The Winds of Change

In late May 1896 a tornado tore through south St. Louis in a west-to-east swath between Park Avenue and Russell Boulevard. Thousands of structures were damaged and hundreds were killed. The wind heavily damaged the 1840's Soulard Market building, completely smashing the two-story section. Contrary to local legend, though, the whole structure was not destroyed by the storm. The building was repaired again, but minus the upstairs hall, and is plainly visible in the several 20th century photos.

In 1899, a hay, coal, and wood market was established in a new shed just south of the old building. These commodities had always been available thereabouts, now it was merely more organized.

By 1905 just three farmers markets were left in the city. The 1904 World's Fair had stirred the local imagination to a wondrous future of efficiency and invention, and farmers' markets were now looked upon as reminders of a romanticized past. One article referred to, "The simple life at Soulard Market, a little square where the customs of old St. Louis are preserved." But to the local population, the market continued to be a vital source of inexpensive foodstuffs, and fashionable thought be darned.