. (as well as the___ of Alfonso J. Cervantes created by the renowned __ Donald Hiegand who also created the stainless steel one of “A.J” displayed in the Alfonso J. Cervantes convention center in downtown St. Louis).