More details on the Pahl family may be found here:
The Pahl Family Genealogy Timeline
Arthur Emil Pahl, son of Christian and Amelia Cornelia Weinheimer Pahl, married Anna Roles, daughter of John W and Catherine Costello Roles. In the early 1920s, they moved to the home at 1458 Tamm Avenue with their two teenage children; Katherine and Arthur Jr. (note: their infant John W Pahl died in 1911 of whooping cough).
Katherine Pahl, daughter of Arthur and Anna Pahl, married Charles McVey. The couple remained at 1458 Tamm Ave., where they raised their five children; Kathleen McVey, Jacqueline McVey, Patricia McVey, James Joseph McVey and Maureen McVey.
Arthur E. Pahl Jr, married a classmate of his from St. James School; Helen A. Ryan (my aunt/my dad's sister), they moved to Troy, Illinois where they raised their four children; John J "Jack"., William R. "Bill", Arthur E."Mick" III and Linda Marie Pahl.
By 1950 the two older granddaughters; Kathleen and Jacqueline, had married and moved out of state, leaving the three youngest McVey children; Patricia "Patty" (1933-2001), James J. and Maureen a little more growing room in the family home at 1458 Tamm. Patty, the next oldest daughter, chose not to marry staying to help her mother care for all three generations of the Pahl-McVey family.
It was only after the deaths of their grandparents, Arthur and Anna Pahl, (1951 and 1953), that the Charles and Katherine McVey family moved to their new home at 6934 Nashville (1957), where they resided until the mid 1970's. (Last found in St. Louis City Directory; 1976-77 edition)
The Arthur and Anna Pahl Family Story
In 1902, Christian Pahl, age 52, a widower with three sons; Louis C. (24), Arthur E. (19) Christian Jr. (12) and one daughter Hilda (21) moved to their new family home at 5801 Old Manchester Road. Christian, born 24 March 1850 in Hannover, Germany to Henry and Louisa Pahl, was the fourth of five children and the youngest son. His wife Cornelia Weinheimer Pahl died at only 36 years old leaving him with four children to raise.
I was very excited to find this information as I thought that would make them the earliest Pahl family to live in Dogtown. I learned quickly that was not the case. At some point in time, the city decided it was too confusing to have two major streets called Manchester Road. Therefore Old Manchester Road was from that moment forward, re-named Southwest Avenue. That meant that the Pahl home at 5801 was not in Dogtown, it was in fact located nearer the Italian center of the city, known as "The Hill".
So, it would be another 20 years before I found proof of the earliest Pahl family living in Dogtown. Not in the 1920 Census, where Arthur E. Pahl Sr. and his family lived (in the outskirts of the city) near Webster Groves, Missouri. The earliest proof came to me from a 1922 photo of the St. James the Greater Catholic School graduating class, where Arthur E. Pahl Jr. was pictured. Other parish publications also document that the Arthur Pahl family had moved to a home just down the street from the school at 1458 Tamm Avenue.
At some point during the year 1920 Arthur and Anna bought the two story brick home at 1458 Tamm, where they not only raised their two children, but at various times took in Anna's nephew, John Pahl Roles after his parents died, and also her mother and father; Catherine and John Roles, when their health failed.
Following their marriage in Sept 1923, daughter Katherine Pahl and her new husband Charles McVey were delighted to answer in the affirmative when asked by their parents to stay and raise their (five) children there.
Arthur Pahl Sr. became well respected in the community as well as the parish. He ran for and won the office of Alderman. He rose at the tobacco company from salesman to buyer. His neighbors remember Mr. Pahl in his garage workshop rolling cigars.
Various articles mentioning the Pahl family were published in the St. James Parish Bulletins - Let's Go . Most were written by the pastor himself, Father P. J. O'Connor, ie.,
Among the more liberal of the contributors to the New Church Fund, we note the name of our friend, Arthur Pahl . About a. year ago the writer was working with a committee charged with the duty of preparing for St. James Picnic. When plans were completed, we called for volunteers to assist at the grounds, and Arthur volunteered. We wanted as many, as could do so to be on the grounds at five o'clock in the morning of the picnic day, to hang swings, ice soda, and put the grounds in readiness: Arthur was there, and he worked all day serving drinks, and was one of the reasons the picnic was declared a success. On another occasion, when volunteers were requested to put the school play-grounds in condition, and erect equipment, Arthur was among the most energetic and untiring of the workers. Limited space prevents a more complete chronicle of Mr. Pahl's many displays of friendship for St. James parish. Nevertheless, these few instances convince us that Arthur is a real friend. And we call to your attention to the fact that Mr. Pahl is the non-Catholic father of a Catholic family.
Those were hard times and Anna Roles Pahl's family at 6400 Lloyd were not immune. As their home was 'kitty-corner' from the Arthur Pahl family, the families, always close, became even closer.
March 1923 - Anna's brother John William Roles Jr. was widowed when his young wife Ora Mack Roles died following the birth of their fourth child; John William Roles III.
September 1927 - This notice was posted in the St. James the Greater Church Bulletin: Jack Pahl-Roles (John William Roles III) was stricken during the week with what is feared to be infantile paralyses and is in the City Quarantine where he is attended by a day and night nurse and a child specialist. All the family attended a mass for his recovery Wed morning 6:30 am and now rest the case in the hands of God. He died since we went to press and will be buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery on Sunday.
Note: It is possible that the infant John W. Roles III was taken in and raised by his aunt Anna Roles Pahl and her family, taking on the Pahl-Roles name.
November 1927 - This notice was posted in the St. James the Greater Church Bulletin: After an illness of over a month Mrs. Catherine Roles 6322 Oakland Ave., mother of Mrs. Arthur (Anna) Pahl succommed (sic) to weakness aggravated by a failing heart. Mrs. Pahl attended her mother day and nite with human skill and filial affection.
June 1931 - This notice was posted in the St. James the Greater Church Bulletin: - Mr. John Roles, Age 70, father of Mrs. Arthur (Anna) Pahl recently underwent his second successful operation for hernia at St. Mary Hospital, he is convalescing at home (1458 Tamm). Note: John Roles, Sr. died on 14 Mar 1933. The address on his death certificate was 1458 Tamm Avenue.
July 1936 Mr. John William Roles Jr., son of John and Catherine Roles, and brother of Mrs. Arthur (Anna) Pahl, died at 48 years old.
During the past month, thieves entered the garage of Mr. Arthur Pahl, 1458 Tamm Avenue, and stripped his machine of some new tires. This was their second visit and Mr. Pahl, we are inclined to believe, is slightly peeved. He issues an invitation to the thief to "call again" when in need of tires and promises to have a reception committee to see that he gets all that is coming to him; but we advise that this invitation be not taken too literally, as, if we are to judge, Mr. Pahl's invitation is issued with sinister intent and his promise regarding a pleasant reception does not have the ring of truth. Better send in your card before entering.
Eddie Ryan's latest son in law Arthur A. Pahl Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pahl of 1458 Tamm Avenue was married on December 13th by Rev. Norbert E. Pohl to Miss Helen Ryan, youngest daughter of Mr. Edward Ryan, 6167 Crescent Ave. The marriage though expected to be a big, well advertised event, came off with such suddenness it was a surprise to the Community. Mr. Arthur Pahl and Miss Ryan simply decided on the morning of December 12th they would get married next day and waive as many formalities as possible. A dispensation from the ties was procured, their parents were consulted and a quiet marriage took place in the church in the afternoon of the next day. Supper was served in the home of the bride. Only immediate relatives were invited. The young couple spent their honeymoon at the Brownsom Hotel, Maplewood. Mr. and Mrs. Pahl, Jr., have grown up in this community where they are favorably known and much admired.
They are both graduates of the parochial school. Mr. Pahl at one time contemplated a professional career and was a student for a few years at St. Louis University. He is now co-manager of the St. Clair Gasoline Station at Belleview and Wise Avenues. They have not decided on their permanent home and are temporarily residing at the home of Mr. Anthony Guerich, Michigan and Bates Street, whose wife, Catherine nee Ryan is in the hospital.
Mr. Ryan on being interviewed on the marriage said, "It's all a mistake; everyone has been congratulating me on having one less at table and the reduction of my grocery bill, but this is a misrepresentation; my grocery bill his gone up by leaps and bounds, instead of having one less at meals, I usually have one more." The implication being that Mr. and Mrs. Pahl are very attached to Mr. Ryan.
Grandchildren's Memories
From Kathleen "Kay" McVey Murphy - (1924-2014) Memories recorded during a 2003 interview:
She said that she went to St. Elizabeth's High School on Arsenal St. Not her decision, the family decided. For culture. Culture, culture, culture Kay said. The only one from her class to go there, but she made many friends quickly, that lasted for years.
They lived with her grandfather (Arthur) Pahl, because her mother was his only daughter and both parents begged them to live there. They were a very close family. And as the oldest granddaughter, grandma Anna made her (Kay's) wedding dress. And would take her shopping. Kay's mother was VERY busy taking care of both generations (her parents and her children).
She remembered that her grandfather Pahl traveled by train, and had a big steamer trunk that he would take with him on his trips. She said she now has great respect for him and didn't realize then what a saint he was. And that her grandmother was determined he was going to be Catholic some day. He would take them to church sometimes to the Rock Church and would wait for them in the car.
The Depression years didn't really effect the kids, their Grandfather taught them; "have to share what you have" Nobody knew they were poor back then.
She said "There was so many people loving us" And they would do anything for us. She said all their aunts and uncles loved them.
It was so much fun to grow up on Tamm, all the neighbors were so nice.
Kay recalled when her mother died that her cousin Larry (McVey) read the eulogy and it was "darling". She wished her kids would read it, but they didn't want to rad any of it.
She added "it was funny how her mother was always such a lady, so reserved, but she changed some after her father died (1968). She was freer an didn't have to take care of everybody after that, and she started living and traveling. Her mother lived to be 81 years old.
From Jacqueline Ann McVey Houlihan - (1929-2013) Borrowed from a biography published upon her death
Jacqueline was born in 1929 in St. Louis, Mo.
A member of St. James the Greater Parish, she was awarded an academic scholarship to St. Elizabeth's Academy after ranking 1st among 130 girls.
In 1950 she married Robert James Houlihan, also a member of her parish and they moved to Dallas, Texas.
Married for 62 years, she raised six children, often single handedly in the early years of her marriage as her husband's career involved extensive travel.
From James J. McVey
Jim wrote "There was a generation gap between my (older) sisters and me that a lot of things that happened in the 30's and 40's and early 50's were never discussed around me.
I think in the long run Maureen, I and Linda missed a lot of happenings in those years due to the generation gap"
He said "I can remember when Uncle Art, Aunt Helen, Mickey, Bill, Jack and Linda would visit us many times in those years and the cousins would have a great time"
My mother and father played cards on all the visits with Uncle Art and Aunt Helen after dinner. Those were serious card games as we were told to go play
I finished grade school at St. Luke's, and then went to CBC.
In later years on Nashville Uncle Art and Aunt Helen still found time to play cards when they came over from Troy.
I remember Billy the most as he enjoyed being with my father, he would visit us on his own when he was in St. Louis on business.
I do remember Uncle Art and Aunt Helen attending our wedding and I attending my Uncle Arts funeral with my sister Kay and Jacqueline.
There were other cousins on the McVey side that also enjoyed meeting each other and I think at times all got together.
From Arthur "Mick" Pahl III
"Mick" wrote how he will always remember that his grandfather Arthur Pahl Sr. made the decision on his death bed to become a Catholic. Possibly fulfilling his wife's most fervent prayer for him.
He reminded me again about an article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on Arthur Pahl Sr's death that stated "Mr. Pahl died at 58 years old of a heart attack at St. John's Hospital. A Democrat, he was elected to the aldermanic board in 1932 to fill a two year unexpired term. In 1934 he was re-elected for a four-year term. He was the first Democratic alderman to serve the Twenty-fourth ward after adoption of the 1914 City Charter. Before his retirement last year Mr. Pahl was a salesman for a tobacco company."
But he added something that he remembered his grandfather saying confidentially to his family, and that was; "if you are honest when you get in, and you want to stay that way, you can't stay in"
From Linda Pahl Krause
Linda remembered that her Aunt Katherine and Uncle Charles McVey had beautiful wicker furniture in the basement of their home at 1458 Tamm Avenue, and it seemed likely that was where they entertained friends and family.
She mentioned it to her cousin Jacqueline McVey Houlihan at the memorial service held in St. Louis for Patricia "Patty" McVey (August 25, 2001).
Linda said Jacque told her that they had the wicker furniture refurbished and still enjoy it at their home in Aubrey, Texas.
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