Scott Joplin House, Saint Louis

Saved from demolition and opened to the public in 1991, the Scott Joplin House was the birthplace for the music of "The Entertainer" and the music for the 1904 World's Fair, despite the fact his music was considered not good enough or "low class" to be on the stage.

The docent was willing to share everything he knew about Joplin. Joplin had studied music in a black college, he loved to experiment with difficult musical passages and composed his famous "Maple Leaf Rag".

I found the house has a melancholy feel to it; I am not sure why. Perhaps like all artists, composers and authors he was never fully satisfied with his life.

Saint Louis is blessed with several top-flight ragtime piano players. There is enough interest in ragtime here for the rag enthusiast. In addition to the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, which has its own article on VT, the Friends of Scott Joplin sponsor two monthly events. The Ragtime Rendezvous is held at Dressel's Pub on the first Sunday of every month (except Superbowl Sunday) from 5:30 to 8:30. You will hear many different styles, compositions and young and old playing this strictly American art form. And this is a Cheers type environment. Also the Friends of Scott Joplin sponsor the Rosebud Rendezvous on the third Sunday of every month, and this is located at the Scott Joplin House in the Rosebud Café there.

Scott Joplin is the world famous ragtime composer. Most say he invented this style, right here in Missouri. The home is a second floor apartment, where he composed many of his best rags, including his most famous "The Entertainer." He lived here only about a year and a half, with his wife. Very authentic home furnishings give you an idea of how simple life was back then, for an educated black person.

Next door, on the corner, is a replica of The Rosebud Saloon, which was located near old Union Station (train station -- another interesting place to visit). Joplin played his music there, regularly. The original was torn down, but the replica is very nicely done. I think it can be rented out for events, as can the backyard/grounds, which are fenced in.

A small museum, little gift shop & tours every hour are features, too. Small fee for the tour.
March through October - Open every day, UNTIL 4 P.M.
Rest of the year - CLOSED MON. & SUN.

This is the Scott Joplin House the King of Ragtime. Nice house located downtown. I drove by and decided to stop it is nice and very informative. It is close to Arch and Union Station