|
The author and owner of Meramec Highlands Books, James F. Baker, was born too late to remember riding streetcars in St. Louis County, Missouri but became fascinated with the streetcar service to the Meramec Highlands Resort while writing Glimpses of Meramec Highlands – St. Louis’ Only Exclusive Health and Pleasure Spa. He then began to research streetcar service in St. Louis County, focusing primarily on service to Kirkwood and Webster Groves, each the self proclaimed “Queen of the St. Louis Suburbs.” James received the Kemper Local History Award in 1996 for his book about Meramec Highlands. He contributed a chapter on Transportation to the Kirkwood Sesquicentennial book, Kirkwood, A Pictorial History. Other published writings include articles in the Kirkwood Historical Society Review, Webster-Kirkwood Times, curriculum guides, articles on career education, and contributions for the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission publications. |
|
James is a recently retired education administrator
who supervised teachers serving St. Louis County students with physical
and visual disabilities. He serves on the board of directors for the
Kirkwood Historical Society. For a change of pace, James sings with
the Greenleaf Madrigal Singers. He served two terms on the Kirkwood
Landmarks Commission and lives in an historic home, once the general store
for the Meramec Highlands Resort. Had he lived in the home 75 years
ago, he would have been able to watch streetcars on Quinette Road just 40
yards from his front door. James Baker couldn't live in the age of
“King Trolley”, but he has allowed the modern day public to visit it by reading
King Trolley and the Suburban Queens.