Archive

The VonDerrit Myers memorial should be protected.  His death reminds us of how precious life is and that horrible things can happen.  It encourages us to be neighborly and protective of each other.  Tami has lived in the neighborhood since 2006 and recently purchased a home.  She prefers the neighborhood due to its social diversity.

Sharie R. describes growing up and eating at the Chop Suey diner at Goodfellow and Natural Bridge. She says it was a community gathering ground and one of great memories and great food. The only thing she dislikes about the intersection is the people who congregate at the Mobil Gas Station. Sharie grew up in Wells Goodfellow.  Like many current residents, she inherited a house in the neighborhood that was owned by her mother. Recorded on July 30th 2016

Mr. Williams described a outdoor neighborhood hang-out where folks in the community congregate, even when heat advisories have been issued.

Mr. Williams was born and raised in the Greater Ville neighborhood. He is the third generation of his family to live in his home.

Interview conducted July 2017.

In this story Starr discusses her desire to see Baden grow into a warmer, more open community. She hopes to see more children playing, more people walking dogs and businesses to return to the community. Additionally she discusses the community garden as a place that provides both educational and social benefits to the community. She feels this is an asset the Baden community can build upon going forward, working to revitalize the neighborhood. 

Eltoreon Hawkins believes that good neighbors are the most important contributors to environmental improvement in the neighborhood because they keep property in good order. 

Eltoreon Hawkins grew up in the Walnut Park West neighborhood and now owns several properties there. 

Interview conducted November 2017.

In this video, Captain Daniels talks about the Walnut Park neighborhood of his high school days at Northwest in the late 1970’s. He also addresses how the neighborhood has changed since graduating from Northwest.

Captain Duane Daniels began his career with the St. Louis Fire Department in 1988. He has served at Engine  House #27 in the Walnut Park East neighborhood since 1997. Captain Daniels also attended Northwest High School, graduating with the Class of 1979.

Interview conducted October 2017.

Mrs. Carole speaks about O'Fallon Park as one of the beautiful places in the area that has a nice community center. 

Mrs. Carole was raised in the Walnut Park West neighborhood, and graduated from Northwest High School.

Interview conducted July 2017.

Although this building now serves as apartment units, the old bar sign has been newly renovated to reflect its history. Brittany just recently moved to the St. Louis area.

This house is one of the oldest houses in the neighborhood, and possesses a unique architectural style. Monte has lived in Shaw since 2000 because of the affordable housing, but has stayed because of the sense of community and the opportunities to be involve in multiple organizations and groups.

This area represents a diverse community of open-minded and caring people. The open space encourages kids to play, and it hosts neighborhood events. Cheryl has lived in Botanical Heights since 2006 and has enjoyed the opportunity to take part in revitalizing the neighborhood.

Mr. Stewart speaks about problems of vacancy and speeding on Oriole Avenue. 

Edward Stewart is a long-time resident of Walnut Park.

Interview conducted July 2017.

Vincent Nyman believes his church is present to help community members, regardless if they are a part of the congregation. He hopes they can lend their church as sanctuary for people to gather and socialize as a family, and work themselves as individuals. He hopes the new revitalization organization will be a place for everyone of all faiths to gather and work together for the improvement of the neighborhood.

Glenda Taylor was informed that the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church planned to build a parking lot at the site of two abandoned houses across the street from the church. The houses are at the intersection of Gilmore and Harney Aves. She states that an additional parking lot is needed since there are not enough places to park if the church hosts a large event. Also, folks who attend events at Greater St. Paul take up the parking spaces of residents on Gilmore Ave. 

Glenda Taylor is a long-time resident of Walnut Park East. She can be found sitting on her porch.

Interview conducted September 2017.

The pedestrian bridge across Route 64 is a great example of how the area can cut down on car traffic, by providing safe ways to cross the highways that bisect the city. Arun has lived in the Botanical Heights neighborhood for only a few months of 2015.