Photo by Caren Libby
It has been a long time since Photo Flood visited Ellendale. It was the 7th flood by the group, all the way back in February of 2013. The write up for the first visit can be found at http://www.photofloodstl.org/photo-flood-7-ellendale/
Photo by Mark Braun
It definitely was not a February day as this time it was a typical hot and steamy June day. Meeting at the corner of Emilie St and Ellendale Ave we embarked on our journey of the neighborhood. The eastern (Hampton Ave) and southern (I-44) boundaries of the neighborhood are quite clear, the north and west can be a bit confusing, depending on where you are. This became quite evident as we walked north and ended up out of bounds after a few blocks. After consulting Google maps we turned around and soon were within Ellendale boundaries once again.
Photo by Theresa Harter
Photo by RJ Wilner
The neighborhood is surrounded by Lindenwood Park, Clifton Heights, The Hill, and Dogtown neighborhoods of Clayton/Tamm and Franz Park. The eastern boundaries are considered part of Dogtown.
Photo by Mike Matney
Photo by Caren Libby
The early history of Ellendale was rooted in industrial activity in the 1850s with the construction of the Pacific Railroad and the mining of clay for bricks. While there is train yard and some industry still, much of the neighborhood is residential. Living next to an industrial area does have some problems. At 2:30 AM on June 20th, 2011, a five-alarm chemical fire at Chemisphere Corporation caused an evacuation of hundreds of residents and temporarily shut down Interstate-44. The fire was put out later that morning and the residents were allowed to go home.
Photo by Mark Braun
Photo by Theresa Harter
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Mike Matney
The River des Pere originally ran through the neighborhood. However it was modified into a drainage system, and all that remains is the small valley that Ellendale Ave/McCausland Ave traverse from southwest to northeast through the neighborhood.
Photo by Caren Libby
Photo by Mark Braun
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Theresa Harter
Photo by Mike Matney
In conversation with some folks I know who are from St. Louis, many don’t even know that the neighborhood exists. Being on the border of larger, well known neighborhoods, and its odd shape constrained by the Interstate and industrial areas it will probably always be a hidden spot in St. Louis. The one spot that people do seem to know is the restaurant “Piccadilly on Manhattan.” Like the neighborhood, it is hidden on a side street but well worth the visit.
Photo by Caren Libby
Photo by Mark Braun
Photo by Theresa Harter
Photo by RJ Wilner
Photo by Caren Libby
