Genealogy Helps and Lookups: AF-1162: Postcards from the Past | The Municipal Opera in Forest Park, St. Louis

Every postcard in my collection has a story to tell, and this one takes us to Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. On the front, you see a lively crowd gathered at the Municipal Opera, better known today as The Muny. The seats are packed, the stage is bright, and the performance is in full swing. Just looking at the card, you can almost hear the music floating through the summer night air.

On the back, the caption reads:

“The fame of St. Louis’s Municipal Opera has spread throughout the world, and visitors come thousands of miles to witness this glamorous spectacle. Night after night throughout the summer, distinguished stars present popular musical attractions in a beautiful al fresco theatre in the heart of Forest Park.”

Printed with space for a one-cent stamp, this postcard captures an era when people took great pride in local landmarks and mailed them across the country as souvenirs. The card itself was published by E.C. Kropp of Milwaukee and distributed by the Session Merchandise Company in St. Louis. It’s a classic linen card, likely dating from the 1930s or 1940s, when bold colors and textured printing were the style of choice.

For me, as a collector, this card stands out because it’s more than just a building—it’s an experience. It shows people gathered together outdoors, enjoying music, theater, and community. That’s exactly what The Muny was built for, and that’s why it has lasted more than a century...

Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/postcards-from-the-past-municipal-opera-st-louis/

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