The De Smet subdivision sits north of Lindbergh Boulevard and northwest of old town Florissant. Of course, we need to remember that Lindbergh had already been laid out decades before as part of the US highway system (not the interstate system). The main entrance, above, makes me believe there were grander plans for an elaborate gateway to the subdivision that were never realized.
Exterior of a display home in the De Smet subdivision, Florissant, Missouri. Negative. Mizuki, Henry T. 1957-02-11. In Copyright. Rights holder: Charles Vatterott and Sons / LeMoine Skinner, Jr. Public Relations. Missouri History Museum, P0374-01238-04-4a.
Houses are smaller but more diverse in this subdivision, with plenty of carports located on the side but also interestingly on the front of houses.
On some lots there are mature trees, probably planted around the time the subdivision was built, while on others there is wide open green space.
I’m curious if the sapling below in the front yard of this unidentified house is now towering over the street!
Home in the De Smet subdivision, Florissant, Missouri. Negative. Mizuki, Henry T. 1958-01-18. In Copyright. Rights holder: Charles Vatterott and Sons. Missouri History Museum, P0374-01456-02-4a.
There are more cool photos from Vatterott & Sons showing the interior of models. Look at those lamps and sofas.
Living room and dining room in a De Smet subdivision display home, Florissant, Missouri. Negative. Mizuki, Henry T. 1957-02-16. In Copyright. Rights holder: Charles Vatterott and Sons / LeMoine Skinner, Jr. Public Relations. Missouri History Museum, P0374-01242-03-4a.
And every house needs a game room.
Game room in a De Smet subdivision display home, Florissant, Missouri. Negative. Mizuki, Henry T. 1957-02-16. In Copyright. Rights holder: Charles Vatterott and Sons / LeMoine Skinner, Jr. Public Relations. Missouri History Museum, P0374-01242-05-4a.
This was my childhood subdivision. A few things: all the street names were Jesuit saints (canonized or blessed I think). There are also 2 parks – 1 tiny “pocket” park called Blackfoot and 1 larger one (may be in the adjacent subdivision) called Queen Anne. It was so easy to walk a few minutes to a playground. I also loved how the majority of the streets were thru and not cul-de-sacs. There were endless possibilities of entering and navigating through the entire subdivision from four cardinal directions. I personally love this and tend to hate the later developments with courts. But I digress….
Thanks for documenting this neighborhood! It was a wonderful place to grow up and we had lots of trees.
This was my childhood subdivision. A few things: all the street names were Jesuit saints (canonized or blessed I think). There are also 2 parks – 1 tiny “pocket” park called Blackfoot and 1 larger one (may be in the adjacent subdivision) called Queen Anne. It was so easy to walk a few minutes to a playground. I also loved how the majority of the streets were thru and not cul-de-sacs. There were endless possibilities of entering and navigating through the entire subdivision from four cardinal directions. I personally love this and tend to hate the later developments with courts. But I digress….
Thanks for documenting this neighborhood! It was a wonderful place to grow up and we had lots of trees.
Interesting! Thanks for the info!
i liked this subdivision, but always wished we had a garage instead of a car port. Our house was cozy and roomy enough for a family of four.