Why Preservation Matters : My Neighborhood Vs Lafayette Square

Not our normal weekly video i know but this is important. So this week we take a look at my neighborhood St. Louis Place and compare and contrast it with one of the most well preserved neighborhoods in the city Lafayette Square. Enjoy.
#historicpreservation #cheapoldhouses #truckstop
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[@RamdomRando]

Ignore the haters, theyre probably jealous. Your house is gorgeous, historical houses are works of art that need to be preserved. If people want to live in ugly mcmansions and suburbs, that's on them but they shouldn't go about telling other people to do the same.

[@kimsturdivant8557]

Just do “you” and ignore the hateful comments. We love watching your progress ❤️

[@ah5721]

Right?! Those new cookie cutter houses are ugly and souless!

[@wendymontie5660]

Jealous and/or part of a conglomerate that wants to seize the land for development. Kaleb & Kim and those like them ROCK!

[@ismaelquiles7013]

THESE HOMES ARE WORKS OF ART AND SHOULD BE PRESERVED. YOUR PASSION IS EXTRAORDINARY, NEVER LOSE IT

[@brianscott9749]

You know... there is a reason Walt Disney "rebuilt" the American Main Street (as he remembered it from his childhood in Marceline, MO) as the entrance to his parks - there really is something magical about the architecture. I, for one, am in favor of preserving buildings from all eras in American History. Strangely enough, now we are starting to preserve Mid-Century modern structures (some of which replaced Victorian structures). Once again I must tell you that what you are taking on is impressive at every level and I truly admire the work that you are doing and your passion for doing it! Bravo!!

[@redrooster1908]

Indeed.

[@lmgtulsa]

A man’s dream is better off as a sandlot? As a parking lot? Who the hell says things like this? For shame! I am so thankful that Caleb is doing something like this and preserving history. He’s preserving beauty! I just can’t believe somebody would be so negative at such a grand idea. Honestly, it’s something I wish I could do therefore I watch KZbin videos just like this. Keep up the good work Caleb!

[@secondempirestrikesbackvlo2578]

It’s usually the very first tour of the house where we get these comments. People can be suuuuuper rude in the comments on that one.

[@antonellamR2D2]

Internet trolls, do not mind them! Your house is charming and a really joy to behold. Love from Italy

[@Reet64]

I’d like to see anything they ever built. They’re too busy knocking people down to build anything themselves.

[@lindavallar2167]

@@secondempirestrikesbackvlo2578 i loved the history lesson! my first thought on a truck stop was 😱 with!! Who thought of that!

[@secondempirestrikesbackvlo2578]

@@lindavallar2167 yea truck stops are helpful for everyone, I use them a lot with my rv. But not tearing down a historic neighborhood for one! They were out of their minds.

[@loydclayton5783]

I don't understand why people feel the need to be ugly or say ugly things to you, but keep on with your work. It's worth it and will be a beautiful treasure for you and your family. Goodness, why can't peeps be kind?

[@danielulz1640]

Because some people are just plain ugly! They have a withered heart and a black soul.

[@rollandjoeseph]

Sadly it's probably developers and investors that have those money sign eyes , and greedy hands looking to make a profit off history's Beauty ....I hope they perish under a crumbling old structure to teach them a lesson of Karma!

[@CrankyBubushka]

Agreed. Just be kind.

[@Country_Girl63]

I do not understand those who do not just appreciate historical homes, and the history behind them. Our home is a 1900 American Foursquare, and I cannot imagine someone wanting to knock it down. I live in the country, and see people knocking down homes all of the time without a second thought. History needs to be remembered and preserved.

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

Hinsdale, Illinois is a perfect example of the blight caused by absolutely beautiful, amazingly well-crafted old homes being torn down for god knows what other reason other than to make some small person feel larger than they are. And the fact that the city’s mayors and councilfolk have been approving these teardowns for over 25 years and obliterating the charm that was Hinsdale.BTW, the American Foursquare is one of my favorite styles. I live a Sears House model called the Puritan.

[@fredrickaappletree3402]

@@colleenuchiyama4916 This is a blight in England as well it’s heartbreaking. In Stockton on tees in England part of the old high street was demolished it was about 300 years old. Think York city type buildings /houses charming and hiddlety piglety to make way for an indoor shopping centre. The old part was unique and beautiful part of the towns rich history some of the stone was from an ancient castle. The new shopping centre is boring ugly and just like hundreds of others across the uk. Roll on 30 years or so and now this “wonderful new shopping centre” is being knocked down for something “better”what a disgrace! The council/s are corrupt giving work to their mates and relatives and destroying our precious heritage it’s so sad. Fight to save your wonderful beautiful homes 🏡

[@secretRBRman]

I Thought it would be illegal to knock down historic homes? in Australia we have laws protecting historic homes. You have to keep the facade and base structure.

[@fredrickaappletree3402]

@@secretRBRman Don’t know about America but in Britain historic buildings/ places are grade 1 grade 2 (more complicated than that but…). There are specifications for the buildings to benefit from this law. However lots of Victorian houses don’t fit into this category and have been bulldozed to make room for cardboard like shoebox homes with 6 foot of garden and bedrooms too small to get a wardrobe in. If there was a street of 18 Victorian terraces 35 new build will be erected.

[@loissaedder2214]

@@secretRBRman sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I agree we should keep what we can of our history. We don't have a lot that is very old. I'm in Queensland.

[@FloridaClay]

Amen! As for the trolls, my advice would just be to block them. They don't deserve your attention. Every channel attracts a few jerks.

[@ElTuxemo]

The trolls aren't fit to lick your boots, pal. You're doing something they never could - restoring and rebuilding the glory of the past with a community of people to take it into the future. You're a hero!

[@nickandlaurihyde]

It’s the same 45 asswipes who gave him a thumbs down for this video. Special brand of scum they are!

[@MrPhotodoc]

In the 70's while at Greenville College in Illinois, our Art professor urged the students to go to St. Louis and draw the few remaining "Brownstones" because they were being torn down for highways. That's when I got the preservation bug. These places MUST be saved. I still have those drawings.

[@sonjaroberts2723]

I would love to see your drawings.

[@sheelfjohnson]

The phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism" springs to mind 😄. Negative people don't usually create or contribute anything. They just natter. Onward and upward, Kaleb.

[@jacquil6718]

Great quote.

[@timloveless5409]

@@jacquil6718 I recolect this quote from Vice President Spiro T Agmew, from Richard Nixons first term.

[@jacquil6718]

@@timloveless5409 Yes, you’re correct. That’s why it’s a great quote, IMHO. 😉

[@rotorself-winding698]

Amen Brother. To destroy takes moments, to build may take weeks and months, but to reconstruct takes years upon years. A mighty salute to you and all others that try to save for all our generations to come.

[@toniasalways]

There are people who set notifications to "new" and immediately go there and give a thumbs down. I've been one of the first viewers after the vlog was posted and yet there was a thumbs down in less than 5 minutes. And then the "professional" trolls who are a wet blanket on any blog. Doesn't have to be anything they watch, just to have access to be able to say something mean. You have to wonder what kind of a life they have if their full time job is trolling. So let them troll. It's the only thing they know how to do. If they knew how to do anything else they'd be doing it.

[@dacekundrate4391]

Yes, sadly there are people, who lead such miserable lives, that their only accomplishment in life is mean comment on KZbin video. Just imagine such life...

[@danielulz1640]

Toni, I think you just defined complete and utter loser.

[@mileshigh1321]

Toni, what the idiots don't realize is that when they subscribe it helps the channel! when they click on the video it counts as a view! And even a thumbs down is viewed as a reaction and is not bad for the channel it actually helps! So its a win win for the channel and it shows how stupid these idiots are thinking their dumb thumbs down is bad for the channel! idiots are usually not very smart!

[@tracebooks]

Wish there was a way to identify and block those trolls.

[@mileshigh1321]

@@tracebooks I agree! It should be that if you hit thumbs down twice, you can no longer watch that channel!

[@susanelmer1550]

I agree with you 💯 I'm 72 now and it makes my heart feel so good to see young people like you trying to preserve our history. When I was a young woman I loved old homes and historical places. I'd walk through them imagining being back in that time and trying to feel what it was like. I love our country but we are horrible about tearing down our history. Thank you for trying to preserve our beautiful history.

[@beverlyfleming6352]

I agree 🌹

[@pinkvolo]

Same here!!

[@rubyaguilar594]

People that are negative is because of jealousy. Just don't pay attention to them because your house is very beautiful. I love the 17-18 century houses. I love the way they were built and how they were designed. I am glad that you are restoring your house. Keep up the good work. Ignore the negativity.

[@kate_cooper]

Negativity isn’t always because of jealousy, some arseholes just want to be horrible and make other people miserable for the fun of it. It’s best to block them.

[@junethackray3599]

17/18 century homes were built with style, class, beauty and most of all love. Love for the family who were going to live in that home. I hate when I see them demolished

[@abutterfly7975]

Ppl aren’t jealous I’ve come to realize they’re just miserable ppl.

[@rafaeltorre1643]

You mean the architectural style? Or did you actually mean the 1700 and 1800's? It's very rare to find a house in America built in the 17th century (1600's). The revolutionary war creating the U.S. wasn't until the late 18th century. Only places like St Augustine, Florida, Santa Fe, NM, Virginia, and New England area will have houses from the 1600s. Most historical American cities are 18th and 19th century. (1700 and 1800's). But I agree that they are much more amazing and creative than modern homes. Charleston, SC has one of the largest preserved historical cities in the U.S. Its a history lover's dream.

[@pattyhuxley9509]

I, for one, believe my generation (Boomers) are a ‘throw away’ generation. So from us who realize the waste and loss of memories that should be preserved I say thank you for taking on this massive project and bring one more piece of history back to its former beauty and authenticity.

[@hithere7382]

Some of the boomers were cool, my mom was one and she was the coolest lady ever.

[@rafaeltorre1643]

Thank you for acknowledging both sides of the boomer generation. My parents are boomers and my dad hardworking and never believed in debt. I've never seen him buy something for himself. Everything "used". But it was in my opinion, mostly the older ww2 generation that made the biggest changes and everything "modern" and suburbia "white flight" trend that ruined once thriving cities. This old video is from the 50s. The boomers were little kids and not adults. But boomers in general did start the material waste trend and took it to another level. They (not all) never considered how they impacted their next generation. They were the last generation to enjoy living a middle class "American dream" life and pension. Now newer generations have to live with the bad decisions that they made and the middle class is disappearing. Now we are reliant on having a reliable car to get anywhere and you need a high paying job to even consider buying a house. Most people rent. Our economy now revolves around buying things that will end up in a landfill and serves only the wealthy. Less inheritance if their kids are even lucky to get anything. And took their companies and wealth to China. Homeless everywhere. These are some of the reasons you see once great mansions abandoned in big cities. Infrastructure failing. I wish I could live when America was at its peak.

[@hithere7382]

@@rafaeltorre1643my parents left me plenty but they were born successful.

[@kevincherry3116]

This is true of so many places around the country. This is why historic districts, the National Register, and historic preservation tax credits are so important!

[@coreygraves40]

I toured a local historic home here in Omaha today called Joslyn Castle, and I mentioned you when I told the tour guide how I knew what was going on with the doors and how they were veneered to appear as two different wood types. Ignore the haters and keep following your passion by restoring your beautiful home.

[@mbsbrown7838]

You have a special eye for preservation and the need of it. Not going to lie, it can be an uphill climb, one to preserve and two the cost. Hold your ground and your head up high. Just remember if you lived in England you could be working on a home that is 700-900 years old. Your house and area are a part of history, you may check into having it placed on the historical register....You are doing a commendable job, haters are going to hate but many are here to cheer you on and help you when they can.

[@1834RestorationHouse]

That was one of the most inspiring speeches I've heard in a long time. We need young people like you who can carry the preservation torch into the future!

[@JP516]

Your passion shows big time. not everyone will understand why you're doing what you're doing and that's what makes it special. Keep up the great work man !

[@juliajohnson5276]

Not many people could do what Caleb is doing. It takes a lot of determination, money, know how and a certain “mindset” to persevere through all this.

[@cowboyhank456]

It's really indicative of his genuine passion that despite knowing better, these trolls still get to him on some level. Every KZbinr has to deal with them, but few ever speak of it. I suppose most just learn to brush it off, and I wish Caleb will learn to do the same, but it's yet another reminder his heart is in it

[@sharonrhoads2461]

Ignore those negative people. The rest of us are so proud of the work you are doing and the passion you have for your city.

[@karenashworth5743]

I live in a small village in the UK which is a conservation area. The oldest building here dates back to 1132 , many of them are 15th and 16th century. There has been no building allowed here since before 1900( my home is from 1894). However, in the 1970's it was under threat, it was proposed that a motorway be built straight through the village. Thanks to the dedicated opposition of two men and the backing of the whole village it was saved and the blight was lifted. It is a wonderful place to live, everybody knows everyone else and neighbours help one another out. They rally around at the least sign of trouble and I for one will leave here in a coffin. Community is an amazing thing to watch at work and to be part of. I hope your efforts to revive your neighbourhood work. Good luck x

[@garycurry4600]

Your passion is why I subscribed to your channel, and why I stay.

[@robsgirl7778]

I really appreciate the somberness with which you brought the intro, and shared your heart with us. You have a community here on your channel who love and support the work you are doing.

[@shannoncook7731]

There is a reason I watch this channel religiously. It's you. It's your passion for this house, its heritage and its future. It only takes one person to change the world around them and I firmly believe that is your destiny. Kudos to you for loving something so much and wanting to change the world. We need more people like you on this planet. Much love from Maryland!

[@kathleenholliday5910]

Amen to that!

[@abutterfly7975]

Your are a dreamer an artist an old soul…… there should be more ppl like you!

[@craigsully9661]

I always watch every video on tv I never write comments but I feel I have to this time. Don't listen to anybody do what you love your house is beautiful others are just jealous I see your passion and we need more people like you and your wife to bring back these gorgeous buildings. Keep your head up and spread the word we need to preserve our history . If they want new tell them go to California

[@rebeccarenner8927]

Listening to you speak gave me goosebumps thank you for sharing your passion. I love the end of the video with the older gentleman reading his poem, it was so sweet.

[@CarlyzClozet]

I truly appreciate what you and Kim and others who have the courage and passion to give your all to bring back the beauty and glory of your community. Those who have snide and negative comments, ignore them. They have no vision or passion in life.

[@vm5610]

People like you have a gift of vision and passion!! Thank you!!

[@NailahRoberts]

In the UK, there was an area in Liverpool called the Albert dock. It was derelict until it was restored, it now has so many visitors and brings in so much revenue. You and Kim are doing a great job👍😁 0 seconds ago

[@mishkasmom4979]

Yes!!! For a moment to be a part of it!!!! We need people like you and your wife!! Keep up the good work 😊

[@theresamultistan4549]

Block those negative posts! You know why you're doing what you're doing. I really appreciate your devotion to your home, community, and city that you love. I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@susanhoucke3220]

You are very well spoken and so passionate. Thank you for preserving our beautiful country’s heritage.

[@susanbellefeuille]

I applaud your effort and dedication to restoring this house

[@clairemoniz4341]

Every neighborhood needs strong resident advocates like yourself to make sure that their community is protected and not neglected by the city. It makes a huge difference! Squeaky wheels get the grease as they say.

[@terrirobinson3876]

Thank you so much for what you are doing. My parents grew up in St. Louis and moved when I was 6. I spent summer's and holidays in St. Louis where my Grandmother took me to the zoo, the museums, the Jewel Box. I had a great Aunt that lived in those horrible slums the city built. As I got older I saw more and more of the history and beautiful old homes and buildings being left to rot. It always made me so sad. I am glad you are taking on the fight and hope you inspire others to get involved.

[@heru-deshet359]

One main factor of several is that beautiful buildings become this way because those who buy or inherit them, don't live in them, have no pride of ownership and aren't interested in the community. Case in point is a town in PA called Waynesboro. There are many beautiful buildings that have been abandoned, but not left to rot. The community is coming back because young people with a love of history are buying and restoring them saving them from greedy developers or becoming slums. Working from home is actually becoming a boon to communities like this because large businesses don't have to be there geographically, but large work from home communities create and sustain those towns.

[@heru-deshet359]

@@davebryant8050 I would rather get a renovation loan after I buy an old home cheaply (with money I would have to use as a down payment for a new home anyway) and have it done by professionals than mortgage a large eyesore.

[@timothykeith1367]

Absentee owners rent the properties until they deteriorate so much that they no longer can be occupied. If the neighborhood does manage to become desirable the taxes will probably increase significantly

[@pisces11105]

Wow Kaleb The passion for your community just oozes from your pores when you talk about St Louis and Lafayette Square. It is amazing. Keep it up. you should run for office

[@cheryllakin6736]

Thankful for you and all those who came before you, who belive in preservation keep it moving forward.

[@janetr5929]

My husband was born and raised in a mid sized Ohio city. His parents raised their family in a 1900 middle class neighborhood that is now a blighted, scary, drug ridden neighborhood, really has been since the 70s, downright dangerous currently. A few streets over, not even a mile away is a decaying street .Back, 120+ years ago, the wealthy built their enormous, beautiful homes. The avenue became a historic district during the 80s. People bought these old, neglected homes and mansions and poured their hard work, money and love into restoring these stately homes to their former glory. Being a true lover of historic homes, I was absolutely overwhelmed and fell in love with each one on a walking tour in 1990ish. I wished more than anything at the time that we could own one of these beauties or rehab a house ourselves. Fast forward 15 years and present day, the city wouldn’t or couldn’t keep the bad element out. The people who lovingly restored these homes have long since left the neighborhood due to drugs and crime. It decays more and more every year. It’s so sad. I just wonder what the answer could have been to protect this historic neighborhood. It’s just so sad.

[@kevincherry3116]

The 1960s urban blight movement really helped create the historic preservation movement, leading to the creation of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

[@deesheahan8957]

As my husband and I continue,our now 8 yr long,restoration on our 1887 Victorian here in KS,we,too wish more ppl would save these historic gems,all over the U.S. Like eating an elephant,one bite at a time.

[@jeanhansel5805]

Under the umbrella of so-called "Urban Developmment' in the 60's, swaths of both Milwaukee, WI, and San Francisco, CA, were rent asunder by the bulldozers. I grew up in Milwaukee and have lived in San Francisco since 1964. What was lost can never be replaced. Preserving and honoring what does remain is a very honorable goal.

[@sharpduds]

Even Portsmouth, NH suffered the Urban Renewal Syndrome of the mid-century, but the planners had the good sense to set aside land and particular exquisite examples of historic architecture to be resituated and restored into Strawberry Banke. Granted, a number of other historic structures were destroyed under the wrecking ball, but there are books documenting amateur preservationists 'liberating' woodwork, windows, hardware, floors, mantelpieces, and even massive sections of timber framing in the night, and incorporating those elements into their own new-old homes. Even if razed, those old buildings continue on, for new generations

[@claudiobeachball]

Wonderful video Kaleb. I admire your passion and your willingness to make the effort to preserve history. Don't feel the need to feed the trolls. The vast majority of us are here each week to see how your vision unfolds in real time, and appreciate what you do.

[@jamesdoble7580]

Keep your chin up, You are starting a new era for you neighborhood.

[@imapatching09]

I love your passion. In Topeka, KS there was a "blighted" old Victorian area that is just beautiful now - house by house brought back to life and beauty.

[@cinwells7]

We are a throw away society… Thank you for not giving into this! I’m so happy to see young people have passion in history and preservation. I’m praying for you each and every step.

[@romibo6252]

Your attitude is amazing! We're all behind you! Ignoe those ignorant jerks!

[@debkuppusamy7912]

Don’t lose your passion and focus! It only takes a spark and one man can start a revolution

[@nyotauhura7412]

Your house gets more and more beautiful everyday. People dissing your house are envious that you are creating something beautiful!

[@pamcastiron4274]

I grew up in the tower grove area of St. Louis. Even as a child I thought the homes were beautiful. I also enjoyed driving through other neighborhoods to see all the pretty homes. Thank you for showing so many people what a gem St. Louis is and what beautiful homes and neighborhoods we have. Even though I do not live in St. Louis anymore it is and will always be home

[@pathopkin9363]

We emigrated to Australia from the UK in the 70s and were amazed with the destruction of their heritage buildings and disappointed they were destroying their history. Am back in uk now and our historic history of buildings and so much enjoy your programme and dedication so much 😀

[@MrRabidtroll]

The new second empire buildings gives me hope that the aesthetic future of America is recovering from the sickness of modern art and architecture that was a plague decades ago.

[@janeblandford852]

Excellent vlog and love your passion on saving beautiful buildings and the surroundings. Don't let the negative bother you....you are on the right track and are doing an amazing job!!

[@Reet64]

You don't have to justify yourself to these trolls. It's your right to take on this project.

[@jbart5260]

Ignore the small % of the troll. Your dedication is incredible. I hope it is infectious for others to come to your area and preserve history.

[@ranealong6555]

I would like to THANK YOU AND KIM, for all your hard work, dedication, and passion for restoring your BEAUTIFUL house! I have always loved old architecture, so to see how much you both do gives me hope for the future. I LOVE your videos, and for allowing us to go on this journey with y'all. 😊 I hate that there are negative people who have to complain.....just ignore them. As a young girl, we would travel from Ohio, to Oklahoma, and Texas, and we would go thru St. LOUIS. I fell in love with the old houses I would see, sadly back in 2017, my sons took me to Texas, and the houses were gone.....😢💔 Every time I see old houses torn down it breaks my heart, because even though they build houses today that look like the old ones, they will never be the same. Please hang in there, and again, THANK YOU for preserving a piece of our past. 😊

[@ingridrenata]

Great video! I live in a somewhat historic town on the west coast that is falling victim to new, craftsman-esque (but in a cheaply done, mass-produced way) new-builds. So many of our beautiful homes are being renovated or demolished completely. I wish people would keep our beautiful homes alive and well, instead of churning out little boxes over and over again. Preservation definitely matters!

[@ladonnabuehne1867]

Your spirit is absolutely amazing. I always feel uplifted after listening to your video. Thank you!

[@iamjacksnick]

Thank you for making your community a better place!

[@sneakyflutes]

Nearly every city in the US suffered from this problem in the middle of the 20th century. The only solution is people like you, bringing neighborhoods and community back.

[@RenewedColonial]

Absolutely! Yes and again-YES! Preservation and Restoration!! The people who are negative have NO IDEA what they are saying! You are doing something so important that will outlive all of us! Thank you for all your dedication and hard work!🙏🏻

[@carolmcreynolds7761]

God bless you and your passion for preservation! The water tower is absolutely, outstanding architecture. The poem is a tribute to all of those in the past and today who actually care about the historical value of the beautiful architecture. This type of architecture is rarely see built today!

[@Marlaina]

Because of your journey, I’ve become inspired to look for a Victorian home up in my home region of New England. Won’t be able to relocate right now but it’s definitely a goal of mine.

[@deborahmatatall]

Thank you for sharing your passion for your elegant old house, your neighborhood and the history of your city. It is clear this has become more than just restoring an old house. I think this is the main reason your channel has grown so fast. You are allowing us to help you and support you in this adventure. Thank you, Kaleb, for always being yourself and letting us come along on your journey.🌸

[@jpbpds]

I don’t plan to move to St Louis but between you and Mr Man I find myself looking at old homes in the area on Zillow. It’s a fascinating area, I love dreaming about the possibilities.

[@lavendarcrash2941]

Love how you did this video. NOCO native and the cycle has started in the suburbs the Boomers built after moving out of their postwar boom childhood homes. I remember adults always being so derogatory about North City growing up. So excited to see you and other members of our generation working to build it back better than the big developers ever actually would have. Hopefully it's owner occupants so your neighbors won't be priced out of their own neighborhood as so often happens once the speculators start sniffing around.

[@anaesperanzag]

Those people who write rude comments probably still live in the 70s (at least mentally speaking..). Don't foccus on them, most of us think that what your are doing is remarkable and really important, and we can't wait to see your house finished! The beautiful and old neighborhoods of my city (Malaga, spain) were destroyed druing the 80-90s and early 2000s, and that's so sad.. So I'm glad that there are people who want to restore and not to destroy to make horrible buildings in historical places.

[@jackiecharmedonesurridge]

We're watching your progress in the uk & absolutely love watching your videos I just felt compelled to comment We think its amazing what your doing your house is beautiful & will be incredible when its finished please ignore the negative people what your doing is amazing & couldn't agree with you more keep up the fantastic work ❤🖤❤🖤

[@scottyprobert3480]

I spent four years fixing up an abandoned 1920 worker cottage by myself in Indianapolis; my neighbor told me she had spent the years prior trying to get it torn down by the City. It's unfortunate that so many people are intent on destruction although it doesn't always seem to stem from malice. The drug crime and shootings in my neighborhood kept getting worse and I eventually sold my house after being shot several times in an attempted homicide. There are so many underlying social issues at play, especially when a neighborhood has insufficient interest in self-preservation, but it's unfortunate that so many old buildings are lost.

[@DaMiniMarshmellow]

Caleb, you're a hero to my childhood. Your dedication to educate and express your feelings is monumental. The homes in the "slums" of St. Louis were some of the most beautiful homes that I can remember through the eyes of my child self. Even to this day, I often find myself comparing the newly built concrete and drywall to the painstakingly preserved old brick and plaster of my childhood. There were SO many hidden gems in St. Louis , often just under that layer of dust that you spoke about. There are breathtaking murals painted on the ceilings of intricate brick ceilings in a lot of the historic buildings. Forgotten and faded over the years, but the craftmanship still very much mocking our ignorance.

[@larksong4]

Not only do you entertain, but you also educate. I have been to St. Louis, but you have made me want to come back again. Love your channel. Thank you for another great video!!!!!

[@josephcaruso779]

This weeks video was so well done! Ignore the haters, most of us here share your passion for the importance of preservation. St. Louis is very fortunate to have you in its midst.

[@ginnyb4585]

There are at least 112,000 subscribers who would disagree with the haters and trolls. We are loving and appreciating everything you are doing with your beautiful home. Wishing you and Kim every success. Best wishes from a dedicated viewer in New Zealand.

[@eileenmurphy5718]

More people need to understand and safe history because it is disappearing left and right. Most don’t care to save it anymore they want newer but it’s not always better. You are doing such a great job saving your house and letting people know about the history of it. Please keep up the fantastic work you are doing.

[@joemanflyer2001]

I love to watch and hear your passion in your voice and hard work !! Enjoy your amazing project ! Labor of love !!!

[@Bobrogers99]

Caleb, what you are doing is creating an example in your neighborhood that others can follow. You're preserving something both historic and beautiful, and at the same time creating a home that can be lived in and enjoyed. I hope that the owner of the house next door will be among the first to follow your lead! ;-)

[@elenin.3228]

It costs nothing to be mean if you're hidden behind a keyboard. So people throw up their own frustration and misery on you and everybody else on all social media. Do not even bother. What you are doing is divine. You are preserving legacy for future generations. You are making a difference. I cannot stress enough how much I admire what you are doing for your city. I just wish there were more people like you around the world. Thank you!

[@Rohan-nc8jt]

Watching from New Zealand and I *WISH* we had the beautiful history in our homes. I adore not just the home but learning about the families who lived there. Ignore the negativity, once it's gone it can't be recovered so I applaud your vision & dedication to gracing this old lady with the love/care she deserves.

[@mshockey73]

Keep doing what you're doing to preserve and restore this gorgeous home of yours. You have over 100,000 of us as your cheering section.

[@mattfaison9976]

Thanks for taking such a passionate interest in saving my home town. Don’t let the haters get you down, we can’t wait to see what you do next - even watching plaster dry!

[@ryanchrisgomez]

This is so beautifully done, Kaleb. Thank you. I think I asked you in the comments of one of your videos how you felt about restoring a house in north city and how you dealt with naysayers. This was a perfect response. 🥰

[@betsyh2503]

Thank goodness for people like Caleb and Kim, preserving our history. Loved the poem.

[@jennaabel3696]

How amazing is it to have all that video footage of your town! Thank you for this video it was a really cool look into history around your house.

[@donnahannaford6840]

Watched the 1 min 22 secs of ads so I can help from lockdown in Australia. Your passion for both the past, current and future neighbourhood community is outstanding. Thank you so much, Kaleb

[@carolynholody9281]

Anyone who would tell you that your house is better off torn down needs their head examined. You have a diamond in the rough that you and Kim are restoring to its former glory! Keep up the good work!

[@dennispittser6590]

It takes seeds to grow a forest. Keep up the amazing work! Your passion for your neighborhood is evident. Your passion for your home is evident. Lean into your project and stay your course.

[@PomegranateStaindGrn]

Bravo, Caleb! Hope you feel better soon.

[@woohoonelli]

Your passion about preservation is contagious. I truly hope that other like minded people restore your neighbourhood and others like it to their former glory.

[@pamb.1699]

You are truly doing a wonderful with the house. People that say negative things do not have anything else in life to do with their time but try to hurt other people with ugly words. Keep up the great work and God Bless you.

[@danielulz1640]

Ugly is as ugly does.

[@allieschleiff8363]

I don't have much to say because you've stated your points beautifully. I just wanted to add that you drove through my neighborhood: Lafayette Square. I am so, so grateful to people like you who took the initiative back then to invest in the "slums" deemed unworthy to exist. Without that initiative, I (and many other city residents) wouldn't have the opportunity to live in a safe, lively, beautiful neighborhood with a sense of community and where the citizens have a sense of pride in their homes. What you are doing matters so much to those twenties-and-thirties-somethings of the future who so strongly desire to start their lives here in the heart of the city where their friends, families, and careers reside. Thank you so much for the work you're doing and for the video! I have high hopes for St. Louis Place :).

[@larisajeffrey2312]

Don’t listen to haters…..they are incapable of doing a smidge of the wonderful craft you do…..they are empty and bored with their lives….easy to talk trash when either a nasty text …or how people would talk on a phone and not face to face because they are weak. I love your compassion in your views and your vision not only for your home but for your community.

[@erynnlongenecker2672]

The watertower and poem at the end of the video was a delightful dessert.

[@IreneSonni]

I love your passion for your community and house. ❤️ Those negative people aren’t worth thinking about. You are doing great!

[@what1dreamt]

Never would have guessed that was a water tower, so beautiful.

[@lesley-annmaggs15]

You are such a wonderful young man! So emotive, such a heart!! I feel your passion and I feel your pain. The desperation in your words for people to wake up and see the life around them. To save and renew them, to breathe life back into them as you are doing. If only they could stop, listen and hear the gentle sigh of hope that rests just below their surface. I pray that people see and take up the baton with the same passion and love and hope that lies with you. You are truly amazing Caleb. When things get tough just remember who you are in your heart of hearts. There aren't many of you around with such a beautiful soul!! Don't be less than you are!! With much love and appreciation for the beauty and the joy you bring to so many of us. Take care, keep safe. God bless. Lesley-Ann xX

[@terrythomas2735]

I love your home you are doing a great thing bringing back something that is more beautiful than we could make today God bless you in your endeavors I will be following you and your partner thank you

[@charlenasutherland]

It has been my experience that those who make the most extreme criticisms are people who make their complaints behind a wall of anonymity. Behind their curtain they can make acid remarks and mean comments. These must be very unhappy and sad individuals who can’t stand seeing dreams acted upon. Just my opinion. You can’t take criticism to heart. Just do your best and keep moving forward 👍

[@jenniferholliday6436]

Hello Caleb, watching from Australia. Love hearing the history of your city as i know nothing about St Lois. Loving your heart for your house and neighbourhood. Im a believer for saving our history for future generations. Keep up the good work.