A great view of Saint Louis! :-)
NOTICE
The tower is currently closed for needed maintenance and repairs. See more details on timeline. Louis.
The Compton Hill Water Tower, built in 1898, is the youngest of three remaining stand pipe-water towers in St. Whereas, in 1901, more than 423 stand pipe style water towers existed in the United States, as of 2008 only 7 remain standing, three of which are in St. Louis (the other two being the Bissell Tower and the Grand Avenue Water Tower). The 179-foot (55 m) tower was built to disguise a 6-foot
09/02/2025
We need everyone’s help. Become a member today and be a part of history by helping us renovate the water tower. Link to membership in the comments.
City explores restoration plan for Compton Hill Water Tower | St. Louis Magazine Only seven standpipe water towers remain in the United States today—three of them in St. Louis. One of the most notable, the Compton Hill Water Tower, is
08/20/2025
Good things are happening in Dutchtown. 😻
04/28/2025
Please become a member to help support our restoration efforts.
Something interesting to share.
The world’s oldest surviving McDonald’s stands proudly in Downey, California, a relic from a time before the Golden Arches took over the world. Opened in 1953, this was the third McDonald’s ever built and remains a fascinating glimpse into the fast-food giant’s early days. Unlike today’s modern locations, this McDonald’s still features the original 60-foot golden arch sign with Chef Speedee, the chain’s very first mascot, symbolizing the brand’s promise of “speedee service.”
Stepping onto the property feels like stepping back in time. The restaurant retains its 1950s charm, with a simple walk-up counter, no drive-thru, and neon lights glowing in vintage perfection. While the menu has modernized, the location itself remains a tribute to McDonald’s humble beginnings, long before Ronald McDonald became the face of the brand.
Adjacent to the restaurant, a small museum showcases decades of McDonald’s history, from vintage Happy Meal toys to original packaging and uniforms. For fans of fast food nostalgia, it’s a must-visit—a place where you can see just how much the world’s most famous burger chain has evolved over the years.
This historic McDonald’s is more than just a place to grab a meal—it’s a living piece of American pop culture history. As Chef Speedee himself might say, “Fast, fresh, and full of memories—welcome to the McDonald’s that started it all.”
10/16/2024
The comet.
09/21/2024
I’ll bet the balloon race
is having fun today! 🤨
Do you see it?
08/25/2024
Remember this?
I used to go every Wednesday night. Any car with a KADI Mid America Drive In bumper sticker, the driver got in free. 😃
06/30/2024
Still accepting donations and membership to support our efforts to preserve this beautiful historic landmark. Please help by sharing and joining. 😃
05/04/2024
Cheryl Carlson recently visited the area and fell in love with the tower. Here’s a couple of pictures she shared with us.
Thank you Cheryl! 😃
05/01/2024
This is how we traveled when I was a child. 😃