May 26, 1926
After a fan's nose was broken by a Jim Bottomley home run, the fan sued. In court, "Sunny Jim" was forced to admit that he "intentionally hit the ball to create a situation known as a home run." He had to pay $3,500.
May 25, 1955
Kenny Schrader was born in St. Louis. He began his racing career on a go-kart in his yard and then moved up to the dirt track at Pevely. He went on to become one of the top drivers in the nation.
May 24, 1904
The ferris wheel at the St. Louis World's Fair was tested for the first time. It stood twenty-five stories tall and could carry two thousand people
May 23, 1874
The Eads Bridge across the Mississippi was opened for pedestrians. This privately funded bridge cost five cents to cross or, for ten cents, you could stay and "promenade in the cool river breezes."
May 22, 1843
The first large wagon train (more than 1,000 people) left Independence for the Oregon Territory.
May 21, 1856
The Missouri State Teachers Association was founded in Columbia. It was one of the nation's first organization for teachers.
May 20, 1876
The St. Louis Globe merged with the St. Louis Democrat and, on this day, the first issue of the Globe-Democrat was sold.
May 15, 1913
A large number of federal marshals left Springfield for the wilds of Ripley and Oregon counties to break up some illicit stills. These were said to be the last in Missouri. The press releases, however, got out before the raids and they whole thing.