Who are our most famous Maplewoodians? Who are the folks that have resided in our lovely village and then gone out and done well for themselves in the wider world? I have a few names in mind but I am going to keep them to myself until the readers of this space have had a chance to respond.
Let there be no misunderstanding, George Clooney made a movie here but that doesn’t count. He never lived here. Likewise I’m sure Elvis has been seen on the streets of Maplewood but he’s never lived here either. Ditto for Marie Antoinette who has eaten art on our fair streets but was gone before the stroke of midnight.
Let’s give it a week or so then if the few names that I know of haven’t been suggested, I’ll post them then.
Their was a famous watercolorist/illustrator, Richard Grossenheider, who lived for a time on Flora in Maplewood. Not sure of the dates. He was very involved with the Zoo, was a personal friend of Marlin Perkins, and did wonderful bird and mammal portraits. He was a close friend of my physician years ago, where I saw many of his originals.
He died April 3, 1975, born some time around 1910. Who knew Maplewood was such an artists’ colony! https://nyti.ms/2XBYiaS
There was a watercolorist, I can’t recall his name.
His painting are of museum quality.
You are probably thinking of Stan Masters, now recognized as a master of American Realism. He did a lot of paintings of Maplewood scenes (or at least inspired by recognizable Maplewood landmarks). His widow has donated one of his paintings to the Maplewood Library, if anyone wants to see one. You can find more information about him at http://www.stanmasters.com/index.php
I’ve been told that Robert Morrisey has sold the Clayton building he owned and operated as Clark Graves Antiques. His new location is at 704 Hanley Industrial CourtHere are links to a few articles about Stan by Doug Miner and myself.
https://40southnews.com/library-hangs-historic-painting/
https://40southnews.com/stan-masters-a-world-class-watercoloristfrom-maplewood/
https://40southnews.com/stan-masters-a-world-class-watercolorist-from-maplewood-continued/
https://40southnews.com/stan-masters-while-were-on-the-subject/
PS. Stan definitely makes the list of Famous Maplewoodians.
What about Marty Corchran? I thought he went to school here, has been our city manager for a loooong time, even has a street named after him. Or The Scheidt Family. Any business that has been around for 100 years has to get some sort of shout out.
I agree with you, Mark. They deserve a shout out. The folks you mention are well known in Maplewood but probably not much beyond our city limits. I’m hoping to learn of Maplewoodians who went on to become famous beyond our borders. Thanks for your comment.
I’m guessing whoever started Sunnen unless they were not from here but only located the business here.
Also I think there is a business here that is a major innovator in gasoline pumps but cannot seem to remember where it is located. Was thinking somewhere down on Greenwood. But again, a business only and not a person from Maplewood.
last line was supposed to be a question. As in I don’t know who the person was and if they lived here or just set up a business here?
Got ya, Mark. Joseph Sunnen was the founder of the company. He’d definitely qualify as famous. I’m not sure if he ever lived in Maplewood. He is a good choice. I read that article to which you are referring about the company that was once on Greenwood. Seems like they invented the automatic shutoff on a gas pump handle or something like that. Didn’t they move to Eureka? Anyway, good call on Joe Sunnen. Thanks.
To chime in on the gas pumps. That is Huskey. I believe they began in Maplewood and are now in (or near) Pacific, MO.
You are right about that, Todd: https://bit.ly/2JACUPA
Doug, I believe that Sunnen started in a garage in the rear of a house near the intersection of Comfort and Big Bend. ( Not sure of the exact one) but i heard this way back in the late 60’s when we moved to Maplewood.
Harold and Sidney Guller founded Essex Industries.
Business : cryogenics materials.
I don’t know about Harold, but Sidney graduated from MRH.
I don’t know these guys, Tom. They sound like they belong in the list. I’ll have to see what I can dig up on them. Their business is directly across the street from my house. Thanks for this information.
Let’s also consider famous Brentwoodians, especially since this year is the 100th for B’wood.
What the heck, abc123? Go ahead and locate as many famous Brentwoodians as you can. And Happy 100th Birthday, Brentwood! There are many fine folks over there and I even know a few of them. This column is titled, “Maplewood History”. I have no plans to include the history of Brentwood in upcoming columns but I have no problem listing whatever famous Brentwoodians you can find. Good luck!
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