*Sneak Peek* Gaslight Square - 1964

[AC Benus]

Hello! I was working on this last night and thought I'd share. Let me know your thoughts

 

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Settling back, they sipped their blood-red wine as well as let the heady surroundings of the fall evening seep in.

 

Yellow blobs of gaslight punctuated the air. They came from Victorian lampposts mounted atop low walls of brick enclosing tables in terraces, which fronted the sidewalk up and down the street. Noise drifted from all sides: violin and guitar serenades for various couples dining outside; bands performing in Dixieland and Jazz clubs; laughter wafting from the comedy club where Phyllis Diller was on stage at the moment.

 

An easy mix of visitors and inhabitants moved about the district at night. Groups of penniless painters and bearded poets lounged on stoops with cans of Falstaff or Griesedieck beer. They observed but did not comment on the other collections of people inhabiting the sidewalks near them. Adolescents looked affluent and at ease in their prep school uniforms, while frat guys in sleek suits and pencil-thin ties stood around smoking and chatting. Some of these college-age students leaned on walls as little boys of color polished their shoes for two bits a pop. Young ladies congregated together too. Their flip hairstyles and mid-thigh dresses said they were out for a night of 'adventure,' hoping to draw the attention of one of the fraternity brothers pausing to have his patent leather buffed.

 

Yes, Gaslight Square was Saint Louis' own Left Bank. Daytime coffee houses positively bristled with Beat writers, social activists, and artists both performing and visual who enjoyed each other's company and challenging conversation over one or two cups of joe meant to last the afternoon. So too in the bright hours, shoppers with money to spare perused art galleries and book vendors and then stopped to sit on the terraces with al-fresco cups of Irish coffee. At night, the flames were lit and a mellower mood descended like the throbbing rhythm of a Nat King Cole ballad. The smells of candlewicks and gloriously garlic food lured in diners with hypnotic insistence. Such a pair were Naomi and Bruce.  

 

"Did you know," inquired the young man, "that Joe Cunningham, the Cardinal's first baseman, lived right over there when the tornado of '59 ripped through."

 

"No way."

 

"Yes. I heard him on the radio. He claims him and 'a friend' were studying bible verses, in his bedroom, when the twister ripped off the roof. They barely got out of the way in time."

 

She contorted her lips slightly. "Why do you say friend like that?"

 

"Well, the person was a guy, and it was two in the morning."

 

"Oh!" Naomi laughed. "That kind of friend. Well, here's to 'em." She lifted her glass to toast. "Nothin' like reading Leviticus in the middle of the night with that special someone."

 

"Amen."

 

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Some images from the time:

 

 

 

 

If you belong to Pinterest, you can see my small Gaslight Square gallery here.

 

Also, Phyllis Diller was a STL housewife when she stared doing standup comedy in the Gaslight Square clubs. Soon she was 'discovered' and put on the national stage. Here's a fun little video; I loved her as a kid. I was such a Gay Boy! 

Edited July 10, 2016 by AC Benus

[William King]

I always find it interesting when an author conjures up a world I no nothing about and paints a picture that lives in the imagination of the reader. So I liked it.

 

The only comment I would make is on one small part of your description:

"...as little boys of color polished their shoes for two bits a pop."

Why wouldn't you say 'little black boys', it seems odd?

[AC Benus]

Mr. King, the combination of the words black and boy still has a racial sting to it in this country. Since you ask so openly, I should reply in equal candor.

Edited July 10, 2016 by AC Benus

[AC Benus]

I always find it interesting when an author conjures up a world I no nothing about and paints a picture that lives in the imagination of the reader. So I liked it.

 

 

Thanks for your kind words of support. I've addressed the racial element in the posting above. I appreciate the comments and feedback

[dughlas]

This is really good AC. Is there more to come? I hope so. Thanks for sharing this.

[Defiance19]

AC, there is more right? It's amazing how in a few short paragraphs, your words draw me into this place so effortlessly. If I close my eyes It just about comes alive for me... Well done as always... 

[AC Benus]

Thank you, Dugh and Def. Yes, there is a full novella here. I'm working my way through the final edits now. Thanks for your support!

[Mikiesboy]

Can't wait AC. The pics are a treat, but your words were enough...

[AC Benus]

Can't wait AC. The pics are a treat, but your words were enough...

Thanks, Tim