First Negro constable of St. Louis was Charles H. Turpin, a taffy-colored Republican ward heeler. Son of an amiable colored saloonkeeper named Tom ("Millions") Turpin, he too opened barrooms in St. Louis' black belt with Brother Tom Jr. Three years he spent in California selling a mouse poison of his own invention. Back in St. Louis he was elected constable, and next turned his hand to running a cinemansion, the Booker T. Washington, the present site of St. Louis' massive Municipal Auditorium. Showman Turpin prospered, built the gaudy Jazzland dance hall where...
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