2024 Fall Fundraiser - Savor The Past, Celebrate The Future

September 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Promotional banner for 2024 Fall Fundraiser

The Landmarks Association of St. Louis celebrates 65 years of preserving St. Louis architecture by honoring
renowned news anchor Julius K. Hunter with the H. Meade Summer’s Jr. Award at the organization’s annual fall event.

The awards ceremony and celebration will take place on Friday, Sept 20, 2024, at La Verona on the Hill,
a 2023 Landmarks Most Enhanced winner. Admission includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

When: September 20, 2024 from 6-9 pm, 7 pm award presentation

Where: La Verona - 4925 Daggett Ave. 63110

Tickets: $150 per person

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

About Julius K. Hunter

The H. Meade Summers Jr. Award recognizes lifetime contributions to the cause of historic preservation in the St. Louis Region. This year's honoree, Julius K. Hunter, a natural "preservationist" from a young age, was stirred to action after witnessing the demolition of the magnificent Vandeventer Place in Midtown while walking to and from the nearby Cole School in sixth grade. This event sparked a lifelong curiosity about history and preservation. Over his 33-year career as St. Louis' first African American TV news anchorman, Hunter praised St. Louis during his interviews with seven U.S. Presidents, celebrities, and other notables. Transitioning from broadcasting, he became SLU's first Vice-President for Community Relations.

Hunter's impact extends beyond journalism; he's served on the boards of several museums and organizations, including the History Museum and the Campbell House Museum. As founder of the Julius K. Hunter and Friends African American Research Collection, he's contributed significantly to preserving African American history. Hunter's teaching roles at universities and his acclaimed books, including those documenting St. Louis architecture, showcase his dedication to education and preservation.

Please join Landmarks Association in celebrating the remarkable contributions that Julius K. Hunter has made to the community as we recognize his invaluable role in historic preservation in the St. Louis region.

“Julius Hunter is an acclaimed and boundary-breaking broadcaster, historian, educator, author and public servant. For decades his passion for St. Louis and its architectural history has brought stories of the past to life for our community. His work, both professional and avocational, has inspired generations of young historians and preservationists and made significant contributions to the body of literature celebrating the architecture of St. Louis. Landmarks Association considers it an honor to present him with the H.Meade Summers Jr. Award for his outstanding contributions to historic preservation in the St. Louis Region.”
- Andrew Weil, Executive Director, Landmarks St Louis Association.

About H. Meade Summers, Jr. Award

Started in 2009, the H. Meade Summers, Jr. Award was named in honor of its first recipient. The name Meade Summers, Jr. is practically synonymous with historic preservation in Missouri. He led the formation and founding of many of the state’s major preservation organizations and spearheaded the rehabilitation of some of the state’s most prominent landmarks. Mr. Summers is the former chair of the Missouri Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and a former President of the Board of Landmarks Association. This prestigious award was created and endowed to recognize lifetime contributions devoted to the preservation of Missouri’s history and cultural resources. It is given by Landmarks to an individual, couple, or entity that has made significant contributions in the field of historic preservation in the St. Louis regional area.

About La Verona

Named La Verona, translating to "The Truth" in Italian, this venue earned a Landmarks Most Enhanced Award in 2023. Situated within the Hill neighborhood, La Verona at the Marketplace boasts a rich history dating back over a century. The complex grew over time, serving as the home to the Mancha Storage Battery Locomotive Co. which produced small, battery-operated mining cars. The industrial end grain wood block flooring, utilized for its resiliency to absorb shock, is present in the venue space. The Marketplace on the Hill has witnessed diverse uses over the years. Today, its architecture and the surrounding ambiance seamlessly blend warm, old-world charm with an urban flair, creating an ideal setting for industrial-themed events at La Verona.

2024 Fall Fundraiser - Savor The Past, Celebrate The Future

The Landmarks Association of St. Louis celebrates 65 years of preserving St. Louis architecture by honoringrenowned news anchor Julius K. Hunter with the H. Meade Summer’s Jr. Award at the organization’s annual fall event.

The awards ceremony and celebration will take place on Friday, Sept 20, 2024, at La Verona on the Hill,a 2023 Landmarks Most Enhanced winner. Admission includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

When: September 20, 2024 from 6-9 pm, 7 pm award presentation Where: La Verona - 4925 Daggett Ave. 63110 Tickets: $150 per person