A Look at the First Ten Pages from Album One
A little over a year ago I made a visit to the archives belonging to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. There I met the archivist Lauren Sallwasser who it turned out is a fellow Maplewoodian.
She showed me their collection of documents and photographs that had been donated by Margaret Sappington Townsend. She was kind enough to provide me with digital copies of two of the photo albums from that collection. It was a mind-blowing experience. I’ve been trying to get back ever since.
Although, I have posted many of the images from those two albums that I consider solid gold nuggets from the rich vein of Maplewood history. There are many more that are worth a look so here are some of those.
From Album Number One:

Page one is the album cover. This is page two. I have been unable to identify the locations or the people.

This the third page. Again, the locations and the identities of the people are unknown.

This is the fourth page. Doesn’t it seem likely that the photo strip is of the creator of this album?

Page five. These are fairly high resolution images. I haven’t any idea if I’ll be able to post all ten pages.

Page six.

Page seven.

Page eight.

Page nine. This glider or one like it shows up in several other images.

Page ten. The image at the bottom was the first one in this album that I could identify the location. It is the home at 7177 and then 7477 Manchester that is in many of the images in both albums.
What a fabulous collection of historic everything they have at the Missouri History Museum archives on Skinker. Thanks again to Lauren Sallwasser for her assistance.
We had some record heat yesterday in Maplewood. It peaked somewhere in the mid-90’s. It felt pretty good to this heatophile but it really is too hot too early. Climate change is a very scary thing that we all need to take seriously. Vote for the folks that will do something about it.
As always, I appreciate your interest and support.
Doug Houser March 27, 2026


I love that they are all smiles and laughing. Most photos from that long ago are very somber.
Thanks Doug!
That’s a good point, Laura. Thanks for making it.
Doug, Thank you for sharing❣️❣️❣️ You are most generous!
My pleasure, Ma’am. So glad you approve.
How fun! So great to show people having a good time and not just dour looks for the long camera exposures!
Couldn’t agree more, Rachel. Thanks for your comment.
Love these photos of long-ago Maplewoodians, Doug! Thanks so much for your efforts.
You are very welcome. It’s my pleasure.