A mass meeting called for the resignation of state lawmakers who favored the purchase of Forest Park. Opponents said that the park was too far from the city to be of any use and that it was just a playground for the rich.

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.