May 16, 2026
Crunden Martin
Crunden Martin manufactured woodenware and metal goods in this location from 1891 to 1990.
Check out the video here.
“As early as 1882, the St. Louis riverfront became the nation’s chief distribution point of wooden and willow wares. The woodenware trade included an extensive variety of articles including buckets, casks, tubs, ladles, bread bowls and other household utensils. Willow ware included baskets and other articles. With the rising local industry came associated cordage, rope, brooms, wrapping paper, paper bags, stove polish and axle grease. During WWII, Crunden Martin manufactured helmets, stoves, buckets and five-gallon gasoline ‘jerry cans’ for the U. S. military”
In 1990 Crunden Martin filed bankruptcy and the buildings were sold at auction two years later.
On Dec 8, 2011, Building #5 caught fire and I subsequently explored the charred remains. Click here to see my previous visit. That fire mostly destroyed one building but thanks to the work of the fire department, it was kept otherwise contained.
On November 28, 2025, the entire rest of the historic Crunden Martin complex burned down completely. I recently had the unfortunate privilege of once again exploring this facility after a fire. As can be seen in the photos below, it is a complete loss and as such it is yet another frustrating final chapter for yet another historic structure in Saint Louis.
Source:DNR
