In the late 1920s, the R. Mederacke Realty and Investment Company began the development of what was originally known as Grantwood Terrace, just to the east of Grant’s Farm on Gravois Road.

Lots were at least 100 feet wide and ranged from 240 to 350 feet deep. Architectural styles were typical of the time period and featured various revival styles.

As most of these developments would, advertisements and newspaper articles focused on the lack of smoke from the dirty Southern Illinois coal burned in the central city, and the quick commute downtown on Gravois Road.

More so than any other development from the early Twentieth Century, I was able to find some really wonderful newspaper photos of houses in the subdivision. Take this house above and below, which was owned by Mary Zinzer.

One thing I am interested in knowing is whether any of the owners of these houses may have worked at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or were relatives of the Busch family. Considering that Grant’s Farm was right across the street, it seems logical.

As is typical of these subdivisions, there are even some Modernist houses because a few lots are sold later than others.

Houses such as the one above ran at about $13,500, which was a good price at the time.

Advertisements also spoke of “restrictions,” that would preserve “housing values” which were common at the time. I have to wonder if this also included racial covenants.