On February 27, 1881, Harry J. Kiener was born in St. Louis. Kiener was known for his boxing, wrestling and swimming and was a member of the U.S. track team at the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis. Kiener became a steel executive and philanthropist. When he died in 1960, his will provided money for a plaza, a fountain and a statue by William Zorach, called “The Runner.” Kiener Plaza was dedicated on October 12, 1966.
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.
Image from Wikimedia Commons licensed under CC 3.0
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