Sylvan Springs Beverage Garden - Lemay, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 30.272 W 090° 17.525
15S E 736130 N 4265271
Large rock garden, once had dance floor, tables and chairs, etc...now just the rocks remain.
Waymark Code: WM1BPZC
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/18/2025
Views: 0
County of garden: St. Louis County
Location of garden: Halsey Rd., skate park area, Sylvan Springs Park, Lemay
Green Marker Text:
~ SYLVAN SPRINGS ~
BEVERAGE GARDENSite of World War II Beverage Garden & Picnic Area built by 6th Infantry in 1939 for use by all troops stationed at Jefferson Barracks. Covering an acre, it was built of rock with a stream running through it. It had a small dance floor, tables, chairs, & barbecue pits.
"The old “Beverage Garden” is part of the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site in Sylvan Springs Park. It was constructed by the CCC in 1939. It consists of a sunken patio with a stream running through it and surrounded by decorative walls of stone in a classic CCC type construction. There is a plaque in the wall on the east side of the gardens. It served as a “beer garden” in the run-up to and during WW2, being immediately adjacent to Jefferson Barracks. It is no longer in use, however much of the stonework remains. ~ Living New Deal
Large Marker Text:
JEFFERSON BARRACKS HISTORIC SITE - SYLVAN SPRINGS
The grotto-like Beverage Garden at Sylvan Springs, with flagstone walks and hand-made stone bridges and walls, was constructed in 1939-40 by member of the 6th Infantry who were based at Jefferson Barracks.
The CCC (1933-1942) was a public relief program for unemployed men which provided vocational training in work related to conservation and the development of natural resources in the United States. Shortly after the CCC was created, a section of Jefferson Barracks was set aside as a conditioning camp for new members. In the Camp, members were trained to live and work in the outdoors. Members of the CCC at Jefferson Barracks came from all over the eastern half of Missouri with the first contingent coming from St. Louis.
When the Forrest Park Highlands was destroyed by fire in 1957 the St. Louis Carousel made by the Dentzel Company of Philadelphia in 1920 was bought by St. Louisan Howard C. Obendorf. In 1965, he donated it to the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation and supervised its installation at Sylvan Springs County Park. It was operated during the summer until 1979. It was restored and put back into operation on May 9, 1987. In a new climate-controlled, glam-sided facility in Faust County Park.