10.20.25–10.25.25
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Conversation with Danya Gerasimova

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Jane Linke lived near the Missouri Portland Cement factory from 1964 to 1976.

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Danya:

Do you remember the Missouri Portland Cement factory?

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Jane Linke:

I lived within a mile of the cement plant. Like others’, our cars were always filled with white flakes of cement. Both parents had a different form of cancer, one brother has MS, and the other has diverticulitis.

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Danya:

Could you tell me how long you lived in the area for and on which street?

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Jane Linke:

1964–1976. We lived on Siebe Dr in the St. Cyr Hills neighborhood.

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Danya

How would you describe the neighborhood back then?

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Jane Linke:

It was like Mayberry, the TV show—very safe, middle class. Most moms didn't drive; they stayed home and took care of the family. There was a nurse and a secretary that rode the bus downtown. A few people worked at the GM Plant, a few were teachers. Free time was for sporting activities, BBQ, watching their kids.

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Danya

Do you remember much talk about pollution from the factory in the neighborhood at the time?

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Jane Linke:

Yes, there was always a white powdery dust on cars, bikes, lawn furniture, anything that was uncovered outside. Some days were worse than others!

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Danya:

Do you remember interacting with environmental activists at all or seeing flyers or letters like this one distributed?

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Jane Linke:

No, I've never seen this flyer.

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Danya:

Did your decision to move away from the neighborhood have to do with the pollution?

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Jane Linke:

My parents stayed through the ’80s. I left in July of ‘76, when I married and moved away. No, it was not the pollution; it didn't really seem to bother us at the time. We were, sadly, so used to it!

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Danya:

Do you link your family's health issues to the effects of the factory?

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Jane Linke:

Absolutely! My older brother has MS, younger has diverticulitis, and I have hypothyroidism and colitis—both autoimmune diseases.

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