The origin of the Ladies of Charity in the United States is featured in a new book titled Famous Firsts of St. Louis– A Celebration of Facts, Figures, Food & Fun. In 1857, Catherine Harkins founded the first American association of the Ladies of Charity at St. Vincent De Paul parish in St. Louis. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the city of St. Louis, Diane Rademacher, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul/Guardian Angel Settlement Association, has compiled a volume of over 150 stories recognizing the city’s premier events and personalities that have had national or international impact.