The 1970s was a time of change and growth for St. Louis. The unmistakable scent of toasted ravioli wafting through the air, the sound of Cardinals fans cheering on their team at Busch Stadium, and the hypnotic hum of disco music emanating from clubs lining the streets – these were the sights, sounds, and smells that defined life in St. Louis during that era.
In the 1970s, St. Louis was a city in transition. The Gateway Arch was barely a decade old, a stunning 630-foot monument to westward expansion. It had already become the city’s defining landmark, beckoning visitors to explore the revitalized riverfront and the Old Courthouse, integral to the Dred Scott case. Meanwhile, the construction of the ill-fated Pruitt-Igoe housing complex, which was eventually demolished in the mid-70s, served as a stark reminder of the city’s struggles with urban decay and segregation.
The city’s sports scene was a significant source of pride for its residents. The beloved St. Louis Cardinals, led by Hall of Famer Lou Brock, kept fans on their seats as they clinched the National League pennant in 1971 and 1973. The football Cardinals, affectionately known as the “Big Red,” also enjoyed success during the decade, making the playoffs three times.
The 70s also saw the emergence of a thriving music scene in St. Louis. We were lucky enough to be home to the legendary Mississippi River Festival, an annual summer event held on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. There, music lovers from all walks of life gathered to enjoy performances by the likes of The Who, The Eagles, and Elton John. In the city’s many clubs and bars, disco fever was in full swing, with patrons twirling beneath the glimmering disco balls to the beats of Gloria Gaynor, Chic, and Donna Summer.
Regarding fashion, St. Louis was no stranger to the decade’s trends. Bell-bottom pants, platform shoes, and polyester shirts were the order of the day, and our local department stores like Famous-Barr and Stix and Baer & Fuller were stocked with the latest styles.
One of my fondest memories of St. Louis in the 1970s is the city’s vibrant street life. During the summer, the wafting smells of BBQ from our neighborhood cookouts filled the air. Neighbors would gather in front yards, sharing food and laughter as children played until the streetlights came on. In the fall, we rake vast leaves, only to have kids joyfully jump in and scatter them again.
Here are some fascinating vintage photos that will take you back to the 1970s in St. Louis. Also check, St. Louis in the 1960s.
The Arch grounds before the Arch! I can’t believe they tore this down! This would be an amazing neighborhood today even though most of downtown also looked like this and got torn down anyway! I don’t understand the history of American cities in the 20th Century!
Dark days
It’s odd how little has changed since a lot of these pictures were taken. Like sure, some of them show vast differences, but some of them (outside of the vehicles) look like a current day B&W photo. Which is kind of telling for why we haven’t seen much city improvement since the early 80’s until very recently.