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Mac’s impeccable credentials and family
connections paved the way to introductions to the
upper echelon of St. Louis society. For a short time
after his arrival Mac worked as a corporate lawyer with
the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. As always, his heart pulled
him toward the field of education. When Cote
Brilliante Public School was opened, Samuel Cupples,
president of the St. Louis School Board appointed Mac
as Principal. Cote Brilliante was the crown jewel of the
St. Louis Public School System and Mac’s appointment
was a rare tribute.
In 1873, Mac resigned his position at Cote
Brilliante to take on the challenge of establishing
Elleardsville School in the Ville neighborhood. Officially
named Colored School No. 8, Elleardsville was the first
public school opened in St. Louis for the children of
Built
during
the
Gilded Age of St.
Louis, Cote Brilliante
was constructed in
all white stone, had
three floors, seven
classrooms and two
fanciful towers