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EastStLouis1a.jpg


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Guest 31-Mar-2018 03:10
I was born in 1960 and my mother worked at as kresge. It is sad to see it now.
Linda Tucker 26-Sep-2015 05:00
Grew up in Esl went to rock Jr high lived on 67th street for awhile then moved to Gaty I remember going to shop city drive in. French village and Jerry's for french fries and ice cream St Louis ave was where ike and Tina lived as my sister babysat for them was a member of Brown community church.was a nice place at one time I wish those days would come back
Susan 23-Jul-2015 05:31
I grew up in both Washington park and then Parkside subdivision in E.S.Louis and both were lovely friendly areas with Joneses park and Grand Marias park and the downtown stores where Saturday mornings we went shopping and rode the city bus home. It breaks my heart to see what it has come to. I was born in Christian Welfare and didn't leave Parkside until 1971. So sad.
Guest 04-Jan-2015 05:18
We know Banjo the Candy man. It's our Great Grandfather! We just made his secret recipes today and searched to see if anyone had posted a picture of his store! So special!
linda mckinney 18-Sep-2014 01:13
lived in east st louis from 1949 to 1961 on 54th summit ave was in christian wellfare hospital for 14 months for sever burns grandparents had store on collinsville ave christian goodfellow inc sad to see how it has gone down hill
Guest 18-Sep-2014 01:09
these pictures make me so sad i lived in esl from 1949 to 1961 my grandparents had a use furniture and clothing store on collinsville ave it was a great town went to morrison grade school and clark junior high was in christin wellfare hosp for 14 months with serious burns. i lived on 54th summit ave
Guest 06-Feb-2014 04:31
I was born in 1960 at Christian Welfare Hospital. I lived on 13th st and then in the Landsdown towers area. We left in 1971. I remember when I was young how beautiful the areas were. My mother worked at Kresges and there were many stores. Johnson Park and its lagoon with band shell were magical in the summer. Unfortunatly now I must only see my past through google earth or photos.
Guest 08-Sep-2013 09:15
What a shit hole!
Nina 04-Aug-2013 17:26
I am looking for former East St. Louis residents that would like to invest in this city.
Looking for people that will be about it and not just talk about it.
Failure is not an option.
Christina 24-May-2013 18:44
Im looking for any one who might have gone to school with any one with the last name Doty , My Great, Great Grandfather Ezra and Great, Great Grandmother Margaret settled there and raised their family but she died because of fire one of their children was Oliver and my Great Grandmother Ethel whom we think was adopted and she was Indian, She married my Great Grandfather and they moved and lived up here in DuPage county and my Grandmother Evelyn was one of their children .. So if any one could help me I would greatly appreciate it thank you ....
Sylvester Johnson 10-Jul-2012 12:33
Was just Browsing through ad water to try and answer the question asked by Rose, concerning a candy store.
I was born and raised in ESL, graduated Jan.'57 Lincoln High School 12th & Bond.Enlisted and retired USN,
One of the smartest moves I've ever made. I always came back while n leave and during my many transfers
To new duty stations and going to various schools. As a child i recall Banjo's Candy on the corner of 14th &
Piggott across from Lincoln Park. if my memory serves me still, I think there was a candy factory be it small as it may have been...on Broadway between the Brdwy theatre ( show ) and the Catholic School. Does this turn on a light or ring a bell? Met a lot of guys in the Marines and Navy during my travels throughout the country and
The world and lol ESL females also. Living in California but still dream about ESL my REAL HOME and the
People , the good the bad the ugly the etc. GOD BLESS!




robbie630-Dec-2011 19:50
I left the Goose Hill area and have never regretted it one bit
Brunetta Spearman 22-Dec-2011 15:52
I am from EAST ST LOUIS IL, and I'm proud of where I've come from! My life in East St Louis is no different from my life in another city that has hidden crime and failures. Just don't get stuck on the negative and you try to do something positive. Many people have negative things to say about this city but, when I was living in East St Louis, and still not too far from it and I do visit often. I saw a lot of license plates from other states and heard about people from St Louis dumping bodies across the river. I also saw a lot of people from St Louis buying dopem, and stopping at the strip clubs and liquor stores and clubs(their MO license plates gave them away). Everywhere you go, you may see more crime in certain areas than in others, but a city is what you make of it. When you were raising your child, did you teach them the morals of good character? Did you take them to church and allow the word to pierce their heart? Are were you one that allowed your child to do what they wanted to do? It's uncaring parents and people that see a child doing wrong that turns their head and allow them to get away with things that cause a grown thief, and disrespectful adult. Try to get a job where you are after your city has been degraded for years and years and have people that really don't know anything about your city talking bad about it and not really have a clue as to how things really are, try getting a job coming from East St Louis and just because of your ethnicity-being told that you'll never amount to anything and you can't seem to get help but from some no good person that have no desire to help anything get better but their pockets and life. There is a lot of good that have come from out of East St Louis, but it takes those that are willing to help instead of just TALKING and bad mouthing a place to make a change. Without acknowledging where you've come from, how can you truly accept your present and walk into your future because your past has faded, therefore you have no true direction of your now! Help others to not be negative by starting yourself!! Negativity is what destroys a city, country, nation, and THE world! Encourage and Not Discourage! Be Blessed!
Guest 05-Nov-2011 21:44
Sad to see such a wonderful industrial City fall into the abyss. Maybe the monry wasted in Iraq could have been directed to economic development in places such as this and the drug dealers put in jail.
Lenzie Stewart 20-Sep-2011 04:56
The battle is ongoing! And it is not over until the fat lady. sings!
Dana 10-May-2011 06:44
I too grew up in ESTL after leaving Pruitt-Igoe (if anyone remembers). But we were children and paid no attention to the squalor and steady decline of a once great city. We were just kids having fun and riding our bikes. I used to live on a street called Piggott, and attended John Robinson elementary school. It's interesting that I read an earlier commenter suggest that he felt ashamed to say he was from East St. Lous. I can understand that view, but I guess I've learned to wear it as a badge of honor as a statement of "look how far I've come" I would love to see Estl one day brought back to it's old glory. I miss it.
Bhill 14-Feb-2011 03:36
My city is full of casinos and strip clubs i pray for it and everyone within it.
Guest 14-Jan-2011 21:10
I graduated East St. Louis Sr. High in 1948 and spent my younger life growing up there. It was a great place and a very safe place. A young girl in those days could ride a city bus across town at night all by herself and feel perfectly safe.
What a shame to see it fall apart later.
Guest 10-Oct-2010 23:17
I was born and raised in East St. Louis, 1932-1951.Attneded St. Adalbert Parochial School (gone); Central Catholic High School (gone);joined the Navy in 1951 and never came back except on leave a few times. Every time I flew into St. Louis passing over ESL was like flying over bombed out Europe during WWII. I am embarassed to tell people in California that my home town was East St. Louis. The only city in the USA to be bankrupt four times and had to sell the city hall. I wanted to come back after my discharge but my Dad said there were no jobs and the town was rapidly sinking into poverty and squalor.His advice was seconded by the St. Louis newspapers and commentsd from old friends who remained in the area but not in Easrt St. Louis. The political corruption and racial situation in the city finally brought it down. At one time the 4th largest city in Illinois; with 165 major industrial operations and a manufacturing center. And now - -nothing but slums and drunks and addicts.
Thomas 25-Sep-2010 03:03
Guest
my father and grandfather grew up in the bottom. He and his grandfather graduated from Lincoln high. He'll and his mother. Lincoln high. 8th and broadway. My is 87 years old still alive. I think he graduated class of 38 or 39. Unfortuanately those older folks don't get on the computer. But anyone remember the hole after hours? He tells me back then it was booming.Everyday of the week some factory had a payday. Anyone out know "v"? They came out with miles Davis. How about black eye? Gold money? 1930's
Guest 10-Sep-2010 19:59
I lived in ESL in 49, 50, &51, My father had a lumber and coal business along with his brotherenlaw on St. Clair Ave. lot of good memories about the lumber yard, McCasland Ave.& Laffeyate Park on Bond ave. SAD to see such pictures.
Daisy .A. 05-Aug-2010 21:16

I am daisy Adah from Nigeria and in love with an Illinoisan guy. Was checking to see how my home to be looks like. My man is from ESL.I hope the city is o.k. I am happy to see these pictures. Look forward to visiting my hubby's hometown.
Elfreda Davis 14-Jul-2010 16:30
I grew up in East Saint Louis. I hate to see that the city officials let go down crime is so high. I moved to Miami,Fl in 1979. We have oor issues but it is no way south florida will let it get this bad. Where are the citizens ? stand up get you city back. I know the Casino is there but you all let them buil a high w ay to let the whites be safe coming to gamble. Letthe officials know you want downtown back that we can buikd it they wll come. I always wanted to rebuild this city if God ever bless me I will help my hometown. Where is Oprah now? Why are we helping other countries and can not help our own country or cities like East Saint Louis.
Guest 20-Jun-2010 15:15
This shows the worse of a town where I grew up and went to school. Wouldn't it be great to be able to post pictures of the town that we knew in the 40's and 50's. Would sure look a lot different. Anyone remember Lincoln Ave, the fire department there, the hardware store, Malec's meat market, drug store on the corner, Christian Church? The one room school out on Bunkum Road where Mrs. Durham taught for lots of years.
Jim Foster 09-Jun-2010 00:43
Slowly I'm joining the ranks of the old folks but I experienced E. St. Louis in a prime time 55-64, a great decade. But, like others posting, I soon realized that I had to leave. Thank the stars that SIU came to town in 1959 and I could actually go to college. I did, with all of the energy I had, finally become a chemist. I now live in Santa Barbara, California which is a long way from "home" but there is no "home" any more, the house I grew up in is gone...
withheld 22-May-2009 03:04
I grew up in ESL from 1955 to 1971 and I still have nightmares and post-traumatic stress from my life there. The last time I was in St. Louis I was feeling nostalgic so I took a drive through ESL. My old home in Parkside subdivision was a burned out shell. I felt as if I were in a war zone. With this uneasy feeling I decided to leave and return to St. Louis. As I was leaving ESL sparks flew up on my right rear door. After I got to St. Louis, across the river, I examined my car door and discovered to my horror that my car had been hit by a bullet: probably a .30 caliber, maybe a 30-30 round. If the shot had been 3 inches higher I would have been hit by this snipers bullet. I will never return to ESL unless I am looking at it through a bomb sight of a B-52 bomber.
Guest 19-Jan-2009 22:13
The past whispers and sometimes shouts to us from the buildings left behind by those who came before us. So often they say, "There was once something of value here." We need to listen and learn. Thank you for the pictures. I have often heard of the ills of East St. Louis. Now I also know that it was once a place full of dreams. Tim Ellis www.vintagegastonia.com
Shanice 10-Oct-2008 03:56
These photos are so depressing, but thank you for taking them. I grew up in ESL and now I live down in the magic city of Birmingham, Alabama. There are so many similarities between the two places, but sadly I don't see that glimmer of renewal or hope left in ESL that I used to see. God help my hometown :(
Rose 28-Sep-2008 22:36
We are looking for the whereabouts of a candy company that was located in E St Louis Ill. The name of the company was/is, East St. Louis Candy Company. It existed in 1929. If anyone has information about this company, please email us at erszges6@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Cecil 20-Sep-2008 05:57
I grew up near Rock Jr.High School neighborhood...I attend Longfellow Elementary,A.M Jackson,Rock Jr. and East Saint Louis Senior...I also moved to Richmond,Va,Va.Beach back to East Saint,Chicago,Bloomington,Il and now in St.Louis...As I read the negative,I understand what people are saying..So let's get off the negative and concentrate on the positive...We had some wonderful people raised in this town...Some became Millionaires,Politicians,Actors,and Actresses,Singers,Pro-Football and Basketball Players..This starts with the citizens of this town...It's not easy,but we can do some small as clean up..Volunteer to do something instead of complaining...One thing I do missed is the neighborly help..If a person sees you doing something to your car or see an elderly person walking with groceries in their hand..They help that person...I was raised like that..I am 41 years old,I do miss East.St.Louis and I've been trying to come back for a long time now...I can't sit here and malice my city I grew up in..I won't do that,but I can praise it's glory for a come back..God Bless and God Speed!! Amen!!
Guest 14-Sep-2008 20:39
This is Antwan Guy i love my city but the city does not love us i have to travel the world to get some peace and to make a living until we get rid of the crimes of murder and drugs our city will continue to crumble feel my pain im tried of being gone but theirs still no hope let bring back some hope thats our city and responsibility contact me via email ntwnguy@yahoo.com or call 478 284 5313 lets make a change class of 1991 remeber me i did not know how to act like a man until i left my city im ready to come home been on the road since 1991 but try to come home every 4th of july i love yall stay strong its all set up at home to give us no hope lets organize and clean up our home
guest 27-Jul-2008 12:18
Crap hole, Grew up off state street.
Robert Hicks 24-Jul-2008 03:10
I have been to East St. Louis several times. I thought that it looked as if it was a much more prosperous town at an earlier time. I am not to sure what is there now however since I sadly moved from wonderful Southern Illinois to burning hot Northern Texas.

I think all towns have a chance at greatness and it is up to those that reside within the town to make or break the town. I say bring back the town to where it is a town that all Illinoisans can be proud of and not the town that is just in the way of St. Louis, MO. Any Land of Lincoln resident can set there image and the pride of there state. I think as well that East St. Louis given the right drive and inspiration could make that town outshine those in the Show Me State and take some of the glory away from the Windy City...not that I have a prob with Chicago of course.
Guest 03-Jul-2008 22:51
was born and raised at 1707 college ave. 1938 to 1946 then moved
Adrian Trent 06-Apr-2008 08:45
Ever since I read Savage Inequalities I wanted to see ESL, thank you for taking these pictures
Guest 18-Nov-2007 04:34
Crack Alley
Guest 02-Oct-2007 21:31
Darnell Browning-Buford

I graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966, went to Lincoln U. for a while and then
moved to beautiful, sunny San Diego, Calf. Now, I'm having to move back to East St. Louis to help take care of my mother...what a culture shock.
Jane 01-Oct-2007 02:21
Thank you so much for these pictures. My father was born in ESL and I have wanted to go there, but have been warned of the crime rate. I finally have a look at ESL, thank to you!
Karen Miles 12-Jul-2007 01:07
I graduated from East Side High School in 1977 and moved away from ESL right after that. I read through some of the comments and a name caught my eye, it was Mr. Clyde Jordan. I believe that we were in the same graduating class (77). Was just wondering if some of the other alimni are out there. Best Wishes Karen Miles
Don Hammontree21-Oct-2006 02:42
Fascinating - I've been to St. Louis many times but never East St. Louis and always wondered what it looked like. Thanks for giving us a peek!