Reedy Press

#MOWeirdWednesdays Missouri is the only home to both subspecies of a truly weird creature: the hellbender! Otherwise known as the “snot otter” or “devil dog”, these strange amphibians breathe through the pores on their skin, even though they have lungs. To see one in real life, visit the St. Louis Zoo’s Herpetarium. They are the first organization in the world to successfully breed captive Ozark hellbenders and have released thousands back into the wild to help increase their population! Learn more about the hellbender and Missouri’s other wildlife in “Missouri Weird and Wonderful!” Click here to order your copy today: www.reedypress.com/shop/missouri-weird-and-wonderful/

#MoWeirdWednesdays Long before the days of Amazon Prime, the Pony Express, based out of St. Joseph, MO, was the nation’s express delivery provider. From 1860–1861, young men mounted their horses to deliver letters and packages from the East Coast to California in 10 days or less, which many said was impossible! Learn more about the Pony Express and Missouri’s other historical events in "Missouri Weird and Wonderful"! Click here to order your copy today: www.reedypress.com/shop/missouri-weird-and-wonderful/

#MoWeirdWednesdays “Cool Papa Bell was so fast he could get out of bed, turn out the lights across the room and be back in bed under the covers before the lights went out.” - Satchel Paige James “Cool Papa” Bell was a legendary baseball player who may have been the fastest to ever play the game. He could round the bases in 12 seconds flat and once stole 175 bases in a 200-game season! Bell played in the Negro Leagues from 1922–1946, and he spent a lot of his career in Missouri playing for the Compton Hill Cubs, St. Louis Stars, Kansas City Monarchs, and Kansas City Stars. Learn more about “Cool Papa” Bell at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and in Missouri Weird and Wonderful! To learn more about the book or place an order, click here: www.reedypress.com/shop/missouri-weird-and-wonderful/

🥁 Drum roll, please! 🥁 Introducing our newest look into the wonders of the Show Me State: Missouri Weird and Wonderful by Amanda Doyle and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch! Follow along every Wednesday for #MOWeirdWednesdays to learn more about the famous people, innovations, animals, and spectacles of this great state. Be sure to share your favorite fascinating facts about Missouri in the comments below! To learn more about the book and place a pre-order, click here: www.reedypress.com/shop/missouri-weird-and-wonderful/

"Missouri Weird and Wonderful" is a fast-paced, fact-filled collection of the most fascinating parts of life in our state, with a kid’s-eye point of view. Written by Amanda Doyle and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch, this book brings sports, history, wildlife, food, inventions, architecture, natural wonders, and just plain fun to life. Find out how much MO you know! Save the date for "MOFun Family Party and Book Launch," Sunday, 10/15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the patio at The Royale. You can also preorder your copy here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/missouri-weird-and-wonderful/

We are so excited to be back at Art In The Park on Sunday! Come see us from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Francis Park. 📚🌳

Happy 6-30 day! It would take just about 687 copies of "The Gateway Arch" stacked end-to-end to reach the top of the Gateway Arch, which is 630 feet tall. 😊 Learn more about St. Louis's architectural claim to fame—from concept to construction—in the new book, "The Gateway Arch: An Illustrated Timeline", by Architect John C. Guenther: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/gateway-arch-an-illustrated-timeline/

Happy #NationalBucketListDay! From Maine to California, local authors across the country share their favorite local experiences with readers in the 100 Things series. Explore all of these bucket list titles (over 140!) here: https://www.reedypress.com/product-category/by-series/100-things-all-titles/

📣 LIVE FROM MASL 📣 Author Amanda E. Doyle and illustrator Dan Zettwoch talk about their upcoming book, “Missouri Weird and Wonderful”! 🤩📚

Places to Pray: St. Ambrose Catholic Church

The current St. Ambrose was built in 1926 and, with its Lombard Romanesque architecture, occupies its place in the heart of the Hill as if it were transported there right from Italy. This church is well loved, and filled with special touches—including the stained glass windows with local family names etched into them—that tie in directly with the community that surrounds it. You can learn more about St. Ambrose and other churches, shrines, monasteries, and more in "Places to Pray: Holy Sites in Catholic Missouri" by Patrick Murphy. Available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/places-to-pray/

Joey on the Hill: St. Ambrose Catholic Church

Joey on the Hill: St. Ambrose Catholic Church Often described as the religious and community anchor of The Hill, St. Ambrose has seen many Italian, Italian American, and other priests assigned here, proving the church’s role as the cornerstone of The Hill over the past 119 years. Assigned in 2021, new Pastor Fr. Jack Siefert is fully aware of the challenge and is very much up to it. Older and now-deceased Hill residents started their life journey with baptism, confirmation, and marriage within The Hill-made brick walls of this historic edifice. Using the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan (the city’s Patron Saint) as a guide, architect Angelo Corrubia designed this Lombard Romanesque masterpiece, which was dedicated in 1926 and cost $150,000. The five-bell church tower on Wilson is almost an exact duplicate of St. Ambrose’s bell tower in Milan. Feel free to start your walk slowly while gazing at the Italian and American flags, the memorials at your feet, and the Italian Immigrants statue on the left, designed by renowned sculptor Rudy Torrini. Looking closer at the statue you’ll see a note on the husband’s lapel, on which is written the family name, Italian city of origin, and “St. Louis,” so folks in New York could put them on the right train. If the church is open with no events scheduled, feel free to take in the awe-inspiring interior. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Shaw's Coffee LTD.

Joey on the Hill: Shaw's Coffee Ltd. Founded in 1999 by Walter and Gail Boyle, this former Riggio bank building showcases their high-quality micro-roasting process. Peeking through the window reveals the stately relaxing décor, ample greenery, and the large coffee bean-roasting equipment. You should also try the house-made pastries. As Riggio for most of the 20th century, it was a place where immigrants obtained loans, established savings accounts, found housing, got legal advice, prepared for citizenship, and even purchased steamship tickets. Shaw’s Coffee even retained the original safe deposit vault as a seating area. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Salumeria Oldani's

Joey on the Hill: Salumeria Oldani's A “life comes full circle” story, Leo Oldani’s Italian Salami started in the late 1940s here after current owner Marc Buzzio’s father taught Leo in New York the thousand-year-old method of dry-curing meats. Owned for seven years by local Charlie “The Salami Guy” Oldani (not related to Leo), the business was eventually sold to Marc. Making artisan products like wild boar and truffle salamis for high-end restaurants in New York and New Jersey, Marc had to prove to a leery USDA in 2003 that dry-curing the old-world way was still safe. This venerable process makes Oldani’s one of the more interesting culinary tour stops. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Sacred Heart Villa

Joey on the Hill: Sacred Heart Villa Sacred Heart Villa was founded in January 1940, and their commitment to caring for the young in a Catholic setting has been their focus for the past 80 years. Sacred Heart Villa features an expansive playground and the beautiful Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto, site of many a pageant. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Milo's Bocce Garden

Joey on the Hill: Milo's Bocce Garden The most frequented sports bar and hangout in the neighborhood was opened in the 1970s by Hill native Tom Savio. Today it’s run by popular local alderman Joe Vollmer and his Hill-born wife Sue (Bartoni). Plenty of outdoor seating flanks two covered 50-foot bocce courts. By the way, most in St. Louis pronounce the game “bowchee.” You can hone your bocce skills there, but don’t wear dark pants or shoes, as the courts can be dusty. Considered the most popular social gathering place on The Hill, Milo’s boasts ample indoor and outdoor seating, excellent casual Italian and American food, and two 50-foot bocce courts made of crushed oyster shells and clay, so don’t wear dark clothes when playing. Not to be missed are the grilled grouper and the large variety of wings. Since 1902 The Hill has been home to 35 or more taverns. As Merlo’s this location was Anheuser-Busch exclusive; later it was “Toots” Pezzani’s Wil-Mar Lounge. Milo’s was founded by prior owner Tom Savio. The hands-on Vollmers first started as half-owners in 1989. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Mama's on the Hill

Joey on the Hill: Mama's on the Hill Stroll across the street to the only seven-day-a-week lunch and dinner restaurant on The Hill, run by hands-on owner Andrea Ervin and daughter Lauren. Take a recommendation from the Food Network and order the pasta with rabbit Bolognese sauce. The adventurous can try Mama’s “Pasta Challenge,” a two-pound meatball lying on an enormous pile of red sauce spaghetti, with no tab if you can finish in an hour. Buona fortuna with that! This is one of two locations claiming to be home to the accidental creators of toasted ravioli. In this version of the story, in the 1940s a slightly inebriated bartender/cook nicknamed “Fitz” dropped a ravioli order in the boiling oil instead of boiling water by mistake. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: John Viviano & Sons

Joey on the Hill: John Viviano & Sons Starting out in 1900 as Viviano Bros. Macaroni Company, the family enlarged their 1950s Hill Italian grocery market in 1979, which today is run by third-generation John Viviano and brother Tony. If viewing through the storefront windows makes you think, “This is the way Italian grocery stores looked 100 years ago,” you would be right. Gazing inside at the thousands of imported Italian items stacked all over the place will complete your time-travelling fantasy. Mama Mia! The wine specials, the stuffed grocery cart sales, the rows and rows of all kinds of pasta, and the one-of-a-kind Italian specialties combine to create a vintage mood that is punctuated with occasional concerts by the Viviano’s Louie Prima–sound-alike cousin, Tony Viviano. John has expanded his deli business and tripled the interior seating capacity. His grandfather, store founder John Viviano, was rescued from the sinking Italian luxury liner "Andrea Doria" in 1956 on a return trip from Italy. A picture of the ship still hangs on the west wall of the store. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Italia-America Bocce Club

Joey on the Hill: Italia-America Bocce Club One of the premier private bocce clubs in America, the IABC hosts the national tournament every four years. The club now boasts over 440 members, and there are scores who have contributed significantly to its success since 1975. None, however, are more revered than founding father Aldo Della Croce, a stone-carving artisan in his own right with statuary and pillars adorning the club. Aldo promoted bocce and the club so well that a major annual tournament is named for him. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: DiGregorio's Italian Market

Joey on the Hill: DiGregorio's Italian Market Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2021, this family-run enterprise is the epitome of the American success story. Voted Best Artisan Shop along with many other honors, they offer a mind-boggling array of homemade products, imported Italian foods, and Italian wines. Work ethic coupled with dedication to all Hill-related activities make this establishment a great place to get your Italian fix. This was once the site of popular nightclub Savoy Gardens. The building’s south side once contained a small theater built in the 1920s. DiGregorio’s has sponsored several spaghetti-eating contests over the years—fun to watch and gruelingly messy as a participant. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf

Joey on the Hill: Blessed Lady of Brain Surgery

Joey on the Hill: Blessed Lady of Brain Surgery The Hill is a largely Catholic community, and at almost every other house you'll see a statue of the Virgin Mary or other religious figure. In an attempt to fix her statue of Mary proudly displayed in her front yard, one homeowner on The Hill created a delightfully odd piece of religious art that all passerby can enjoy. Joey on the Hill takes you to some of the most iconic spots in St. Louis's Italian neighborhood, The Hill. You can learn more about The Hill in Joe's book, "The Hill: A Walk through History," available here: https://www.reedypress.com/shop/the-hill-a-walk-through-history/ Watch more Joey on the Hill videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4SDtxGvEbZ7vCGqsORGqTHprkxO4uOKf