The letter "C" in St. Louis is The Clydesdales. Currently one of the 5 breeds of work horses now deemed endangered, it's a good bet that for generations to come they will be part of St Louis. You grow up in St Louis as a kid and you think that you are a part owner of the Clydesdales.
August Busch Jr. gave the first team of Clydesdales to his father to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition by FDR in 1931. They became the best recognized symbol of the largest brewery in the world--and that team of spectacular horses was located right in my hometown, St Louis.I cannot remember a time when I didn't know the Clydesdales belonged to my hometown--and I have never missed a chance to see them. I cannot help but feel overwhelmed by them every time I see them--they are just fabulous.
Their stables at the Anheuser Busch brewery are as spectacular as the horses--and it is not Christmas until the Clydesdale team comes through that gate at Grant's Farm (Busch family home) in St Louis County.
The Clydesdales always show up on opening night at the ballpark to do the 8-horse team kick-off of the baseball season, and they march through the streets of St Louis for every parade. They win the "Live Animal" prize every year in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. And its no wonder, they are majestic.
I share with you two of my favorite videos of the Clydesdales.
Videos speak louder than words.
I have chosen their first television commercial in the 50's and their salute to New York City on the first anniversary of September 11. (This video was shown only once during the first anniversary ceremony.)
If you get sentimental about these horses when you see these videos--and you are not from St Louis--welcome to our club!!
I could not embed these videos--but please cut and paste. It is worth the trouble. . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aWzuQ1ufGs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdYsBd-c_rc&feature=related
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Next blog: Something from my private library.
Happy Easter everyone!!!
I will celebrate Easter in Belgium. The whole country smells like chocolate Easter eggs.
