Webster Groves, Kirkwood, Ballwin and St. Louis Missouri real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

Ballwin: A History of Our Community

Ballwin is a unique name for a City. In fact, it is the only City in the United States with its spelling (Ballwin, not Baldwin). The City was founded by John Ball, son of James Ball and Mary Bray Ball of Virginia and Kentucky. His father, James, who came to America from Dublin, Ireland, served in the 4th and 8th Virginia Regiments during the Revolutionary War. Because of his military service, he was given a military land warrant and moved to this new land in Kentucky after the war. Reportedly, James was a friend of Daniel Boone.

Around 1791 or 1798, our founder, John Ball, moved to the West St. Louis County area, possibly at the same time as the Daniel Boone party moved to and settled in the St. Charles Warren County areas. Records now preserved in Jefferson City show the transfer of title of about 400 acres of land along Grande Glaize Creek to John Ball in February, 1800. This is the first official record of John Ball in the West County area.

Since John Ball's property claim was derived from a Spanish land grant, and was land that was at the time under Spanish rule, the Louisiana Purchase raised doubts about property ownership. It took several hearings and appeals and ten years for John Ball to clear his claim to the land that would eventually become the town of Ballwin.

In 1826, Missouri moved its capital to Jefferson City. Soon there was a need for an overland mail route between St. Louis and the new capital. As luck would have it, this new road was established along a route that passed by John Ball's property. After the road, known at times as Jefferson Road, Market Road and Manchester Road, became established, John Ball decided to capitalize on the accessibility it provided for his property, and laid out a town.

The town was originally recorded as "Ballshow", but two days later, on February 9, 1837, Ball amended the recorded plot to be named Ballwin. No one knows for sure why the name was changed, but one of John Ball's great grandsons says it was the result of a rivalry with neighboring Manchester. John Ball saw great things ahead for his new town and was confident that it would "win out" in reputation and growth over its older and more prominent neighbor, two miles to the east. Hence the "win" was incorporated into the name.

In the years that followed, Ballwin has grown from the town John Ball knew with only a few homes and businesses, to a small village of 750 people when it was incorporated on December 29, 1950, to a thriving city of 27,000 today. John Ball's vision of Ballwin as the leading city in the West County area has been realized.

Most Ballwin residents are probably unaware that our city's founding father, John Ball, is not buried within the boundaries of the city he founded in 1837. On the night of August 31, 1859, John Ball passed away after a long illness. He was buried in Block 16 of the Community Burial Grounds that he had set aside for such purposes when he laid out the town of Ballwin, twenty-two years earlier. But as we all know, nothing gets in the way of progress, especially during that time in our country's history. Several years later, the path of Missouri highway 100 (Manchester Road) was changed, taking up part of Block 16 and the monuments and remains of those buried there were moved to other cemeteries. Highway 100, the Masonic Hall and several homes now occupy Block 16. The markers and remains of John Ball and his wife Mary, were moved to the Methodist cemetery in Manchester next to Woods Mill Road, thus completing the final chapter in the story of John Ball of Ballwin.

In 1826, the Missouri State Legislature moved to Jefferson City, making it the new state capital. One of the first orders of business after the move was to supplement the Missouri River access to the capital with an overland route. Soon an overland mail route between St. Louis and Jefferson City was established. At first the post road was a narrow bridle trail, and perhaps originally was an Indian trail. After successive improvements, in 1836, the State Legislature upgraded the road's designation to a coach road, and it was known for a time as "Old State Road," but later as Manchester Road. By 1837, Manchester Road was a well traveled passage, and the mail route from St. Louis was along it through such Post Office stops as Manchester, Point Labadie, and Union.

When people from other areas of St. Louis County think of the City of Ballwin, they naturally picture busy Manchester Road, with its seemingly endless number of retail stores and businesses. Manchester Road truly is the lifeline of the City of Ballwin, as it has been since our very beginning. The road itself has a very long and interesting history. It first was called Rue Bonhomme during French control of the area. At that time, it was an extension of a street in St. Louis platted Market Street, which farmers used to carry produce to market on the St. Louis riverfront. This old Market Street was located about one-fourth of a mile north of the present road.

In 1835, the St. Louis County Court approved an act to lay out Manchester Road, and in 1839, Manchester Road had its establishment provided for by the Missouri General Assembly. The General Assembly made Manchester Road the first official state road in St. Louis County in order to provide an overland medium between St. Louis and Jefferson City. This is probably why it is shown on some early maps of the area as Jefferson Road. John Ball, Ballwin's founder, built his home on Manchester Road and laid out his town around it. From that time until today, Manchester Road has become Ballwin's lifeline.

See a two-lane Manchester Road along with nearly 200 historic photographs in the celebrated release of the new Ballwin history book titled "Ballwin" written by David Fiedler. Also included in the 128-page book are "Ballwin Days" from years gone by, a young Mark McGwire playing baseball in Ballwin in a warm up game to the 1984 Olympics, prominent city landmarks, schools, and other buildings from "once upon a time." (Photograph above from "Ballwin")

                                             Ballwin Churches

                   Ballwin Baptist Church                                 Lifegate Baptist Church
                   Ballwin Community Christian                        Living Water Free Methodist
                   Ballwin-Salem United MethodistChurch       Manchester Baptist Church
                   Bethany Baptist Church Deaf                      Manchester Community Church
                   Bible Presbyterian Church                           Manchester United Methodist
                   Calvary Christian Temple                            Midwest Messianic Center
                   Castlewood Baptist Church                          Missouri United Methodist
                   Center Advent Christian Society                  Moment of Mediation
                   Christ Prince-Peace Church                        Passionist Nuns Monastery
                   Church of Christ - Lafayette                        Robin Roberts Ministries
                   Church of The Nazarene Korean                 Sherman Baptist Church
                   Community Christian Church                       Spirit of the Shepherd Ucc
                   Daar-Ul-Islam                                               Spiritual Enrichment Center
                   Ellisville Church of Christ                             Spiritual Pathways Center
                   Ellisville First Baptist Church                       St. Clare of Assisi Church
                   Ellisville United Methodist Church                St. Joseph's Church
                   Emerson Unitarian Chapel                           St. Louis Gospel Church
                   Faith Lutheran Church                                St. Louis Christian Fellowship
                   First Evangelical Free Church                     St. Luke's Episcopal Church
                   First Missionary Baptist Church                   St. Mark Presbyterian Church
                   Good Shepherd Lutheran Church               St. Martin's Episcopal Church
                  Highland Prairie Union Church                    Taiwanese Presbyterian Church
                  Hindu Temple of St. Louis                           Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church
                   Holy Infant Church                                       United Methodist Church
                  Kol Am Congregation                                  West County Bible Church
                  Korean Catholic Church                              West County Christian Counsel
                  Lafayette Bible Baptist Church                    West County Community Church

                                             Ballwin Parks & Recreation



The Pointe at Ballwin Commons

The park facilities consist of a pavilion, a playground, and The Pointe Recreation Center. The Pointe is located on 12.8 acres just south of Manchester Road on Ballwin Commons Circle, just off of Ballwin Commons Drive and Old Ballwin Road. The Pointe is a state of the art recreation complex housing two full gymnasiums, an indoor track, full circuit weight system, cardiovascular equipment, free weight area, dance/aerobic studio, locker rooms, baby sitting room, concession area, game room, kids play area, and meeting rooms that accommodate up to 150 people.

The indoor leisure pool consists of zero depth entry, interactive water playground equipment, lazy river, bubble couch, spa, three lap lanes, open play area, a vortex, and a thrilling two story water slide. There is an overhead balcony for viewing and an outdoor sun deck.

The Park & Recreation Department staff offices are located at The Pointe and most of the indoor recreation programs planned by the department are held at The Pointe. Ballwin hosts a variety of recreational programs for children, adults, and seniors, so The Pointe at Ballwin Commons is the perfect place to get in shape, have fun, and make new friends.

                                                       Ballwin 8th Annual Triathlon:

                                                        The Pointe at Ballwin Commons
                                                        #1 Ballwin Commons Circle
                                                        Ballwin, MO 63021

                                                        - 300 Yard Swim
                                                        - 9 Mile Bike Ride
                                                        - 3.2 Mile Run

                                                       Adult Programs & Activities:

                                                        Middle Eastern Belly Dancing
                                                        Golf Yoga
                                                        Adult Beginning Guitar
                                                        Dance to the Oldies
                                                        Trivia Night
                                                        Everyone "Kneads" a Massage
                                                        Senior Fashion Show
                                                        Fun for 50+
                                                        Illinois Amish Country Tour
                                                        Arrow Rock & Lyceum Theatre Tour
                                                        Oil Painting in a Day
                                                        Lafayette Older Adult Program
                                                        St. Louis Cemetery Tour

Vlasis Park -- 31 Acre Site

Vlasis Park is Ballwin's largest park. It is located north of Manchester Road between Seven Trails Drive, Ballwin Park Drive & Holloway Drive. The Ballwin Government Center, Public Works Department and the Donald "Red" Loehr Police & Court Center are located in Vlasis Park. Vlasis Park covers 3 acres and features two ball diamonds, a playground, four tennis courts, restrooms, two ponds, one of which is stocked with fish, two pavilions, a walking path, two sand volley ball courts, and eight horseshoe courts.

Vlasis Park also hosts the "Ballwin Days" festival, one of the largest community events in the St. Louis area. A volunteer committee that exceeds 100 members plans and carries out the activities each year that include a parade, live entertainment, sporting events and game booths that attract more than 60,000 visitors to the three day event. In addition to their volunteer efforts, the committee has in the past been able to contribute to the city for park improvements derived from festival proceeds.

                                               Ballwin Days Festival

- Food & Beverages

- Rides

- Athletics

Horseshoe Tournament, Men's Golf Tournament, Women's Golf Tournament, 5 K Run, 1 Mile Walk, Kid's Fun Run, Tennis Tournament, and Washers Tournament.

- Arts & Crafts

Sterling Silver and semi-precious jewelry
Washer boxes, bolo toss, marshmallow guns
Large assortment of hair accessories, hats, caps
Personalized children's music
Yarn puppets, marionettes, birdhouses
Homemade beaded bookmarks, cards, all sports
Lamps, paper products such as handcrafted stationery
African art items (necklaces, statues, wind chimes)
Hand sculpted, hand painted "imps"
Photography
American Girl doll clothes, shoes, accessories
Portraits of people, dogs, houses, drawn from photos
Original watercolors
Acrylic contemporary paintings and prints
Decorative wine bottle that lights up, plates, vases
Jewelry, purses, scarves
Vinyl decals for car windows
Leather hip purses, jewelry, red hat accessories
Jewelry -- pre-made and custom
Photos of local interest including Busch Stadium
Black tye-die, pony tail clips
Freshwater pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings
Decorative woodcrafts, soaps, lotions
Woodcrafts -- animals
Temporary tattoos
Colorful bath salts in decorative bottles, salt scrubs
Fabric cards
Leather goods, belts, billfolds, purses, etc.
Caricatures

- Entertainment

Bands (country, country rock), car shows, karaoke, and The St. Louis Eagles.

- Kids Korner

Shriner clowns, bubbles, games, coloring contest, crafts, pony rides, temporary tattoos, and gym play area.

- Contests

Community Beautification
Pretty Baby
Mr. & Mrs. Ballwin Days

- Parade

2005 Theme "Let Freedom Ring"

New Ballwin Park -- 7 Acre Site

New Ballwin Park located at 329 New Ballwin Road is a neighborhood park that offers open space and active recreation opportunities such as two tennis courts, a multipurpose court with four basketball goals, a playground, a sand volleyball court, restrooms, a pavilion for picnicking, a walking path, and fishing close to home. A "Community Assistance Agreement" with the Missouri Department of Conservation has allowed the City to provide improved fishing amenities in Vlasis & New Ballwin Parks. The Conservation Department stocks the ponds monthly with Channel and Bullhead Catfish, Carp, and Trout at no cost to the City. The agreement has also provided the City with funding to construct a disabled user accessible cedar fishing deck and boardwalk at New Ballwin Park. In exchange for the stocking program and the funding for improvements, the City is obligated to maintain and make the ponds available to the public free of charge.

Ferris Park -- 12 Acre Site

Ferris Park located at 500 New Ballwin Road which is approximately one-half mile north of Big Bend Road is the City's newest park. The property, given to the City by the State of Missouri, to be used solely for park and recreation purposes was developed at a cost of $350,000 and includes a ball field, a playground, comfort station, nature trails, and a pavilion with a very unique picnic opportunity. With financial assistance from the local Lions Club, city crews constructed the Gothic Arch Pavilion on a cedar deck some 15 feet above the forest floor. A "Branch Out Missouri Grant" from the Missouri Department of Conservation has provided for the planting of 250 trees in the park. These same funds have been used to plant over 500 trees total in Ballwin parks over the last five years.

Holloway Park -- 10.9 Acre Site

North Pointe Family Aquatic Center

Holloway Park located at 335 Holloway Road is home to Ballwin's North Pointe Family Aquatic Center. The North Pointe Family Aquatic Center opened in June of 2003.

The park offers two tennis courts and a playground which is open.


Highlights:

- A competitive pool measuring 25 yards by 25 meters, with 10 lanes, two one-
   meter diving boards and the first ever "Tree Swing"

- 910 foot Lazy River

- A leisure pool with a beach entry, sprays, vortex and bubblers

- A play pool with a beach entry and a large SCS play structure featuring the
   "Bucket Falls" bucket

- A spray pool, which is a padded area with sprays and bubblers

- 2 two-story water slides

- A waterfall

- A party room available for birthday parties and other rentals

- Concession operations including an outdoor grill

- Outdoor water fitness classes: deep water aerobics & river walking

- Summer dive clinic

- Outdoor swim lessons

- Pool partners

- Pool pals

- Advanced pool pals

- Ballwin Blue Dolphins Swim & Dive Team

Ballwin Golf Course & Club House

Ballwin Golf Course located at 333 Holloway Road is a fun and challenging 9-hole facility that can play up to 3,433 yards in length for the big hitters and as short as 2,703 yards for the finesse golfers. Formerly known as Fox Creek Country Club, the City acquired the course and buildings in 1974. Since taking over the course, the City has completely remodeled, reseeded, and rebuilt all nine bent grass greens (as well as the practice green) and has converted the fairways, green surrounds and trees from Kentucky Bluegrass to the more "golfer friendly," Meyers Zoysia. While there is no driving range, there is a two-person practice cage and a practice green golfers can use to loosen up their swing and refine their touch before starting.

The golf clubhouse and snack bar were remodeled in 1994 to provide a more attractive and handicap accessible facility for both the golfers and for those who rent the facility for weddings, banquets and meetings. A full selection of hot-dogs, sandwiches, soft drinks, chips, candy and beer are available to eat in, or eat out, whichever you prefer. The attached banquet hall can accommodate up to 240 guests and hosts more than 100 events per year.

Traditionally recognized as the best public, 9-hole facility in the area, and the former home of P.G.A. Champion Bob Tway, the course was recently awarded St. Louis Magazine's prestigious "Editors' Choice Award" in 2003 for "Best Quality Golf." The facility also serves as the host course for the Gateway P.G.A. Nine Hole Junior Championship, the annual Men's & Ladies Ballwin Days Tournaments as well as many other competitive and fun events throughout the year. The course is also available for your family, business, or neighborhood, golf "get together".

The Ballwin Golf Club Banquet Facility is available to rent for private parties including wedding receptions. The banquet hall includes a dance floor, a bar area and full kitchen facilities.

                        Ballwin Restaurants

                     Agostino's Gp Restaurant                            Jake's Pizza
                     Applebee's Neighborhood Grill                     KFC
                     Arby's                                                           Krieger's Pub & Grill
                     Blimpie Subs & Salads                                  Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
                     Boston Market                                              Lion's Choice
                     Burger King                                                  Long John Silver's
                     Cafe Campagnard                                        Longhorn Steakhouse
                     Callier's Catering Svc & Deli                         Mandarin Wok Restaurant
                     Charlotte's Rib Bbq                                      Manee Thai
                     Chef's Express at Schnucks                         Massa's Restaurant
                     Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant                     McDonald's
                     Choi's Sushi Bar & Restaurant                     Mi Lupita
                     City Limits                                                     Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas
                     Clancy's Irish Pub & Grill                               Mulligan's Grill
                     Crazy Bowls & Wraps                                    Nicoletti's Steak & Pasta
                     Dairy Queen                                                 Old Country Buffet
                     Darbaar Fast Food Restaurant                    Opaa Food Management Inc
                     Domino's Pizza                                             Outback Steakhouse
                     Donrich Inc                                                   Papa John's Pizza
                     Dynasty Chinese Restaurant                        Paso Del Norte Inc
                     El Maguey Mexican Restaurant                    Pasta House Co
                     Frailey's Pub & Grill                                      Patio Place Tea Room
                     Frick's Bar & Grill                                          Pizza Hut
                     Gina's Food & Spirits                                    Ponderosa Steakhouse
                     Giovanni's Little Place                                  Quizno's Classic Subs
                     Golden Wok                                                 Rizzo's Restaurant
                     Great Chef Gardens                                    S & P Oyster Co
                     Hardee's                                                      Seventh Inn
                     Harry's West                                                Sonic Drive-in
                     Hunan & Peking Garden                              St. Louis Bread Co
                     Hunan Express                                            Steak N Shake
                     Hunan Inn                                                    Sub Shop
                     Ice & Fuel West                                           Subway Sandwiches & Salads
                     Imo's Pizza                                                   Victoria's Kitchen Ice Cream
                     Imperial Garden                                           Wendy's
                     International House of Pancakes                 Yangzee
                     Jack in The Box                                           Zhivago's Russian Restaurant

The Ladies of Lucerne Tea Room

The Ladies of Lucerne welcome you to their new tea room and accessories shop in the historic Barn at Lucerne. The Great Hall has been transformed into the perfect setting for a proper afternoon tea, lunch and leisurely shopping.

The ceremony of afternoon tea was started in England in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. Tea evolved from a simple "drink with jam and bread" into a grand social event.

Proper afternoon tea is no longer an occasion for the exclusive enjoyment of society ladies of leisure. Both professional women (and men) conduct unhurried meetings over the fragrant brews, and it can also serve as a late lunch alternative to the typical rushed mid-day meal. At the Ladies of Lucerne, the pace is relaxed, the surroundings serene and the service attentive.

The chef of the Ladies of Lucerne Tea Room has compiled recipes and designed menus to delight the most discriminating palate. Luncheon menu includes sandwiches, wraps, soups, quiche, gourmet salads, and desserts baked fresh daily. Their selections change seasonally with weekly specials and only the finest and freshest ingredients are used.

Afternoon Tea Menu:

     - Signature Tea includes a cup of soup, a pot of Premium Harney & Sons tea
       followed by a three-tiered tray decorated with fresh flowers and laden with assorted
       flavorful finger sandwiches, savory tarts including hot quiche, freshly baked scones
       with Devonshire cream, preserves and Lemon curd and elegant miniature pastries.

     - Royal Tea includes a three-tiered tray decorated with fresh flowers and laden with
       assorted flavorful finger sandwiches, savory tarts including hot quiche, freshly
       baked scones with Devonshire cream, preserves and Lemon curd and elegant
       miniature pastries accompanied by an elegant stemmed glass of champagne and
       chocolate covered strawberries.

     - Light Afternoon Tea includes a cup of soup, a small house salad, scones with
       Devonshire cream and Lemon curd, and a pot of Harney & Sons tea.

     - Dessert Tea includes an assortment of decadent miniature pastries and desserts
       with a pot of Harney & Sons tea.

     - Cream Tea includes freshly baked scones with Devonshire cream and Lemon
       curd, and a pot of Harney & Sons tea.

Not only it is their intent to please the palate, but to also nourish the minds and spirits of their guests from the very young to the more mature. With this in mind, it is a pleasure to announce the following:

     - Theme Teas: Surprise Friendship Tea
                                Paris Tea
                               Tea & Shakespeare
                                Christmas Memories Tea
                                Mother/Daughter American Girl Tea
                                Fashion Shows (both Vintage & Contemporary Styles)
                               Teddy Bear Tea
                                Mad Hatter's Tea Party
                                Magnolia Tea & Garden Party

     - Lecture Series of Historical and/or General Information

     - Orchestral & Theatrical Recitals

     - Girls' Night Out

     - Tea Seminars

     - Etiquette Classes for Adults & Children

     - Children's Birthday Parties

     - Today's American Girl Club

The Ladies of Lucerne can assist in planning special events. The staff will help you in planning every detail from invitation and menu selections down to the finest detail of tea service etiquette. Specialize in:

     - Bridal & Baby Showers

     - Bridesmaid Luncheons

     - Rehearsal Dinner & Small Receptions (Up to 65 people)

     - Children's Birthday Parties

     - Anniversary Celebrations

     - Graduations

     - Mother/Daughter Tea Parties

     - Holiday Teas

     - Business & Board Meetings

     - Girl Scout Etiquette Teas

Adrianne Ritter, proprietor and owner of the Pomegranate Collection and Lee Hemenway of Miss Ivy's Cottage have combined their experience and talents to showcase a unique blend of antiques and accessories.

Adrianne Ritter - "I am proud of my Pomegranate Collection of home furnishings which I believe reflects the passion I have for decorating and the special care taken in selecting the pieces in my collection. As a 'transplanted' Southern Belle, my love of china and crystal goes back to my childhood days in southern Alabama, where I remember playing restaurant on my grandmother's back porch. She had a wonderful storage chest on this porch, full of odds and ends of cast off dishes. This love of china followed me to college where I worked for two years at a beautiful gift and china shop that specialized in bridal registry. I own many sets of dishes today and still enjoy treasure hunting for special pieces to add to these sets.

Ever since a visit to a tea room as a young girl, I knew I wanted to own one. I've always envisioned a 'special place' for women to gather; where they could dine and shop in an unhurried atmosphere of casual elegance. The location of the tea room at the Barn at Lucerne was ideal for providing a beautiful and historic backdrop with character and charm. The moment I stepped into the Barn, I felt as if I was stepping into yesterday. The perfect setting for the tea room of my dreams!"

Lee Hemenway - "So many people influence our lives at an early age. The sum of their teaching directs our lives along the way. My grandfather was a contractor and I was drawing 'blue prints' of houses when I was seven years old. At the age of ten I had moved on to orange crate dollhouses. My cousin and I were allowed to carefully dust beautiful miniature art glass oil lamps belonging to my aunt. From this experience I have always liked antiques. From my mother I grew to appreciate the art of entertaining; how to care for beautiful linens and china, and making friends and family always feel welcome to our home. I majored in Interior Design and art at Kansas State University and have enjoyed incorporating both into my life. For many years I lived in a beautiful 1872 farmhouse, still situated on Clayton Road. I started my first foray in the antique business when I opened the Red Apple Shop there in 1964. I value the ten years I worked with a well known interior designer as we accessorized many St. Louis display homes.

My ten years at Miss Ivy's Cottage allowed me to meet Adrianne Ritter, who had a wonderful vision for a tea room and it is so exciting to see her dreams come true. Now we have The Ladies of Lucerne and I am surrounded by loving, creative women who have joined together to bring beauty and tranquility to your lives and homes. We think of you as our guests and friends, and welcome the opportunity to help you select gifts and accessories that will bring happiness to your home and those of your friends. For this we thank you."

The Ladies of Lucerne Shop is now open. The Adrianne Ritter Pomegranate Collection includes an array of brilliant crystal, decorative pillows, floral arrangements, stylish lamps, teas and tea related accessories, antique china, silver serving pieces and tea pots, updating treasures from the past to blend with today's classic look.

Crane Stationery, beaded purses, greeting cards, specialty books and a wide variety of silver jewelry, from vintage to the latest handmade styles are offered by Lee Hemenway of Miss Ivy's Cottage.

The Ladies of Lucerne Tea Room is proud to be the home of the newly formed St. Louis Ladies Tea Guild.

The Ladies of Lucerne Tea Room received St. Louis Magazine's 2005 A-List for Top Tea Room in St. Louis!