Local Author Amanda E. Doyle Discusses the History of Tower Grove Park

St. Louis County Library’s Favorite Author Series presents local author Amanda E. Doyle for a discussion and signing of her book “Tower Grove Park: Common Ground and Grateful Shade Since 1872.”

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Grant’s View Branch, located at 9700 Musick Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.

The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Following the success of his Missouri Botanical Garden, English transplant and enthusiastic philanthropist Henry Shaw turned his attention in the late 1860s to creating the first large park in St. Louis, a Victorian showplace full of verdant trees, shading pavilions, and music and cultural amenities. Above all, Tower Grove Park was “not created for the benefit of any particular class, but for the enjoyment of all classes—for the use of the city population in the aggregate.” Such a tranquil oasis served to uplift, refine, and refresh human beings whose lives were becoming increasingly mechanized, crowded, and complicated. 150 years after its founding, Tower Grove Park continues to fill that role in the lives of St. Louisans.

Step into the past with this richly illustrated history of the park, including descriptions of the people and pavilions that created its unique architectural identity; appreciations of its lush tree canopy and vast biodiversity in the heart of an urban setting; and stories of the many individuals, groups, organizations, and events that have brought recreation and renewal within its acres. And follow along to the thoroughly modern uses and future plans that keep this park for all seasons more relevant now than ever, a necessity for the health, hope, and well-being of St. Louis.

Amanda E. Doyle is a writer and zealous St. Louis transplant. She’s the author of several other books, including “Finally! A Locally Produced Guidebook to St. Louis,” “By and For St. Louisans,” “Neighborhood by Neighborhood” and “To the Top! A Gateway Arch Story.” She seeks out the city’s singular charms with her husband and two children.

Program sites are accessible. With at least two weeks' notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Call 314-994-3300 or contact us.