Hill St. News / May 2012
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www.stlhills.com • May 2012 • Vol.17 • No. 3 • St. Louis Hills Block Captains Program
IN s i d e
EGG-CELLENT. At the Easter Egg Hunt in Francis Park, April 7, kids big and small got into the spirit. Ava Watts, Emily Roeder and Madison Arteaga (l to r) helped the Easter bunny by posing for pictures with children and passing out candy. (photo by Brad Arteaga)
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16th Ward Update..................... 2 Neighborhood Watch.................. 2 Dairy Queen facelift................... 2 President’s Report..................... 3 Parks Report............................... 4 Lawn & Garden Awards............. 4 Art in the Park............................. 5 Membership Renewal................. 5 Ad Solicitation............................ 5 Memory Lane............................... 6 SLHNA Scholarship.................... 7 Young Ambassadors.................. 7 Name Contest............................. 7 Easter Follow-up......................... 8 Support Our Troops................... 9 WOL Information......................... 9 Ted Drewes................................ 10 Calendar..................................... 12
S t . L ouis H ills B lock C aptains R eport / by Carol Wilson
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Creativity, energy & enthusiasm never get old!
ogi Berra would have said it was like “déjà vu all over again.” I sat in a St. Louis Hills Marketing Committee meeting a few weeks ago and listened to Mark Naeger talk about “Grub ‘n’ Groove,” an outdoor event that will be sponsored by the St. Louis Hills Young Ambassadors, June 22, in Francis Park. For an instant I was transported back over 20 years where I felt that same enthusiasm. Only then the voice was Mike Banahan’s and he was explaining his idea for Run for the Hills. Mike and Mark represent dozens of St. Louis Hills residents who back up their ideas with leadership. Run for the Hills has provided much needed funds for the park. Now we look forward to the St. Louis Hills Young Ambassadors, a new group of residents who will infuse our neighborhood and our association with their energy and creativity.
Speaking of creativity, keep those ideas for a new newsletter name coming (See p. 7). If you are a Facebook user, please post them there. If not, feel free to email them to stlhillsblockcaptains@ gmail.com or call them in to me at 314-369-2191. Our gift for new residents is ready! Newer residents may not remember Adelma Hoerber who was once our Welcome Wagon lady. She made new residents glad they made the choice to move to St. Louis Hills. Nancy and I may or may not have Adelma’s charm, but we will be delivering St. Louis Hills tote bags loaded with goodies to new residents. Local businesses and public officials have graciously donated coupons, helpful literature, and useful promotional items for our bag. If you have moved in since June, 2011, we will be bringing a
bag to your home. The only small catch is that we want to meet you personally rather than drop the bag at your door because inside is a survey about St. Louis Hills. We need you to complete it so our Marketing Committee can identify what characteristics draw people to our area and learn what we should focus on to attract still more buyers to St. Louis Hills. Let’s return to those days when more homes sold through word of mouth and multiple offers were standard. An annual reminder—We are heading into summer, the time when patronizing our parks is a popular pastime, and when a few people engage in random acts of irresponsibility which ruin the park for everyone. We aren’t asking you to confront anyone who is committing a crime or who looks suspicious in the park or anywhere else in
the neighborhood. We are asking you to pay attention and to call 911 to report the activity. No neighborhood is off limits for criminals, so let’s assist the police in creating an inhospitable environment for them here. In closing, I’d like to remember a St. Louis Hills resident we lost recently. Jerry Wamser was an attorney, a former Chairman of the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners, and the board attorney in recent years. He mentored dozens of young men, teaching them that public service transcends politics. He brought cookies to board meetings, broke into song as ballots were being counted and quietly offered support to a young man debating him in a public forum. He was a master at making people feel a little better. In Jerry’s memory, please perform a random act of kindness toward one of your neighbors.
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May 2012 / Hill St. News
16 th W ard U pdate / by Donna Baringer, 16th Ward Alderman
See something that needs fixing? Call Citizens’ Service Bureau
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beautiful trees. The procedure for this situahe Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) is the place to contact for all City tion is different. If weather has left damage of St. Louis service requests. If you to trees and property, there is a number at see something the Forestry Division that needs fixing you can call any time. (pothole, burned The phone number is To report weather damage (from out street light, 613-7200. strong winds, ice, etc.) to trees or overflowing trash Please remember containers, broken property call the Forestry Division at that trees or branches City playground 314-613-7200. that are blocking streets equipment) or inspecting (property are a first priority, streets in disrepair, city trees or branches on tree has dead limbs) houses are second and cars are third. Be please report it to the CSB. While you can, of specific about the tree’s location and damage course, call 622-4800, you will find the CSB onand Forestry will prioritize it accordingly. line reporting tool quick and easy to use. The new City of St. Louis website address is: www.stlouis-mo.gov. When we have high winds or rain storms, branches tend to break off of our
The Forestry division cannot remove trees and branches from private property; its services are limited to trees in the public right of way along the street.
S t . L ouis H ills N eighborhood W atch / by Officer Vince Stehlin, Neighborhood Liaison Officer
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Citizen teams help keep community safe, desirable
ome join and get involved in making your neighborhood the place to live!! Take part in one of our five teams: 1. Neighborhood Patrols: patrol the neighborhood and point out nuisances in the area, e.g., trash, abandoned vehicles and houses that may have other issues. 2. Block Captains: be the leader on your block and get organized with your neighbors. 3. Victim Support: help those who have become victims in the neighborhood;
make sure the offenders are prosecuted by the victims. 4. Court Appearances: attend sentence and bond hearings for offenders in our area; convince the judge that we really care about our neighborhood. 5. Impact Statement Writing: can’t make it to court? Send a letter to the judge so s/he still hears from the people affected by crimes in the neighborhood. Any questions? Contact me at vstehlin@slmpd.org.
DQ gets a major facelift
NEW LOOK. Thanks to extensive exterior work and new lighting, the Dairy Queen at Eichelberger and Hampton updated the look of the corner. Events in the neighborhood will be featured on the sign in the parking lot. (photo by Brad Arteaga)
Hill St. News / May 2012
S t . L ouis H ills P resident ’ s R eport / by Brad Arteaga
Events and improvements rely on dues and contributions
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Hello Members! his month I thought it would be valuable to give you a view of where your money is distributed when you pay annual dues and make donations to SLHNA. Over the last two years, the SLHNA has completed two large projects in Francis Park. The first project consisted of renovating both the handball and racquetball courts at a cost of $25K. These courts continue to be used daily by several St. Louis Hills residents.
The second large project was removal and replacement of the electrical box that lights our beautiful tree throughout the holiday season. Without your membership, donations and attendance at annual events we would have not been able to achieve these renovations. Please JOIN TODAY, so we can continue to renovate and give back to our community, which will in turn assist in keeping your property values elevated. If you’re already a member, THANK YOU! We couldn’t have completed these improvements without you!
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May 2012 / Hill St. News
P arks R eport / by Rosemary Spitler
Water gardening volunteer opportunities You may find your bliss in the lily pond
Water Gardeners Wanted In early June we will begin planting and water gardening in the beautiful lily pond in the center of Francis Park. If you are interested in being a volunteer water gardener, call Rosemary Spitler at 352-4885. We meet every
other Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for one to two hours. Depending on the weather, the lily pond season will last through October. No water gardening experience is needed but you will need to go into the pond water which is about 18 inches deep. It’s fun, relaxing and very rewarding, watching
Annual Lawn & Garden Awards carry on tradition begun by developer Cyrus Crane Willmore by Sean McCaffrey
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the pond blossom throughout the summer and fall. Please consider joining us. POND SKIMMER RESCUE If you are a former water gardener and had been loaned a pond skimmer, please call Rosemary Spitler, 352-4885 so we may pick up the skimmer.
also must be a member of the St. Louis Hills ummer is right around the corner Neighborhood Association. If you are not a and it is time to show our pride member, be sure to sign up today and keep in our neighborhood through our our neighborhood yards. In the 1930s, strong and vibrant. Cyrus Crane Willmore, You can help carry developer of St. Louis Judging begins June 3 and on this great tradiHills, suggested and tion by joining our sponsored a front yard signs announcing winners will be committee and contest to keep St. Louis placed in lawns by June 23. becoming a judge. Hills the garden spot of Being a judge is St.Louis. easy and a great The tradition conway to meet your neighbors. If you are intinues today as the St. Louis Hills Lawn and terested, please email or call me today! Sean Garden Awards. These awards help create a McCaffrey 314-2259 or smcstl@gmail.com. sense of pride in your neighborhood, block and your home. They also help in keeping house values going up which is great for everyone. Judging will being June 3 and signs announcing the winners will be placed in lawns by June 23. We will once again have the backyard award. Backyard awards are self-nominated with the understanding that our judges will be coming into your yard at various times to judge. To be nominated for either award, you
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Hill St. News / May 2012
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ark your calendars — Art in the Park is returning to beautiful Francis Park, Sun., Sept. 30, 2012. You, your family and friends will have from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to shop, eat and be entertained. We are now accepting artist’s applications – please visit our new website www.artintheparkstl.com to download this year’s application. Volunteers are by Ann Layton always needed to help with Art in the Park – you may volunteer by going to our website and clicking CONTACT US. Hope to see you in September!
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St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association Membership Reminder by David and Elizabeth Anderson
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ll dues go directly into the n early June cards will be sent neighborhood, helping supto all St. Louis Hills residents, inviting them to join or renew their port improvements to Francis membership in the Neighborhood Park, sponsoring events like the Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Tree Association. Lighting, Christmas ues are $30 and Party, publication of cover membership newsletters, scholfrom July 1, 2012, to arships for neighnote to June 30, 2013. New — f borhood children residents can have free sel membership for their join SLHNA and many other activities that help to first year simply by fillkeep our neighboring out the card and inhood vibrant. dicating the date they lease consider joining. If you moved into the neighborhood. have any questions regardembership is a great way to stay current on the ing how to join, please contact many activities and issues that David or Elizabeth Anderson at face our neighborhood as well as 457.9888 or at dander@swbell.net. contribute to its well-being.
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Hills St. News Advertisers Alert!
The new fiscal year for advertising in the finest neighborhood newsletter in St. Louis begins with the November 2012 edition. There will be 20 spots available, so get your application in immediately — first come, first served. Here are the particulars: 1. 3 issues: November 2012 • February 2013 • May 2013 2. $150 for the fiscal year (3 issues) • You must purchase the entire year. 3. Business must be located in the city. 4. Size of ad is normal business card. 5. Deadline to submit ad information and payment is Aug. 1, 2012. Your ads will be seen by the St. Louis HIlls neighborhood. The newsletter is direct-mailed to every member household and placed in every high traffic
business location in the St. Louis HIlls area. You cannot afford NOT to be in the HIlls St. News. In case of over-subscription of ads, your check and application will be returned immediately. To subscribe, complete the application below and mail it along with a check and a print copy of your business card. Please also email your art work/ad file to SFDoss@aol.com. Company Contact Address Phone email Business card included Enclose check for $150 made out to SLHNA Mail to : Steve Doss, 6217 Rhodes Ave., St. Louis MO 63109 Please also send art work/ad file to SFDoss@aol.com.
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May 2012 / Hill St. News
H istory C ommittee / by Paul Ritter
Driving down memory lane:
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in the ‘50s, furniture and carpet stores, bakeries & restaurants lined Chippewa to serve growing community
s a long-term resident of St Louis Hills, I thought it would be interesting to share some memories, both mine from the early/mid 1950s and what I have been told or have read, about how things used to be. We would like to hear from you if you have anything to add or correct.
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o start off, how about a drive down Chippewa to the east from River Des Peres? Obviously, it wasn’t always the way it is today. Crossing the bridge at River Des Peres was not always pleasant. Thankfully, the once-frequent odor is long gone due to the many MSD infrastructure improvements. Confusion about whether the street was called Chippewa or Watson is understandable. The city completed Chippewa west to Brannon Ave. in the 1920s. In 1932, the first paving within the city was done by the state to pave what was Watson Rd. from the city limits to the intersection of Chippewa and Watson and on down Chippewa, east to Brannon Ave. In 1950, the street was re-named Chippewa from 6500 Chippewa to the city limits. Watson in the county and Chippewa became US Route 66 until sometime after I-44 opened. As US 66, the traffic was high and you could hear the large trucks during the night, shifting gears to slow down and speed up at the curve at Winona to Tamm. No air conditioning back then, all windows were open in the summer.
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s we travel east, on the right is the now-shuttered Rally’s. In the 1950’s this was Moceri Monument Company. Later a landscaping business used the original building. It was industrial-looking with all the tombstones on display on the front lawn. The next building had many uses, including a nightclub in the 1980s. Across the street, before Johnny Gitto’s, was, I believe, Michael’s restaurant, formerly located in Hampton Village on what is now the Target parking lot. Next to Gitto’s was Hellrung Carpets with a large tall glass front and bright lights showing the displays. The next building was a Kodak store, now a dental office. It too had large glass windows with a lighted display of everything for the photographer. Film for your 8mm movie camera was a hot item when I went in there.
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riving up the hill to Jamieson was a Sunoco gas station where the medical office is now. (I think it is the remodeled gas station.) The pumps had 100 octane gas for the high output cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Every pump was the same: you turned a handle to select the grade of gas. Oops, “you” did nothing. An attendant filled your tank, checked your oil and tires. The attendant knew you pulled in because you ran over a black hose attached to a bell inside. ‘Ding-ding’ as each tire rolled over the hose. Across the street stood Lammert’s furniture store, two levels with well lit glass display windows showing fully decorated rooms of furniture. Even when the store was closed, people would stop and “window shop.” It was a beautiful building that complemented our neighborhood: lots of colonial white wood trim and a cupola on the roof. Too bad it was torn down to allow more parking.
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rossing Jamieson, the Catholic Supply building was Biederman’s Furniture, a two-level store surrounded with display windows, again, always well lit. Around the mid 1950s the furniture and rug stores must have enjoyed a good business. Houses were still being built south of Francis Park, so the need was great for household furnishings. Next to Biedermann’s was Grau Pastries. There are still some great bakeries in the area, but this one was outstanding and very busy on the weekends. My Mom sent me up there on my bike for Boston Baked Bread. Not sure if I ever ate any, but I carried a lot of it. I preferred doughnuts and anything sweet. Later, a pasta restaurant and then a poster shop occupied Grau. Across Chippewa just east of Jamieson, the first two-story building has had many tenants, including a travel agency and on the Jamieson side, a short-order food grill that we used to call, “Hole in the Wall.” Burgers, fries and pin-ball. Small place but popular. As a young kid, I remember the guys in there all looked like James Dean. Definitely 1950s.
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e have a long way to go before we get to Hampton, but time for a break at Ted Drewes. I wonder if the 5 cent cone or orange slushy is still available? Probably not, it isn’t the 1950s any more. Till next time, send your comments and memories to stlhillsblockcaptains@ gmail.com or PO Box 190314, St. Louis, MO 63119.
Hill St. News / May 2012
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Young Ambassadors welcomes residents, businesses
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by Mark Naeger
n 2010, I was approached by Rick Palank to serve as a liaison between the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association and the Hampton Chippewa Business Association. As a life-long resident of this neighborhood and a local business owner, I jumped at the chance to positively impact our community. After attending meetings for both organizations, and some discussion with Rick and Alderman Donna Baringer, it was apparent that there were opportunities available to highlight and market both our neighborhood and local businesses to those in, around and outside of southwest city. Through this process, we determined that one of our great under-utilized resources was our newer residents who may not have previously been engaged in the activities of
Activities include bi-monthly get-togethers at local restaurants and bars, & community service projects. The next event will be Grub ‘n’ Groove, June 22, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. in Francis Park our organization. From this a new group was born: the St. Louis Hills Young Ambassadors. The main goal of this group is to engage the newer residents of St. Louis Hills and adjacent neighborhoods in supporting the entire St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association and its events. Additionally, we act as advocates for the neighborhood and its surrounding businesses by positively representing St. Louis Hills and southwest city to others in the metropolitan area. Whether in our workplaces, with our extended families, or in dealing with our social networks, our job is to portray the benefits of southwest city living, specifically in St. Louis Hills. We hope to continue the positive steps that have been
The name ‘Hills St. News’ has served its purpose but it might be time for a new name that better suits the St. Louis Hills newsletter of today. The name could be trendy, retro or historic. We did not get many entries when we tried this in February. In fact, we got a grand total of 2. Now, come on. We can do better than that! Give it a shot — you’ve got nothing to lose — and this time, you just might WIN!
Mathew’s Kitchen and Mark Anthony Group Insurance & Risk Management are offering a $100 gift certificate to Mathew’s Kitchen to the St. Louis Hills resident that submits the winning name. So, get creative this summer and submit your ideas BY SEPT. 1, 2012, via email to stlhillsblockcaptains@gmail. com or by phone to Carol Wilson at 369-2191. Include your name, address & phone number.
taken by the current board members and volunteers by learning from their guidance. By emulating and building upon these efforts, we will continue to make this neighborhood the best in which to live. If you are new to the neighborhood or are a young resident looking to get involved, please contact us. If you know a neighbor or a friend who would be a good fit, your referral would be greatly appreciated. We currently have approximately 75 members and are hoping to reach our goal of 100 this year. Our activities include bimonthly get-togethers at local restaurants and bars, as well as community service projects and support for current neighborhood events. At our first event,
at Mathew’s Kitchen, Feb. 25, approximately 30 of our young residents enjoyed the excellent food and drinks provided by the Unger family and their staff. Our next free event, “Grub ‘n’ Groove,” will be Fri., June 22, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Francis Park. It will highlight the bands Fanfare and Well Hungarians, as well as local restaurants Bartolino’s, Mathew’s Kitchen and The Mack, among others. Please mark your calendars and bring the kids, co-workers and friends. It will be a great chance to eat, drink and dance on a beautiful summer night. Please look for further details on the event around the neighborhood in the coming weeks. If you are a business owner and are interested in being a sponsor of this event or are a resident who would like to get involved with the Young Ambassadors, please contact Mark Naeger at mark@markanthonystl.com or 314-799-9962.
St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association 2012 Scholarship Information Once again the SLHNA will offer three one-time, $600 scholarships to neighborhood 8th graders. Eligibility rules: • .Applicant must be an 8th grade student, the daughter/ son/legal dependent of a current SLHNA member living within the boun-daries of St. Louis Hills. • The applicant’s family must be a member in good standing of the SLHNA in 2009, 2010, 2011. • The scholarship is awarded for the freshman year of high school and is non-renewable. Go to SLHNA website to download an application: http://stlhills.com. Call Joyce Bytnar at 481-5550 or email at jebytnar@gmail.com with any questions.
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May 2012 / Hill St. News IT’S ALL DOWNHILL. With their families urging them on, children race to gather eggs hidden in the grass in Francis Park, April 7. The Easter Egg Hunt is traditionally held the Saturday morning before Easter Sunday. (photo by Brad Arteaga)
E aster E gg - stravaganza
wrap - up
Eager kids, great weather and volunteers make event ‘egg-stra’ special by Peggy Stelzer
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e were blessed with beautiful weather for the 2012 Easter Egg Hunt, April 7.The younger children found thousands of eggs and claimed hundreds of prizes. The older children searched the northwest quadrant of Francis Park in hopes of finding one of the four golden eggs. As always, the folks from Children’s Hospital fit the youngsters with shiny new bicycle helmets. It was a beautiful Saturday in the Park. A special thanks also goes out to Rosemary Spitler and her loyal staff of volunteers who helped set up, distribute prizes and clean up. We appreciate the help of many other neighbors who came early to set up. Our eighth grade Easter Bunny helpers, Madison H
H A M P TO N S H O E Specializing in American Made Footwear New Balance • Work • Casual • Dress Quality Shoe Repair since 1989 5101 Hampton Ave. 314.481.7346 www.AmericanMadeFootwear.com
Arteaga, Emily Roeder and Ava Watts did a great job posing for pictures with the kids and keeping them well stocked with Tootsie Rolls. As always, we appreciate the most generous support of Ted Drewes for providing us with coupons for free mini-cretes. In the fourth to eighth grade category, four lucky children went home with an extra $25 in their pocket. The winners were as follows: Ellie Hogrebe (7th Grade) Emily Roeder (8th Grade) Wil Stanze (7th grade) Katherine Talley (4th grade) Happy spring to all!
Hill St. News / May 2012
4th Annual Support Our Troops Event: Monday, May 28
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by Sherry Love Join friends and neighbors to Support Your Troops & Thank Your Veterans
Francis Park Playground Memorial Day Monday, May 28 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The focus of this event is to collect donations for our American heroes who are currently serving the United States as well as our honorable veterans. And who says we can’t have a great time doing it?!
There will be lots of fun ways to donate: Tie-Dye T-Shirts, Write a Letter, Color a Picture, Buy a Raffle Ticket, and Enjoy some refreshments. Lunch will be for sale by Sidney Street Bistro & live music provided by The Roofrockers.
100% of ALL donations, including money collected, will be given to the USO of Missouri and Wounded Warrior Project. Donations can be made at the park the day of the event.
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The USO mobile unit will be on site to collect your donations. Donation Wish List: Coffee, Forever Stamps, Phone Calling Cards, Febreeze, Individually Wrapped Snack Items (Cheese Sandwich Crackers, Pudding, Fritos/Doritos, Cookies, Pretzels, Nuts, Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Snack Cakes, Oatmeal) Travel Size Personal Items (Toothpaste, Shaving Cream, Deodorant, Lip Balm, Hand Sanitizer, Sunscreen, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Lotion, Razors)
Find us on Facebook at SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
Word of Life Lutheran School
by Alicia Klug/A dministrator —W ord W ho W e A re
Word of Life Lutheran School is committed to providing a high quality educational program in an environment where Christ prevails, where a child’s human and spiritual needs are met, and where love, dignity and professional accountability are valued, promoted and implemented.
W here W e A re
We are located in the South Saint Louis neighborhoods near Lindenwood Park, Francis Park and Carondelet Park.
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of
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L ife L utheran S chool
B eing S aid
“I wanted to say you are a fabulous teacher! Helping out on Wednesday was a great experience that enhanced my appreciation for all you do. In the very little time I spent in the classroom, I could easily tell how much the children enjoy learning, which is a testament of your dedication. After your lesson, I too wanted to learn more! There is no doubt in my mind, placing my child at WOL in your classroom is one of my better parenting decisions. THANK YOU just never seems enough, but I guess it will have to do.” (From a Parent to a Classroom Teacher)
St. Louis Hills Senior Concierge Services
Ed Naeger
We are just around the corner!
Managing Partner
CINDY BRINKOP & POLLY LEMIRE Office: 314-457-8454 Cindy’s cell: 314-565-0065 Email: revcindy@revcindy.org Grocery/Errands/Doctor Visits Meal Preparation/Organizing Peace of Mind/Wellness Checks
FAMILY INSURANCE AGENCIES
3611 Juniata 2W Saint Louis, MO 63116 314 660 5905 cell 314 802 8841 ext 1004 314 802 8845 fax ed@naegerins.com
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May 2012 / Hill St. News HE REALLY IS GREAT, GUYS AND GALS
For 60 years Ted Drewes has moved family business forward & honored traditions
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aving a business on Hampton, my customers always sound lost on the phone when I tell them I am in St.. Louis Hills. Realizing this, I now say,”Do you know where Ted Drewes is located?” The cloud lifts,”Of course, I know where you are!” Drewes is by far the most well known landmark of St. Louis Hills. There are very few traditional family-owned businesses in the neighborhood any more. Schaefer Auto (Troy, third generation), Lesher’s (Dot & Jim), Standard Travel (second generation Weidhaas family), and Ted Drewes (a fifth generation is now working there). From a regional identity, Ted Drewes the man is the most recognizable business person in southwest city. After having three locations on Natural Bridge, Ted’s dad opened the St. Louis Hills location in 1941. The original sign was on the top of the building and that sign still lights the way at the corner of Chippewa and Prather. Ted’s smile still lights up the store when he is there. Recently I sat down and visited with Ted about his 60 years in the family business. The business has been in existence in St. Louis more than 80 years. I felt that I was attending college again and was taking a small business MBA class being taught by Dean Drewes.
How have your employees changed: numbers, type, etc?
In 1942, there were four people working a shift. Now there are 34 working on Friday nights. There are 70 total employees, 12 are full time.”The employee is more skilled, more versatile. They are working, going to school, and technology-oriented. They have such
Robert J. Lenze
Attorney at Law General Practice Law Firm 3703 Watson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63109 (314) 781-0391 rjlenze@sbcglobal.net Estate Planning • Injury Law
Family Law • Civil Trials • Traffic
ST. LOUIS HILLS LEGENDS. Ted Drewes, above, samples the frozen custard that has kept him in the family business for 60 years. (photo courtesy of Ted Drewes) The familiar facade (above left) has been on Chippewa since 1941. (photo by Brad Arteaga) broad interests.” Currently, 17 employees are receiving Drewes scholarships, attending a variety of schools including Fontbonne and UMSL.
What is most rewarding about owning a business?
“Seeing so many happy people.” Ted quoted Vince Cunetto and has kept the same philosophy,”Good food for the masses!” That is why you can still buy a cone for 60 cents.Was your wife
always working the night shift?
“No, that was my sister Margie. Everybody thought we were (story continued on p. 11)
Hill St. News / May 2012 (story continued from p. 10) married. She worked until she was 84. Now, my other sister Dolly has her great-grandson working at Drewes. My wife Dottie and I have been married 61 years.”
Why did you never franchise?
“I attended many of those conventions. I just did not have a desire to build and run a big corporation.I am not that kind of guy. I never believed that a franchise owner could keep the high quality standard that I expect.”
During your career what were some of the key changes and decisions you made which were turning points in your business?
“The introduction of the electric calculator.” You cannot run a counter without those types of systems now because the taxes are so complex.”Taxes used to be 1 percent. When taxes were added to 3/8, 7/8 percent, etc., the person could never have figured out the bill at the window. “My dad believed that the tax should be included in the price of the product. A 50 cent product was really 49 cents plus 1 cent tax. When I convinced my dad to charge the tax on the real value of the product (50 cents plus 1 cent) we started making money. Our margin was 1 cent. At that time, all profit was coming from the Christmas tree sales.” “My dad did not like asphalt,
so the lot was gravel. Someone would have to wet it down every day to keep the dust down. When I paved the lot, business went up. “Dad did not believe in advertising. In 1959, I copied the Dairy Queen special: buy one get the second for a penny. The first weekend I advertised the promotion, we sold $80 worth of product on Friday. Saturday, we were up $25. Sunday—another $25 increase. Business took off. One time dad asked me not to run the special. He was getting too old to work that hard.” “Moving the girls to the counter, instead of being carhops. The guys still came to see them but they did not hang out on the lot as much. More people
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could get on the lot.” “Hanging an awning on the building.… nobody came when it rained — now they come.” After visiting with Ted, you realize that his greatest asset is his common sense. “I love the city. I have four grandkids who live in the city. Staying on Route 66 was the right thing to do.”
Finally, Ted, what is your favorite treat? “A cone with caramel on top or a kiddie size hot fudge sundae,” he says as he points to his and my belly. Hopefully, Ted’s smile will be seen on his corny commercials for years to come — a true business legend of St. Louis Hills.
editor Beth Ann Murphy printer The Done Dept www.thedonedept.com block captains committee co-chairs Nancy Vordtriede & Carol Wilson block captains committee Brad Arteaga, Bee Danback, Morty Jones, Steve Pariani
Hill St. News is a publication of the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association’s Block Captains Program PO Box 190314, St. Louis, MO 63119-63114 stlhillsblockcaptains@gmail.com
Support Our Troops Event Collect Donations Francis Park Playground 10 am-3 pm
Ascension Lutheran annual rummage sale in the gym 8 am-3 pm St. Raphael Children’s Summer Camp 10 weeks 952-1423 Bishop DuBourg Summer Sports Camps 832-3030 St. Gabriel’s School Picnic Tamm & Nottingham 9 am-9 pm St. Thomas Orthodox Church Picnic at Church Grounds 11 am-8 pm noon-6 pm Bishop DuBourg Golf Tourney Forest Park Golf Course noon Angie 783-4412 Young Ambassadors’ Grub ‘n’ Groove Francis Park 5pm-10pm Trinity Assembly of God 4720 Jamieson Vacation Bible School Ages 3-12 5:30-8:30 pm 752-1015 Ascension Lutheran Bar-B-Que Gym noon-6:30pm St. Raphael Watermelon Festival & 5K/1 Mile Fun Run 352-8100 St. Gabriel 2-Day Golf Classic www.stgabrielstl.org Art in the Park Francis Park 10am-6pm
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UP c o m i n g 12 May 2012 / Hill St. News