Illustration by Ryan Greis
Ah, Valentine’s Day. That Hallmark holiday of sappy cards, romantic outings and stiff-lipped singles. We’ve all lived it, loved it and dreaded it. But what about St. Louis’ local notables—those famous faces we see in public but rarely with their sweetie pies? What are their all-time favorite Valentine’s memories? We asked, they answered.
“Bringing He-Man Valentines into my kindergarten class. It’s all sort of gone downhill from there.”
—Andrew Volpe, lead singer and guitarist, Ludo
“We try to make Valentine’s Day last all year, because we never know when we’ll be able to spend it together. So every day’s the 14th for us!”
—David Robertson, music director, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and wife Orli Shaham, pianist
“Valentine’s 1982. My now-husband Bob Fox, who was only a friend back then, met me in NYC. We went for a carriage ride in Central Park, and it was cold enough that you had to snuggle to stay warm. Then we went to dinner in the Village. After that night, we were more than friends. We’ve been together every Valentine’s since!”
—Maxine Clark, founder, Build-A-Bear
“My Valentine’s Day, going on now for 13 years, is not at all romantic because it’s with the Cardinals. It’s literally the day I finish packing and leave that night or the next morning for spring training.”
—Tony La Russa, manager, St. Louis Cardinals
“At the risk of sounding sappy, I would have to say the handmade cards from my kids when they were just old enough to draw—though not well. The Crayola hearts were a little irregular. As they say, ‘It’s the thought that counts.’”
—Don Marsh, host, KWMU’s St. Louis on the Air
