By Jennifer Ciotta

Kate Chopin was a celebrity in her own right, being a famous writer and from a prestigious family.  It seems fitting that she has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame, located on 6310 Delmar Boulevard.  Inducted in 1990, her grandson, George Chopin, accepted the honor on her behalf.  To be an inductee, the person must have been born or spent their creative years in St. Louis, and s/he must have had a national impact on the city's cultural history.  Anyone can be nominated and the selection committee announces its decisions each spring.

Oakland, a historic house, is where Kate met her husband Oscar while attending a ball.  The house overlooks a privately owned lake, while a 200 year-old oak tree remains on the property.  The beautiful white limestone building has a tower complete with lookout, and a gorgeous veranda for weddings.  One special event is The Ladies Luncheon, where women in period costumes serve lunch to a room full of guests.  At Easter, children can have a photo with the rabbit himself at the Bunny Hutch.  During Christmas, little ones can visit with Santa, or bake cookies in the country-style kitchen with Mrs. Claus.

Chopin is buried at Calvary Cemetery, located in north St. Louis.  The looming trees, especially vibrant during the autumn months, surround the graves.  Ten percent of the St. Louis inhabitants in the mid-nineteenth century were wiped out by a cholera plague, thus creating the cemetery.  Chopin's grave is a simple a marker, encompassed by the shade of lush greenery.  Other famous graves include: Tennessee Williams; Dred Scott and Thomas Dooley. 

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