The architectural ruins around the pond in the center of Tower Grove Park evoke the “garden follies” of European palace grounds.
These stones are imbued with even more resonance; they come from some of the most famous buildings of the Nineteenth Century in St. Louis.
THANKS for the link, Chris! I’d always wondered the origin of the stones.
When I was a little kid, my “tall-tale” uncle told me that it was what was left of a mean ogre’s castle.
That uncle was also the one who drew maps of his days as an outlaw Out West – and I still have one.
In reality, I don’t think Uncle Frank had been West of KC, and he was an accountant, not a gunslinger – and he wasn’t born until 1910. What did I know? I was only 9 or 10 and was enthralled by his tales of derring-do.
Another bit of mystery is the small grave marker in the southwest part of the park. I’ve asked several rangers about it, but nobody seems to know why it’s there. The date is from the early 1880’s so it originates after the park dedication.
Lovely site and good shots that capture its ambience.
Jenn, it’s not a grave marker, but a stone marking the occasion when Henry Shaw’s niece came to visit!
Aha! That makes complete sense. Only I wish that there was some sort of mention of that on the park website, or at least a plaque by the marker. Surely more people are curious about the little stone.
Thanks Braden!