When you think of St. Joseph you might automatically think of the Pony Express or the historic architecture, but it’s doubtful many St. Joseph residents can picture the city without the big, gray airplanes that routinely fly over town.
Times change, but the best stories remain. They are shared from generation to generation, through everything from photographs to buildings to real conversations (a.k.a, the good stuff).
Part of St. Joseph’s community strategic plan, Imagine St. Joseph 2040, is to keep enhancing the beautiful place we call home. From historic neighborhoods to green spaces and new trails, this is a city willing to invest in what matters. It’s a city willing to invest in what makes both old and new even better again.
When you say St. Joseph, you could say history, the Parkway, just the right-sized town, laid-back attitude... You could also say awesome architecture, and in April, that’s just what many locals, experts, old-house-lovers and guests will be saying too.
Any strong city has a strong educational foundation. But what really sets a city apart – and really makes it uncommon – is when that foundation is built around the thoughts, opinions and ideas of the families and leaders who call that city home … now, and in future generations.
Most people who visit the Black Archives Museum of St. Joseph say almost the same thing. It’s “wow,” and usually this is followed by a lot of thoughtful silence.
Dwayne Blakely just has a way. A way with football. With fitness. And with inspiration.
All you curious, brave, intrigued or surprise-seeking persons, preferably who have young people in your care: Check out Super Science Saturday for an uncommon learning experience. You can always settle your hair down on Monday.
Who is the hardest person to buy for on your list? These are the people who “don’t need a thing.” They “have everything they need.” They “want you to spend your shopping time somewhere else.”
Forget anything stuffy you might think about symphony or orchestra performances, and consider a symphony experience St. Joseph-style.
Any good food town has its tucked-away, locals-only, quirky places to slide in for a snack or a plate. St. Joseph is no exception. We are known as the Tenderloin Capital of the United States. We offer the “Ho chips” (homemade at the Hi-Ho), and the traditional, long-known Mexican items like tamales or fideo at Barbosa’s. Do you want to experience some of our lesser-known culturally-themed food items?
Across the city, every day, adults are helping clear a path for youth to reach more opportunities. They are sharing their mentoring skills, life lessons and ultimately, their friendship, through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. And it looks like hanging out at the local burger joint. Taking a walk. Joining other “matches” at the park for crafting with a lot of laughs.
What does the road to a dream look like? If it’s a sports dream, there are early, dark mornings – lacing up shoes before any lights flicker on the block. There are late nights, pushing past physical and emotional limits, even when it seems out of reach. There are countless sacrifices at every turn. And there are often amazing mentors and coaches, right there to say, “We don’t quit. Not today.”
St. Joseph is a city of stories. Like historic towns across the country, there are blocks of amazing homes, business buildings and neighborhoods. Founded in 1843, St. Joseph’s location along the Missouri River and national mid-point created an economic and residential boom fueled by Westward expansion, transportation and communication industries.
No community is separated from homelessness and poverty, regardless of location or size. It’s a complex and universal challenge involving poverty, mental health and numerous community partners. In St. Joseph, residents and leaders are taking a very focused approach to real solutions toward homelessness, with most of these efforts geared toward the Imagine 2040 “invest in people” goal.
Real change in almost any environment happens from the inside out. And no one knows just how to create the kind of contagious change a community needs like the community members themselves. In St. Joseph, and many communities like it, a revolution is happening around this kind of grassroots-based leadership – and it’s only just begun.
Soon guests and residents could enjoy even more, both inside and outside, as a 1/2 cent sales tax increase hits the ballot, with revenues dedicated to renovation and enhancements of the city's parks system. If approved, the tax increase would generate an additional $5 to 6 million dollars per year and could be shared across dozens of projects.
Local organizations are passionate about coming in at the ground level toward helping residents with the clean-up efforts that go along with living in a historic river town.
There’s an old saying about open doors: “The best secret of success is to always be ready to find and open the door of opportunity.” This couldn’t be more true for local veterans or active duty military who wish to change careers. In fact, it’s likely to be several doors that open – not just one.
What does it take to turn a business idea into a thriving reality? In St. Joseph, the formula for success is well-defined: The spark or “drive” to make it happen; the willingness to make a plan; and the expert-level guidance from the Center for Entrepreneurship, a unique initiative of Missouri Western State University (MWSU).
No greater responsibility can be placed in the hands of another than the heart and minds of our youth…and the teachers, staff, and administrators of the St. Joseph School District have embraced that trust.
Robidoux Resident Theatre (RRT) has brought the drama to St. Joseph for over 41 years on many stages throughout the community
Tucked away in Sunbridge Hills Conservation Area are a few mysteries that have kept St. Joseph guessing and exploring for almost a century.
St. Joseph is home to many legacies of uncommon character...but we guarantee that this story will shock and awe you!
Neighborhood bar. Hole in the wall. Favorite hangout of Chiefs players? The Muny Inn, at the corner of 33rd Street and Mitchell Avenue, wears many hats.
Coming together is human. We gather with loved ones and strangers for celebrations, events, and milestones often and without hesitation. But what happens when the very definition of coming together for a common cause is turned on its head?
There’s something to be said for a community that still has some original barbershops. The kind with spinning barber poles. The kind where you’ll definitely know somebody on most visits, and where the barber definitely knows you.
It started with chickens. Six of them.
Attention all curious minds and inquisitive types: Let’s talk about making lightning. And robots.
The annual Leadership St. Joseph class is like one big and busy family, with ages, interests and occupations spanning every generation.
It just makes sense, this cycling culture in St. Joseph. It’s like the hum of a tire on a fresh spring morning.
Join us as we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that established them and the hard work and grit that has kept each one going for over a century.
Dear Santa, and all your fuzzy, antlered friends: We’ve been really good this year. We promise.
December...the time of year for everyone who like shiny things to celebrate and explore.
Dude, be kind. It’s way more powerful than you might even realize.
Across St. Joseph street art is popping up and it is perfect for professional photo shoots or impromptu photo sessions with your friends or family. We are excited to share five of our favorite walls and some of the stories that give this art form its unique vibe and uncommon character.
Helping a child see his or her potential is all about the “big” things – which are often wrapped up in all the little things.
Here’s a brief guide to St. Joseph’s uncommon fishing scene, starting with some unique options for getting the gear. And to all the spontaneous dabblers, the super-planners, the slightly-squeamish and seasoned anglers … We say welcome. We are glad you are here.
There is no argument that St. Joseph, Missouri is home to beautiful and uncommon architecture. Examples of the unique history of our city are seen in historic neighborhoods like Hall Street to our bustling downtown. Beginning with examples of the fur trading days of Joseph Robidoux and the founding of our city, to Civil War era homes, and beyond...our city has it all.
When it’s time for a coffee fix, St. Joseph’s options range from the eclectic to the trendy to the fast and familiar. The coffee culture in St. Joseph continues to expand and thrive, fueled by historic roasters, young entrepreneurs and locals who want to open the doors to a comfortable piece of the city’s relaxed vibe.
Walking into Café Belle Epoque takes you back in time. The copper tin ceiling, marble table tops, hardwood floors, wood-burning stove and jazz music seem to transport you to a period of economic glamour in historic St. Joseph.
When visitors and locals visit historic Hall Street in St. Joseph, they usually look up. A lot. And then they stop and stare. They take pictures and walk very slowly. They usually return, because this neighborhood known as “Millionaire’s Row” tells the story of St. Joseph’s turn-of-the century wealth and opulence like nothing else.
For 125 years, the Noyes Home doors have greeted children, families and community volunteers with the sounds of family – and the sounds of hope for a new start.
A visit to the St. Joseph museums is … Quirky. Surprising. Curious. Impressive. Enlightening. And totally worth a day, or an afternoon, or a full weekend with the family.
The food is very important to the festival, but it’s only part of the whole story. There’s a variety show and several dancing events throughout the weekend. Sequins and smiles mark the coronation event, and there is live music, children’s entertainment events and vendors spanning the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church grounds.
St. Joseph is about to “see red” for three action-packed weeks, and the fans and community couldn’t be happier. Or louder. Or more pumped.
For decades, families across America invited Walter Cronkite into their living rooms every evening, trusting he would bring national and world events into focus. With his deep voice and warm demeanor, Walter Cronkite delivered the news of the day -- good and bad -- with unfaltering dignity and integrity.
More than a decade of service later, the program continues to grow. Most of the kids who live in this St. Joseph neighborhood receive free or reduced priced breakfast and lunch during the school year, but have limited food resources in the summer.
When it comes to home-cooked breakfast and lunch, you get it Betty’s way. Or you don’t get the darn thing at all.