1878-1894.
In 1878, Thomas J. Gilmore commenced publication of The St. Louis Illustrated Magazine, which was devoted to light literature and illustrated fashions. In 1883 the controlling interest passed to Alexander N. De Menil, and the standard of the magazine was raised. Its fashion and household departments were dropped, and papers of a serious nature were substituted in their place. From 1883 to 1890 its local contributors were Enrique Parmer, Mrs. Maria I. Johnson, Honorable James. M. Loring, Miss Fannie Isabel Sherrick, Mrs. Fanny S. Roper (now Porcher), R.E. Lee Gibson, Mrs. S.I. Stone, P.G. Ferguson, of the Globe-Democrat; Miss Hattie Whitney, and others. The St. Louis Illustrated Magazine had more of a national, than a local, circulation, and had contributors in many States and in England…In March, 1890, the magazine once more became the property of Mr. Gilmore, who, in 1894, transferred it to Tobias Mitchell, who changed its name to The Midland Magazine.
(From the Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri by Alexander N. De Menil, 1901).
The St. Louis Illustrated Magazine was originally Whittaker’s Magazine, established in October, 1870, by Charles Whittaker, proprietor and editor. In the fall of 1871, F.J. Gilmore, formerly connected with several papers in Iowa, became the owner, and is still its manager and editor. It is a forty to fifty page monthly, with large circulation and a fine advertising patronage, and is regarded as the first really paying and prosperous magazine ever published in St. Louis. It is devoted to fashion, general literature, etc.
(From the History of St. Louis City and County by John Thomas Scharf, 1883).
Published by St. Louis Magazine Company.
