Renaissance MAY 2024

10 - The Soulard Renaissance - MAY 2024 Stone carriage steps (or carriage stones) were commonplace in the 19th century. These stones were normally placed near the edge of the street, directly in front of the home. The steps helped passengers climb in and out of carriages. Many of these stones contained inscrip- tions, usually the name of the family that originally lived in the home. Occasion- ally the inscription included the year the home was built. Carriage Stones in Soulard By Neil & Veronica Putz In the present day, we seldom notice these historical “monuments,” nor do we realize that the carved inscriptions are valuable clues to the home’s true history. These clues are a treasure to the SRG Historical Committee. This article is designed to present some idea on the wealth of information that just one of these carriage stones can unlock. One of these carriage stones stands in front of 2316 S. 12th St. (Figures 1 & 2). Although the carved inscription is very difficult to read, it appears to say “PH. F STIFEL.” Combining the name and the address, Figures 1 & 2 (above and below). The Stifel Carriage Stone (2024). Figure 3 & 4 (above). Gould’s Saint Louis Directory (1888 and 1889). Figure 5. Classified Ad, Gould’s Saint Louis Directory (1887). Figure 6. Household of Henry Ruckert (1880 US Census). historians can determine when that person lived in the home, enabling the process of assembling a complete picture of the home, its history and the story of that early family. Researching Gould’s Saint Louis Directory, historians learned that Philip F. Stifel lived at 2315 S. 11th St. in 1888, but by the following year he moved to 2316 S. 12th St. (Figures 3 & 4). These City Directory listings also revealed that Philip F. Stifel was a busi- this is the site of a ghost town. Many Soulard residents will correctly associate the Ruckert name with “The Ruckert Building,” located at the south- west corner of Lami and South 12th Street. In fact, the Stifel & Ruckert company constructed this unique Soulard structure in the late 1890s. Researchers wanted to learn more about the history and rela- tionship between these two men, so we examined the 1880U.S. Census (Figure 4). Continued on Page 11 ness partner with Henry Ruckert. Stifel & Ruckert were stone contractors who operated a limestone quarry at 2324 Kos- ciusko St., whichwas near the point where Lami Street reached the western bank of the Mississippi River. The company ad- vertised in Gould’s Saint Louis Directory (Figure 5). The partners also operated a granite quarry in the tiny town of Ker- rigan, Missouri (Wayne County). Today In 1880, Henry Ruckert (38) was mar- ried to Maria Stifel Ruckert (31), Philip Stifel’s eldest sister. Their residence at this time was 1200 Lami St. (present-day 1100 Lami). Their daughter, Emilie (8) also lived in the home. Born in the Ger- man state of Hesse, Ruckert worked as a city contractor. The family employed a domestic servant, Bridget Molloy (19), who was an Irish immigrant. The Ruckert household also included an extended family. Maria’s younger sister, Carrie Stifel Jacob (29), was awidow. Con- nie lived with her daughter, Eleanor (12). Finally, Maria’s youngest sibling, brother Philip Stifel (28), also lived in the house- hold. Philip listedhis professionas “quarry.” The Renaissance Advertise in the August Edition Deadline: August 9 Contact Tammy at 314-359-0316 phone/text TammyB@STLprograms.com