Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., son of the explorer, designed a new theater for St. Louis and the cornerstone was laid on this day. It was the first in the nation to have individual seats for the patrons.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.