Re adoption: Having moved away from Missouri long ago, I do not know if any major hospitals have burned down, but I rather doubt that story, perhaps just a ruse to keep her from looking. There was St. John's Hospital on Kingshighway too, now moved out around Ballas Road, between Manchester and Clayton Roads. The hospital's records from 1969 are likely long destroyed by now, as well as the attending doctor's records. When a baby is adopted, there are two birth certificates; one is issued at birth with a least the birthmother's name and age and address and possibly the birthfather's info too, and that is filed with the State of Missouri. The second certificate, supposedly with the same birthdate, is later issued with the adoptive parents' names at the time the court finalizes the adoption, also on file with the State. You can try asking for these under the Freedom of Information Act - but unfortunately, Missouri is one of those states which seals adoption records, and requires a court order to open them. And of course, you will need the mother's name. Also, check all the local papers of September 1969 and see if by chance a girl's birth is listed in one of them. This was often suppressed by the birthmother - or her family - who wanted to keep it all secret. If this were an unwed mother, perhaps she stayed at a home for the unwed. Perhaps she came from another state. Perhaps she was coerced, perhaps not. Perhaps she will welcome you now, perhaps not. Do not ever give up! Put an ad and/or a story in some local papers, with a photo. Someone may well recognize the family likeness. Also, ask the St. Louis Genealogical Society if you might put a query in their newsletter. Seek all the publicity you can get. Get on line with the many adoptive search agencies, including Triadoption. Do not EVER give up! Maureen Schoenky ************** New MapQuest Local shows what's happening at your destination. Dining, Movies, Events, News & more. Try it out (http://local.mapquest.com/?ncid=emlcntnew00000002)