The Historical Society is very pleased to announce the release of a new book that examines slavery in Florissant and St. Ferdinand Township, as well as the segregation and discrimination experienced by African Americans in the century-plus since. The book is titled In the Walnut Grove: A Consideration of the Enslaved People in and around Florissant, Missouri. St. Ferdinand Township had a considerable amount of slavery activity. It was associated with many of the prominent names in Florissant [...]
The FVHS Board of Directors has approved the creation of a new exhibit on Black History. This will be a permanent exhibit installed in the Log Room on the main floor. "We wanted to put the exhibit in one of our primary spaces," said board member Andrew Theising. "This is important history and is an important part of our mission. Some of those very logs may have been cut by enslaved hands." The exhibit will consist of six large frames of actual archival material and reproductions of historic [...]
The Florissant Valley Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the Florissant Rotary Club. Rotary provided a much-needed community grant to help with the front façade repairs that have been underway, specifically helping to restore the house’s magnificent columns. The accompanying photo shows the scaffolding in place. The columns were damaged by weather and weakened gutters. The column bases were failing and threatened their stability. This summer, with the kind support of [...]
The Florissant Valley Historical Society gratefully acknowledges a major matching grant from the DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION that has helped restore the front facade of Taille de Noyer. The award was made in the spring and the work commenced in the summer. We have now completed the project and invite the public to drive by the McCluer High School Campus and see the beautiful work enabled by the D.A.R. Thank you!
Second annual fundraiser for Taille de Noyer was a rousing success thanks to the 85 plus supporters attending a wonderful dinner at Hendel’s Restaurant. In attendance were a large number of John Mullanphy descendant family members and longtime supporters from the Ferguson-Florissant area. A desert - presentation was made by Dr. Andrew Theising summarizing the influence the Mullanphy family members have had on the St. Louis area.
Our 2018 Annual Christmas Luncheon was a wonderful event. Please enjoy these photos from the luncheon.
Historical Society volunteers, Connie Krauss, Dorothy Ernst, Jean Hilmer, Vicki Egan, and Mary Kay Gladbach are happy to finish taking down the Christmas decorations after another successful Christmas luncheon fundraiser.
Our annual Bouillion Party on January 28 was a tremendous success with over 50 people in attendance! This is the largest attendance we have ever had for this annual event at Taille de Noyer. Attendees enjoy delicious traditional French bouillion soup, tours of historic Taille de Noyer, and live music from the Buchanon Brothers.
The McDavid, Klamer and Dowkontt families held their annual Thanksgiving gathering at Taille de Noyer this November, a tradition they have celebrated at Taille de Noyer for the past decade. There were 18 people this year including resident care-taker Robert Boesing. Taille de Noyer is open to the public to rent for parties and special events.
Welcome to our two new FVHS Advisory Board Members - June Shurtz and Danyela Harting. June has been a Life Member of the Society since 1981 and her friend, Danyela is a new member. We are delighted to have them as members of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board meets 4 times a year and helps with the planning of events and the care of Taille de Noyer. If you are interested in joining the Advisory Board please call Mary Kay Gladbach (314) 409-9478 or Joe McDavid (314) 307-7222.