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
Related Posts
36 Restaurant & Bar at the Cape
Historic downtown Cape Girardeau is known to be a diverse and thriving community full of restaurants, murals, and unique shops. At its center lies the fine dining destination of 36 Restaurant & Bar. Owned and operated for the past nine years by Vanessa and John Eric Klein, it has become a favorite in the city, with its majestic view of the mighty Mississippi River from the second story dining room.
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Motorists heading south from St. Louis toward Hillsboro may not realize when they cross Sandy Creek on State Route 21 that located just a short distance downstream is one of Missouri’s last remaining covered bridges. Once fairly numerous, the covered bridges still standing numbered only eleven by 1942.
Walt Returns: Disney Celebrates 100 Years in Kansas City
“It all began with a mouse, and a dream.” Originally from Missouri, Walt Disney returns to our state again with an exhibition like you’ve never seen before, presented by Bank of America.
General Sterling Price Halts Attack On Jefferson City: October 7, 1864
Missouri History Today October 7, 1864: General Sterling Price Halts Attack On Jefferson City