In the "Can You Dig It" podcast episode, Dan Fuller and Joe Shields discuss the significance of art in society and its presence at Bellefontaine Cemetery. They highlight the cemetery's diverse art forms, including sculptures, architecture, and photography, and feature notable artists like Sadie Waters, Edith Spink, and Abraham Moeller. They also mention the cemetery's artist-in-residence program, which has featured Charles Turnell and Erin Johnston. The episode emphasizes the cemetery's role in preserving and showcasing art, with notable pieces like the Wainwright mausoleum and the stained glass in the Cascade mausoleum.

Outline

Art and Its Role in Society

•Dan and Joe discuss the Latin phrase "Eris longa Vita brevis," which means "Art is long, life is short."

•Joe talks about Sadie Waters, a young artist who blazed a trail for illumination in Catholic portraits.

•Dan mentions the full-body effigy of Sadie Waters at Bellefontaine Cemetery and the family of skunks that sometimes visit it.

Art and Iconography in Bellefontaine Cemetery

•Dan and Joe discuss the importance of art and iconography in conveying messages and emotions.

•Joe mentions the Spink mausoleum and Edith Spink's significant gift to the St. Louis Art Museum.

•Dan highlights the various forms of art found at Bellefontaine Cemetery, including architecture and perpetual mourners.

•Joe shares a quote from Kathleen Densmore about the importance of art in illustrating the human experience.

Artistic Contributions and Perpetual Mourners

•Dan and Joe discuss the significance of perpetual mourners, such as the one created by Sloan for David R. Francis.

•Joe mentions the interactive nature of perpetual mourners, which can represent different emotions for different people.

•Dan introduces the Latin phrase "Tempest fugit," meaning "Time is fleeting," and its depiction on a winged hourglass in the cemetery.

•Joe talks about the planning of mausoleums and monuments by families, sometimes in haste or in preparation for the future.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

•Dan and Joe discuss the Wainwright mausoleum, designed by Louis Sullivan, and its restoration funded by the Bernoulli Foundation.

•Dan mentions Ansel Adams' print of the Wainwright mausoleum, which is part of the cemetery's archive.

•Joe highlights the importance of the Wainwright mausoleum and its unique design.

•Dan introduces Fitz Garen, a Medal of Honor recipient known for his innovative flashlight photography.

The Potters and Women Artists

•Dan and Joe discuss the Potters, a group of young ladies who produced a magazine as their artwork.

•Lily Rose Ernst is mentioned as the mentor of the Potters, who included Sarah Teasdale, the first person to receive a Pulitzer Prize in poetry.

•Dan explains the Potters' magazine, which was a form of self-criticism and artistic growth.

•Joe highlights the high census of women artists at Bellefontaine Cemetery, including Sadie Waters and Eulogy Dix.

•Joe highlights the stained glass in the Cascade mausoleum, created by the internationally renowned Emil Fry Studios.

•Dan and Joe discuss the importance of the Wainwright mausoleum and its impact on the cemetery's history.

•Joe mentions the Samuel Couples mausoleum, which houses a sculpture that was originally a monument for the family's lost daughters.

Musical Contributions and Final Thoughts

•Joe introduces Charles Balmer, the composer of music for President Lincoln's funeral, and Charles Galloway, the organist for the 1904 World's Fair.

•Dan and Joe discuss the sculpture "Hope," which is 55 feet in the air and represents early Christian symbolism.

•Joe emphasizes the importance of the cemetery's art and architecture in preserving its history and significance.

•Dan invites listeners to explore the cemetery through various tours and events, highlighting the diverse art and history found within its grounds.

Join hosts Dan Fuller and Joe Shields as they welcome Christopher Gordon, board member at Bellefontaine Cemetery and the Missouri Historical Society's Library Research Center. Unearth the story of Joseph McCullough, the influential first White House correspondent whose unmarked grave was recently discovered. Plus, get a unique glimpse into the 1904 World's Fair through the eyes of Adele Quinette Phelps' detailed and captivating diary.

The First episode of Season 2 explores the pop culture impact of notable figures buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery, including William S. Burroughs, Vincent Price, Irma Rombauer, and Sarah Teasdale.The hosts discuss the unique stories, cultural contributions, and ongoing legacies of these individuals, as well as the significance of the Potters group and St. Louis history.

Think grand architecture is just pretty? Think again. Episode 10 of "Can You Dig It?" throws you into the echoing halls of St. Louis Union Station, a living monument to America's westward dream. This wasn't just a depot; it was the gateway to the West. Imagine pioneers, prospectors, and immigrants pouring through its arches, their hopes and futures tied to the rails stretching westward. We'll unearth the personal stories and monumental decisions that made this station the beating heart of expansion. History buffs, prepare for a journey through time that will redefine how you see a train station. Trust us, you need to dig this.

Tired of dusty history lessons? Craving adventure that shaped a nation? Then episode 9 of "Can You Dig It?" isn't just a listen, it's your uncharted territory waiting to be explored. We're not just reciting dates about Lewis & Clark; we're trekking alongside them through breathtaking landscapes, facing down the unknown, and uncovering the raw human drama behind this pivotal American journey. Discover the real story beyond the textbook – the grit, the diplomacy, the sheer audacity of their westward push. Trust me, history buffs, this episode will ignite your inner explorer. Can You Dig It?

For St. Louisans (and those who appreciate its history):

• Uncover a Cornerstone of Your City's Identity: The Wainwright Building isn't just a pretty facade; it's a symbol of St. Louis's ambition and its pivotal role in architectural innovation during a transformative era. This episode will illuminate the why behind its significance, giving you a deeper connection to a landmark you might see every day.
• Learn How St. Louis Fostered Architectural Revolution: Discover how the economic dynamism and forward-thinking spirit of late 19th-century St. Louis provided the fertile ground for Sullivan's radical ideas to take root through his partnership with Wainwright. It's a story of a city embracing progress and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
• Go Beyond the Surface of a Local Icon: You'll gain a nuanced understanding of the design choices, the challenges faced, and the groundbreaking techniques employed in creating the Wainwright Building. This will forever change how you view this architectural masterpiece.
• Connect with a Legacy of Innovation: This episode highlights a moment when St. Louis was at the forefront of architectural thought. Understanding this history fosters civic pride and connects you to a legacy of innovation that continues to resonate.

For All Americans Interested in History and Architecture:

• Witness the Birth of the Skyscraper Aesthetic: Louis Sullivan, through his work with Wainwright, articulated and embodied the principles that would define the skyscraper for generations. This episode likely delves into his famous dictum, "form follows function," and how it manifested in the Wainwright Building, influencing urban landscapes across the U.S.A.  
• Understand a Pivotal Moment in American Modernism: The collaboration between Wainwright and Sullivan represents a crucial step away from historical revivalism towards a distinctly American architectural style. Their work paved the way for the modern architecture that shapes our cities today.
• Grasp the Interplay of Business and Vision: The story of Wainwright and Sullivan is a compelling case study in how ambitious patronage can enable groundbreaking artistic expression. Understanding their dynamic reveals the complex forces that drive innovation.
• Appreciate the Enduring Influence: The principles pioneered in the Wainwright Building – its steel frame construction, its emphasis on verticality, its unique ornamentation – became foundational elements of American skyscraper design. This episode will show you how their ideas rippled outwards, shaping the skylines of cities across the nation.  
• Hear a Compelling Story, Well Told: "Can You Dig It?" likely brings its signature engaging and insightful storytelling to this crucial chapter in American architectural history, making it accessible and fascinating for a broad audience.

In essence, this episode isn't just about a building; it's about:

• A pivotal moment in the evolution of American architecture.
• The power of collaboration between vision and pragmatism.
• St. Louis's significant contribution to the nation's architectural heritage.
• Understanding the roots of the modern urban landscape.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your appreciation for architectural history and understand why Ellis Wainwright and Louis Sullivan's partnership in St. Louis holds such profound meaning for both the city and the United States as a whole. Tune in to "Can You Dig It?" Ellis Wainwright and Louis Sullivan (Part 2) – you'll gain a valuable perspective on the buildings that shape our world.

Alright, history buffs and architecture aficionados, get ready to dive deep! Welcome to "Can You Dig It," the podcast where we unearth the fascinating stories buried beneath the bricks and mortar of our world.

This week, we're embarking on a two-part journey into the heart of St. Louis, a city that served as a crucible for architectural innovation in the late 19th century. We're setting our sights on two titans: the ambitious businessman, Ellis Wainwright, and the visionary architect, Louis Sullivan.

In this first installment, we'll peel back the layers of their groundbreaking collaboration. Forget the cookie-cutter buildings you see every day. We're talking about a structure that challenged conventions, sparked controversy, and ultimately reshaped the very landscape of commercial architecture: the Wainwright Building.

But this isn't just a dry lecture on steel frames and terra cotta. We're digging into the why behind the design. What drove Wainwright to commission such a radical building? What inspired Sullivan's audacious vision? And how did their personalities, their ambitions, and their clashes shape the final product?

We'll explore the Gilded Age boom, the rise of the skyscraper, and the delicate dance between art and commerce. We'll uncover the secrets hidden in the building's intricate details and reveal the human drama that unfolded during its construction.

If you've ever wondered how buildings tell stories, if you're captivated by the intersection of creativity and industry, or if you simply crave a deeper understanding of the world around you, then "Can You Dig It" is for you.

Join us as we excavate the extraordinary tale of Ellis Wainwright and Louis Sullivan, and discover why their collaboration continues to resonate today. Trust us, you won't want to miss this. So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let's dig in. This is part one, and trust me, you'll be back for part two.

From humble beginnings, Eads rose to become one of the most celebrated engineers of his time. He built ironclad warships for the Union during the Civil War, saving the Mississippi River for the North. But his ambitions didn't stop there. He conquered the treacherous currents of the Mississippi with his revolutionary bridge in St. Louis, a marvel of engineering that still stands today. And if that wasn't enough, he tackled the daunting challenge of deepening the mouth of the Mississippi, opening up the heartland of America to the world.

Subscribe to "Can You Dig It?" wherever you get your podcasts. You won't want to miss this incredible journey into the life of James Buchanan Eads, the man who moved mountains... and rivers. Search for "Can You Dig It?" and get ready to be amazed.

Ever heard of a man who moved mountains... or, more accurately,rivers? A man who wrestled with the mighty Mississippi, tamed its currents, and literally changed the course of American commerce? We're talking about a self-taught genius, a visionary who defied convention and laughed in the face of impossibility. His name was James Buchanan Eads, and he was a force of nature.

Subscribe to "Can You Dig It?" wherever you get your podcasts. You won't want to miss this incredible journey into the life of James Buchanan Eads, the man who moved mountains... and rivers. Search for "Can You Dig It?" and get ready to be amazed.

Dare to delve into the shadowed history of Bellefontaine? On this episode, James Faupel, Director of Horticulture and the Arboretum, unveils the secrets hidden within the three hundred and fourteen acres of this St. Louis landmark. Join Dan Fuller, the Cemetery Chronicler, and Joe Shields, the Development Exec with a peculiar passion for plots, as they unearth the chilling tales and forgotten facts buried beneath the ancient oaks. Prepare to be interred...let's dig in.

Dig deep into the world of Rural Cemeteries and how they came to be. Dan and Joe talk about Garden concepts at your final resting place.

Let us Tease you with what this podcast is all about.

Come hear about all the different Beer Barons that are now forever resting at the Bellefontaine Cemetery. From Adolphus Busch and beyond this is a can't miss episode.

Introducing the Hosts of the Can You Dig It - Podcast.