Ray Hartmann: I Love You!

Ray Hartmann: He's loyal to dogs, too: I was the editor to Ray's publisher for a couple of years during the early '80s. Here are some recollections: I first met Ray at the University of Missouri student newspaper. We became friends and after a few years had gone by, he gave me a chance to edit the newspaper in its infancy. He had a dog (whose name I'm forgetting) that had spine surgery and pulled itself around his apartment. He remained loyal to that dog until the very end. His personal life was largely in boxes spread around that same apartment. His parents suffered lingering effects from injuries during World War II and Ray was left without them at a pretty young age. Ray, like everyone around in those early days, worked 24/7 to get RFT off the ground. There are many wonderful stories: about cultivating sources and starting the personals section to gain circulation; of being on [Jack] Carney's KMOX radio show (he embraced us and gave us early credibility); of stories about Soulard and that neighborhood's collisions with political interests; taking on the May Company over St. Louis Centre; and the RFT's uncovering the move by the city to change Forest Park ahead of both the Globe-Democrat and the Post-Dispatch.

Most important, Ray had a vision for an alternative newspaper that fundamentally reshaped how people looked at downtown St. Louis. He believed that same newspaper could do good investigative journalism as well as deliver the best entertainment information. He was part of the revitalization of Laclede's Landing. He put his personal fortune into making the newspaper work. He was joined by Mark Vittert, who helped us get through cash-flow disruptions.

Whatever your political stripes, Ray deserves a lot of credit — probably more than he gets — for bringing attention back to a beleaguered city at a time when it needed attention the most. His stands and viewpoints weren't always popular, but they were always well thought out and passionate. I'll never forget his interview with [former St. Louis football Cardinals owner] Bill Bidwell at a time when Bidwell couldn't have been more reviled in St. Louis. Or the time we were being stonewalled by the May Company as they led the charge for the ill-fated St. Louis Centre and were steamrolling small storefront retailers. Ray picked up the phone and began dialing sequential numbers until the May Company CEO picked up his private line to find Ray on the other end. Or the fight we joined — and won — to save Union Station. Long after I left Hartmann Publishing, those stories piled one upon the other. It was an honor to work with Ray and it will remain a highlight of my life and career.

P.S. Note to (your) self on RFT staff: "Gee, would I have this job if it weren't for Ray?"
Donald V. Patton Jr.

Ray Hartmann: Honest as the day is long: I worked for Ray at RFT and still work for Ray at St. Louis Magazine. For sixteen years I have worked for the man and I want to tell you that he is the greatest boss and one of the most honest, decent, funny, trusting and caring people I know. I only hope that this is what comes across when you do your 30th anniversary article. We all have pasts, but I hope that you concentrate on all of Ray's accomplishments in his life, as he has more than most of us ever will. Ray is just a good guy, and I hope that is what you publish.
Dani Toney

Ray Hartmann: He gives presents to babies: Regarding your pending 30th anniversary of Riverfront Times, I have this to share: As RFT staff photographer from 1983 to 1995, I have many anecdotes about Ray — some flattering, some not. I prefer to dwell on the positive for this piece. Ray is an honorable and decent man. He took a stand against the power structure of St. Louis and had a positive impact on many lives. At times, his was a voice in the wilderness. During the early years of the paper, he often passed on cashing his own paycheck so that his employees and vendors would be paid. Even though I was a freelancer, Ray called me to offer his sympathy when my father died in 1987. I jumped on his kindness and asked for a job. When my second son was born in 1988, Ray came to my house with a present for the baby. I defy anyone to name an employer who has done such a thoughtful act.

Ray gave me the opportunity to grow as a photographer, allowing a full page of editorial space for a weekly photo feature. Even when it was my time to go and he had to fire me, he offered me an open door as a freelancer and gave me a gift certificate for $1,000 to The Touring Cyclist.
Michael DeFilippo