Jefferson Barracks Book Author Honored by Historical Society

The author behind a book about the history of Jefferson Barracks was awarded the Historian of the Year award by the Sunset Hills Historical Society.

Sandie Smith Grassino along with Art Schuermann chronicled the life and culture of the historic military base in Jefferson Barracks. 

“Winning this award has been an incredible and pleasant surprise,” Smith Grassino said. “I will appreciate this forever, and it is a highlight in my life.”

At the award presentation in Sunset Hills on Monday, Smith Grassino discussed her work Jefferson Barracks, and her archival research on the upcoming Sunset Hills, coming out in May. 

“The committee chose Sandie Smith Grassino as Historian of the Year for her historic research and dedication to that cause.” said Butch Thomas, president of the historical society. 

Smith Grassino said she believes that we become who we are from every generation that came before us.

"We can’t know who we are until we know who we were, and therefore, who we will turn out to be,” she said.

Smith Grassino is a retired teacher from Northwest High School.

The Jefferson Barracks book is available at Barnes and Noble and most local book stores for $21.99.

“Some of us were working at Jefferson Barracks (‘J.B.’) after World War II and it was fun. Seeing all those fellows, when they returned from the war…they hadn’t seen women or ice cream in a long time, and they really appreciated both,” Ginny Schmitz said.