In Maplewood, before Steak’N’Shake there was…

Former Maplewoodian Ellen Steck was recently kind enough to provide the following information and photos.

Her mother’s family, Glynn, once owned the property where Steak’N’Shake now sits.  They had it platted in 1907 and she believes these two homes were built shortly thereafter.

Her mother, Isabel’s sister, Ella married Frank Burgess whose family has an adjacent street named for them.  Her mother’s brothers, James and Travers lived in the house at 7606 Manchester.  Neither married or had children.

Her parents moved into the home at 7602 Manchester when Ellen was born in 1937. In 1943, they moved to Kirkwood and the house was rented until 1959 when Ellen and her husband, Jim Steck moved into it.  They left in 1960 for Dellwood.  The property remained empty until the entire parcel was purchased by Steak’N’Shake.

Ellen remembers very clearly the rose garden which was well known and much visited by neighbors and passersby.  She ends her letter with this sentence.  “I enclose the photos of the rose garden and the little girl happens to be me.”

No doubt about it, Ellen.  Thanks for sharing.