Soldan-Blewett High School, now known as Soldan International Studies High School, recently hosted a luncheon for its many graduates, several of whom had graduated more than 70 years ago. Back then, the Central West End public school was known for the quality education it offered its students, who were predominantly Jewish.
Bob “Bobby” Mendelson, who turned 95 last October, won the prize for being the oldest living student at the fete and went home with the coveted prize, a gold and maroon Soldan baseball cap that he wears proudly along with his Tiger T-shirt.
Mendelson, who attended the Temple Israel at Kingshighway and Washington avenues growing up, is the perfect example of how a senior ought to live life should he want to experience more trips around the sun. Tall, lanky and trim, you’ll find him working out at the Center of Clayton five to six days a week. His regime includes time on the stair stepper, lifting weights, riding a stationary bike and water exercises in the first-floor pool.
His television at home is rarely on. He knows sitting on the couch, watching the “Price is Right” has no aerobic value. Little grass grows under his feet.
Recently, after leaving the center and heading towards the parking lot, a fellow workout companion asked: “Partner, did you get in an hour on the bike today?” Mendelson nodded “yes” in response.
Athletic might as well be his middle name. Growing up, Mendelson and his family lived in a modest home on Westminster Avenue, a few short blocks from Forest Park. He and his late sister, Phyllis, often rode their two-wheelers there.
Their father, Nate Mendelson, was membership director for 50-plus years at the YMHA and YWHA (Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association), located on North Union, a few steps north of busy Delmar Boulevard.
“Let’s put it this way, I almost never showered at home,” said Bobby Mendelson, who took full advantage of his father’s position to spend time at the Y. There, he competed guarding the likes of Stan London, who eventually became team physician for the Chicago Cardinals (prior to the football team relocating to St. Louis) and served 23 years as team doctor for the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. London and Mendelson often mixed it up on the basketball courts.
Mendelson entered Soldan in 1942 and graduated four years later. He loved art classes and became a competent painter. One of his classmates — not his girlfriend he professed — was Georgia Frontiere. She went onto marry Los Angeles Rams’ owner Carroll Rosenbloom, who relocated the football team to St. Louis in 1995.
“Georgia was very beautiful and very sweet but not a very good an artist,” Mendelson recalled. “I once did a painting of some flowers and had her sign her name to my work. Georgia never forgot us, having us as guests often in the owner’s box at Rams home games.”
He enrolled at Washington University in 1946. After four years making the honor roll there, he and a good friend signed up for Coast Guard duty. He led a harbor rescue team in Boston Harbor before mustering out of the service.
Once home, he began a speculator’s real estate career all over the region, including trading property in East St. Louis. He often ran into famed gangster Frank “Buster” Wortman who controlled many shady business interests on the east side.
“Buster was the type of guy you wouldn’t even want to meet for coffee, but I think I did several times,” said Mendelson laughing.
Mendelson also ushered at big sporting events around town, including ones at Kiel Auditorium and at the old Walsh Stadium and the Arena, both located on Oakland Avenue.
He was once married and had two children – daughter Linda has since passed away and son Jim is married and has three adult children.
Mendelson, who is divorced, has been with his partner Jody Christner for 34 years. The couple live at the Gatesworth in University City.
A few years ago, in his early 90s, Mendelson taught spinning classes at Bally’s, which morphed into Wellbridge in Clayton. When Wellbridge closed, he worked for True Fusion in the old Famous Barr department store garage, also in Clayton.
Christner reported that senior citizens flocked in big numbers to his classes in the garage, both in 100-degree heat, wearing shorts and tees, and bundled in parkas, when temperatures were near zero in the dead of winter.
“Bob used to create virtual bike rides for his classes so the spinners could take in St. Louis’ popular locations and rides through popular out-of- town cities like Pittsburgh, Chicago and New York,” said Christner.
When you’re 95 and your goal is to live to a 100, working out and staying active are a must.
“Maybe I’ll live that long,” Mendelson said, his hazel eyes twinkling. “After all, half the battle is showing up.”
Cutline
Bob Mendelson, 95, works out daily at the Center of Clayton. He is the oldest living graduate in the area of Soldan High School and has plans to keep his workout routine going.
Photo by Jim Baer
