St. Louis has a surprising claim to fame: many historians credit the city with hosting one of the first recognized cocktail parties. On Friday, October 16, the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Fashion Fund celebrate that history with Shaken & Storied: History on the Rocks.
The 1917 story
According to Christopher Allen Gordon, the Missouri Historical Society’s director of library and collections, the first recognized cocktail party took place in St. Louis on March 25, 1917. It was a Sunday afternoon gathering hosted by Clara Bell Walsh and her husband, Julius S. Walsh Jr., at their home at 4510 Lindell Boulevard. Newspapers covered it, and the idea spread. Some retellings place the date in May, and some historians say the real novelty was the Sunday timing rather than the party itself, so you’ll see slightly different versions of the story.
What the evening includes
Local bartenders toured the museum’s collections and chose artifacts to inspire original drinks. Organizers say the event will feature 10 cocktails and 10 mocktails, each tied to a piece of St. Louis history, along with appetizers, dinner, and live entertainment. Guests are encouraged to wear vintage-inspired attire in the spirit of a 1910s cocktail party.
Event details
- When: Friday, October 16, 6 p.m.
- Where: Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.
- Capacity: limited; the event is a fundraiser for the museum
More cocktail history nearby
The Central West End holds its own annual cocktail party each summer to honor the Walsh gathering, and the Walsh home still stands on Lindell Boulevard. A tour of the neighborhood can pair nicely with a museum visit.
Planning tips
Check ticket availability soon, since capacity is limited. Mocktails make the evening easy for guests who don’t drink alcohol, and the museum is a good chance to explore the collections.
