The Old St. Louis exhibit replicated what the host city of the
Louisiana Exposition appeared like in the year 1764, when it
was founded as a fur trading post. Encompassing 20 buildings
which included: a government house, a schoolhouse, a church
and many stores; these buildings were placed very close to where
the originals actually stood.
Highlights of the exhibit included: The `King of the Cowboys,"
Charles H. Thompkins' wild west show, a high wire act by
Monsieur Leon. Leon, whose name was W. H. Green,
dazzled the 2,000 capacity arena crowd until
August 3rd, when he fell and fractured his skull.
Another dare-devil attraction was was presented by James
Ballho and his wife. James performed a 122 high bicycle
stunt act, while his Alfretta had a trapeze act. They were
paid 13 dollars a week for their act.
The Old St. Louis attraction constantly changed as to
keep the exhibits and shows fresh. There were
impersonators of Napoleon and other such historical figures that were involved in the Louisiana Purchase; on a few occasions, carnivals were brought in to wow and thrill the patrons. Horse shows, including famed trick-rider Mabel Hackney marveled the crowd.
They had a reenactment of the famous Indian attack of St. Louis in 1770.
Replicas of the Cahokia Courthouse and New Orleans' Cabilido, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed.
Sometime late in the Fair's run, the site's arena section was rebranded as 'On the Bowery.'
