Letter to “Old Brentwood Memories” Facebook Followers

This is a letter to those of you who have stepped back in time the last few weeks on the “Old Brentwood Memories” Facebook page.  Can you believe it?  Over 1200 likes in a little over three weeks.  Current and former Brentwood residents spanning several generations, and spread out all over the country.  How many of you have seen names, and heard comments from people you had forgotten, or have not seen for decades?  Thanks to Chris Knight, and God Bless Mark Zuckerberg.  None of us could have imagined this ten years ago.

Since 1985, the Brentwood Historical Society has worked at preserving the past of our community.  We have collected stories, pictures, mementos, and other artifacts relating to the history of our town.  We have a comprehensive collection of Brentwood High School yearbooks, copies of the Brentwood Pulse and the Scope, and news clippings from over the years.  We have transcribed the U.S. Census in Brentwood from 1910-1940.  Once in a while, someone will stop by with a box of pictures or a scrapbook that has been passed on by a loved one.  We really appreciate those acts of thoughtfulness for our organization.

In 2019, the City of Brentwood will celebrate its 100^th birthday.  The Historical Society hopes to provide the community with a comprehensive book outlining the history of Brentwood, with pictures and stories of the last 100 years and beyond.  That will take some time to put together.  That is why we are starting now.  In the next few months, we will start a program of interviewing Brentwood residents from over the years.  We are especially interested in hearing from those who have lived in Brentwood for over 75 years.  We would like to record these interviews and share them with others.

This Facebook page has made us realize another great resource.  All of you who grew up in Brentwood have valuable memories of a time more recent in our history.  It is important we preserve all of these recollections.  Some of the great pictures you have posted are priceless.  Brentwood history isn’t just about pictures of buildings; it’s about pictures of people and their stories and memories.  It is all of you that make Brentwood the community we are all proud to call home.  Please continue to post memories on the Facebook page.  If you have anything you would like to share with the Historical Society that would help us to preserve our past, please send or e-mail to:

Brentwood Historical Society, 8754 Rosalie Ave., Brentwood, MO 63144

E-Mail address: bwdhistsoc@yahoo.com

We will post more information in the near future on this blog.  Feel free to click the “follow” icon on the right side of the page to receive updates.

Thanks,

Dan Fitzgerald

Tom Boy Market – 2428 Brentwood Blvd.

This building was built in 1940.  It has been many versions of small markets over the years.  In the 1970’s, it became Alexi’s Greek Restaurant, and later Ali Baba’s.  It is currently home to Hunan Wok.

Gualdoni’s – 2241 Brentwood Blvd.

Gualdoni’s Market was one of the original tenants in this building which was built in the late 1930’s.  Someone with knowledge of cars could help date the photo.  I believe it is late 1930’s or early 1940’s.

2011 St. Clair Ave.

This house at 2011 St. Clair Ave was torn down today.  It was built in 1949..