City leaders in Clayton know it’s important to keep the memories of its forgotten Black heroes alive. That’s why they invested heavily in recent renovations to Remembrance Park so that the invaluable contributions Black residents made throughout the years will never be forgotten.
Remembrance Park, which showcases a living green wall, a water feature, and community programs, honors the contributions to Clayton from the Black community and other communities whose histories have been omitted from the city’s historical narrative.
“At its peak in the 1940s, Clayton was home to nearly 500 Black residents, most of whom lived in a close-knit neighborhood between Hanley and Brentwood”
The City of Clayton wants to maintain an honest dialogue about its history and is determined to make sure it is never erased. The preservation of spaces and historical markers is a surefire way to make that happen. These efforts are important to understanding the complete history and promoting a more inclusive narrative for future generations.
Like many cities and towns across the country, Clayton’s history includes the overlooked contributions of Black residents who shaped the community over generations. Figures such as Richard Hudlin, who became Clayton’s first Black postmaster in 1897, and John O’Gorman, who operated a local hardware store later managed by Frank Human, reflect a legacy of Black leadership and entrepreneurship. At its peak in the 1940s, Clayton was home to nearly 500 Black residents, most of whom lived in a close-knit neighborhood between Hanley and Brentwood.
This vibrant community was highlighted by families that attended a local church and sent their children to an all-Black elementary school. But by the 1950s and 1960s, that community began to disappear. In 1952, residential areas where Black families lived were rezoned for commercial use and gradually cleared to make way for Clayton’s business district. That process led to the displacement of residents and the erasure of much of the city’s Black history. Just last year, a historical marker was installed downtown to begin acknowledging this lost chapter.
With the completion of a major project by the Clayton Community Foundation, downtown Clayton offers a new public space dedicated to literacy, learning, and inclusion. Located next to the Mid-County Library, the newly-opened park honors diverse authors and invites visitors to connect, read, and reflect. The site features free Wi-Fi and will host free weekly chess lessons led by the St. Louis Chess Club, reinforcing the area’s role as a dynamic hub for community engagement and lifelong learning.
“There is a sense of peace and calm in this small pocket park,” Clayton Mayor Bridget McAndrew said.
Plaques honoring historically diverse figures from Clayton’s past are set to be installed in the coming months. The goal is to spark conversation, reflection, and storytelling, while adding depth and inclusivity to the community’s shared historical narrative.
“I hope that these plaques serve as a starting point for stories that parents tell children or friends to discuss together. Or when a visitor simply learns by coming to the park,” McAndrew said.
Originally planned for 2018, the park project faced uncertainty when pandemic-related budget constraints forced the City to prioritize essential services. The Clayton Community Foundation (CCF), the official nonprofit partner of Clayton, took on the project and brought the concept to fruition. Funding was supported by the Opus Foundation, private CCF donors, grants, and a Municipal Park Grant Commission award.
According to the mayor, the park cost $970,220 to build, with the City paying for about one-third of that cost ($392,220). The Clayton Community Foundation (CCF) provided $123,000 in donations, and Clayton received $455,000 in municipal park grants.
“Our most recent comprehensive planning effort showed that our residents tremendously value our park spaces,” McAndrew said. “Remembrance Park will serve as a wonderful place. I truly hope that the park will serve our residents and visitors for many generations to come.”