COMMUNITY & CULTURE
The Butterfly House in Faust Park
MEET ME IN …
Chesterfield
H
og Hollow, Gumbo, Bonhomme, River Bend … these
were some of the names Chesterfield went by prior to
its incorporation in 1988.
While it’s a newbie compared to other West
County communities, the city of Chesterfield has
established itself in the region as a leading suburb when it comes to
quality of life for the approximately 48,000 people who live there.
You might say Chesterfield is a suburbanite’s dream, with every big-
box store and retail chain imaginable claiming real estate along Highway
40, Clarkson Road and its other main thoroughfares. But what makes
Chesterfield shine is its landmarks - institutions and attractions that
you won’t see or experience anywhere else in the area.
One such jewel is Faust Park, a 200-acre property that was the
original estate of Missouri’s second governor, Frederick Bates. The
Bates family’s circa-1819 home, Thornhill, is the oldest standing
governor’s home in the state, and is listed on the National Register of
78
GAZELLE
Historic Places. Also on site is Historic Village, a cluster of preserved
homes and other structures dating back to the mid-19th century that
gives a glimpse into the lifestyles of early St. Louis County settlers.
Thornhill and the Historic Village are available to tour on select
weekends this summer.
Another standout in the park is the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House,
where more than a thousand live tropical winged creatures are on
display within a glass conservatory.
The Butterfly House, operated by the Missouri Botanical Garden, is
celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2018 with a Metamorphosis Gala.
The Roaring 20s-themed event on June 23 will feature cocktails, hors
d’oeuvres, performers and period cars, among other fun activities.
Proceeds will benefit the Butterfly House’s mission to foster a greater
understanding of plant and animal relationships in the environment in
order to promote the conservation and restoration of natural habitats.
by
B y T r i s h M u y c o - To b i n