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On many weekends as many as 10,000 people
could be found near Lincoln Beach during its peak of popularity. At
about the same time, the Frisco Hotel in Valley Park was turned into a
commercial hotel for the many visitors in that area of the river.
During the great depression, the recreation
areas along the
Meramec
became neglected, as abandoned beaches became overgrown, lodges stood
empty, and clubhouses fell into disrepair. In 1925, the Frisco
station at Meramec Highlands changed its name to Osage Hills and
discontinued operations in 1932 soon also falling into bad shape.
After
World War II, cars replaced trains and travelers began to seek out
more distant areas such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and the
larger dammed lakes of southern
Missouri.
Attendance at Lincoln Beach and the remaining
Meramec River resorts and clubs waned swiftly.
Over
the years, Castlewood became a quiet place, part residential area and
part hunting and fishing camp. Some clubhouses were renovated for year
round use, while others were demolished or left to decay.
Today, Castlewood is a state park encompassing 1,779 acres along the
banks of the
Meramec River. Preserving the history of the former resort,
the park incorporates much of the old resort area, including the grand
staircase that once led tourist up to the large hotels and clubs.
Although the hotels and clubs are gone, the staircase and the lure of
the region remain.
Valley
Park, well established with a glass factory and other industries
thrived as a small community outside of
St. Louis
and the historic Frisco Hotel continues to stands. Today the
building, located at 28 Front Street, houses the Whittle Shortline Railroad, a small, family owned manufacturer of American
style wooden railroad toys. Since 1999, the business has featured a
retail store where numerous handmade trains are sold and railroad fans
can watch as they are being built in the toy assembly area.
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Missouri
Postcards
