Up to now, you’ve been great. Whenever I’ve asked for help in finding people for Growing Up St. Louis, you’ve come to my rescue. Now I’m coming to you with two specific requests.
First, I’d like to interview someone 97 years old or older about his or her experiences growing up in St. Louis. I’d love it if the person is 100 or more. It would be nice if the person is a man. So far, just about everybody I’ve interviewed in that age category is female. We men live wild lives and tend to die out before we reach that age. So I’d consider it a pleasure talking to an older male. Obviously, the person should still be sharp. But I know there are people out there in St. Louis. You can help me find them.
The second group I need is people from 30 to 50. I have more than I need of people who are older than 50 and have almost enough of those who are younger than 30. But there’s a void in the middle. I need everybody, but especially women.
After my recent interviews at St. Louis Public Library branches, I’m nearing my goal of interviewing 100 people of all ages and backgrounds about their experience growing up in St. Louis. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories already. With your help, this will be a terrific book. Please pass this on to somebody who may be able to help. And please e-mail me at southsidemerkel@gmail.com if you know of somebody with a great story to tell.
Jim Merkel the Writer 