Yesterday, while sifting through old family photos and saved articles, I found a fascinating picture of the long-gone Berthold Mansion, once owned by my ancestors. This historic home once stood proudly at the northwest corner of Broadway and Pine, where the Metropolitan Life building (left) now resides.
On the back of the photo, several notable names from old St. Louis are listed, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Among those in the picture are Bartholomew Berthold, Mrs. William Ewing (née Clara Berthold), Mrs. Wagaman, Miss Julia Berthold, Clara Kennedy, Mrs. Bartholomew Berthold, Mrs. Sylvester Labadie (née Pelagie Chouteau), Amadie Berthold, and August, William, and Fred Ewing.
The Berthold Mansion, built in 1829 in Summit Square by Bartholomew Berthold, was an architectural marvel of its time, influenced by the Miles Brewton house (below) in Charleston. This connection to the Brewton house adds an interesting layer to the mansion’s historical significance, showcasing the spread of architectural styles and cultural influences across the United States during that era.
Rediscovering these pieces of history through family mementos brings a profound appreciation for St. Louis’s past and the legacies left by its early residents!
