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Speaker Series: Buster Brown at the 1904 World’s Fair

The Field House Museum is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kristine Smith for an engaging discussion on Buster Brown, the 1904 World’s Fair, and early consumer culture. Discover how Buster Brown—the mischievous comic strip character turned advertising icon—helped put the St. Louis-based Brown Shoe Company (now Caleres) on the map, becoming a beloved symbol of American style and marketing ingenuity. This fascinating program will explore key moments in St. Louis history, including the impact of the 1904 World’s Fair and the rise of one of the city’s oldest and most iconic companies—the Brown Shoe Company. Join us to uncover how Buster Brown became a cultural phenomenon and a lasting symbol of American advertising!

This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance on our website, by calling the Museum at 314-421-4689, or by emailing info@fieldhousemuseum.org.

About the Speaker:

Kris Runberg Smith is a historian, professor emeritus, and museum professional. She earned her PhD in American Studies from Saint Louis University and degrees from the University of Idaho and Washington State University. She has worked in historical institutions, including the Missouri, Ohio, and Kansas historical societies along with the City Museum. As the Brown Shoe Company archivist, Kris researched the many transformations of Buster Brown, a cartoon celebrity who lent his name to over 100 companies.

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