2912 Washington and the Murder of Arthur Huddleston

Buildings are just piles of boards and bricks without the stories that are attached to them. During November 1912, St. Louis Police Officer Arthur Huddleston was killed by paroled murderer Albert Whitefield. Whitefield had surprised his common-law wife, who was entertaining another gentleman caller. Whitefield attempted to kill her before two St. Louis Police Officers responded to her cries for help. Eventually Whitefield would shoot Officer Huddleston with another St. Louis Police Officer's gun. The murder occurred at 2912 Washington Avenue (Building 65 on the front cover), the former home of Dr. Leete, a prominent member of St. Louis society. By the early 1900s, the once fashionable mansions were converted to rooming houses. Many St. Louis neighborhoods such as the Lucas Place neighborhood in Downtown have suffered similar fates as the tip of the "Golden Triangle" has continued to move westward. Two buildings would occupy the site before the second building was torn down in the 1980s or 1990s. The last building on the block was condemned as wrecked in 1995. The south side of the 2900 block of Washington Avenue is one long vacant lot today. 2912 Washington Avenue had many residents and tenants during its histories. I have captured as much of that history as possible to give the reader a complete perspective on St. Louis building and police history.