The Neighborhood: 40 Years Ago

Some forty years ago, people in the neighborhood whose boundaries were 42nd St. on the North, Minnehaha Parkway on the South, Chicago Ave on the East and Nicollet Ave on the West came together to address common neighborhood concerns.  These were "people who cared" about their children, their neighbors and neighborhood and about the future of all three. 

On Sept 20th, 2005 in Hospitality Hall representatives from that original group told of those times.  Pain as well as triumph and pride came through in their personal stories.  Most importantly, the pain experienced due to the racial climate of the 1950s and 1960s inspired people in this neighborhood to promote social equality and work toward forming cohesive neighborhood alliances.

In many ways this was and remains a very unique neighborhood.  One courageous builder led the way.  His idea, the dream, of a mixed race/color neighborhood where all peoples could experience the American Dream came to be.  The builder was from a Russian-Jewish background.  His dream and the reality that ensued were the "Tilsen Bilt Homes of 1954." This was the first mixed race new home neighborhood in the United States. There were 63 lots located here.  Not only that, but they were affordable and FHA financing was approved to people of color.  A barrier had been overcome in housing and the Field-Regina neighborhood took much pride in that milestone!  After that, they carried the "burden of proof" that people could live in peace and harmony regardless of background. The neighborhood community group was devoted to that end.  With their hard work, dedication and "people who care", this neighborhood sports a long list of accomplishments(see some), many of which in their history are "trend setters" in the larger community and world.

"Often, racially integrated neighborhoods are labeled as being 'in transition' from white to black.  This doesn't apply here.  People here work at getting along, have fun doing it, and strengthen the community and themselves in the process." This quote is taken from a 1970s neighborhood publication. Many stories told by these folks mentioned race not being an issue to members of this community group. The children who grew up here were colorblind, even if others might not have been. It was a close knit community that worked hard for community betterment. Many experienced first hand racism and chose not to be racist.

I've taken a few photos of folks present who shared their experiences and accomplishments in what is now known as the Field-Regina-Northrop Neighborhood Group, (FRNNG). Phil Schmidt, Alberta Johnson, Dorothy Lawson and John Sims presented their fondest memories of those days past. Julius Lee came as a more recent activist and supporter of the group's work over the years. Heidi Adelsman, a young historian, is studying the history and the social dynamics and writes about her findings. Many thanks also to Gerry Sell(right) for her ongoing commitment/work/organization in the community.

Also, as a reminder, there are ongoing community activities through October 8th.  Of special interest is an event on September 28th,  7PM at the Amazon Bookstore, located on 48th and Chicago.  Warren Bowles (Playwright and Actor), and Cass Dalglish and Heidi Adelsman (Authors) will read.

Partial List of FRNNG Accomplisments

• worked for paved streets
• worked for midblock lighting
• worked for freeway semaphores (46th and 35W)
• worked for cyclone fencing on 42nd, 46th, and 50th Street overpasses
• worked for noise barriers along 35W

  Neighborhood activist Julius Lee

• led attack on Dutch Elm Disease
• encouraged development of the first townhouses in Minneapolis (Town Oaks)
• worked on the development of Pearl Park
• killed park board proposal to redesign (ruin) Minnehaha Pkwy from 35W to Chicago
• cracked the 1923 anti-branch Banking Law, giving the neighborhood a bank
• founding member- Council of Community Councils
• charter member- National Neighbors
• held and hosted- National Neighbors Midwest Conference
• helped rescue the Parkway Theater
• 1st neighborhood group to sponsor political candidates meetings
• lobbied for fair housing against block busting
• worked for the teardown of building on 46th St. and 4th Ave
• supported Grace House
• supported Crisis Nursery
• got hot lunch program in Minneapolis at Field School (before pairing)
• Field-Hale School pairing/partnering FIRST desegregation in Mpls.
• led movement for the first open school in Mpls. (Bryn Maur Open School)
• led desegregation Jr. High Schools Bryant-Anthony-Ramsey
• supported the establishment of the Southside Community Clinic
• partnered with PPL to build accessible housing with mother-in-law apartments
• 40 years work toward reducing airport noise

and

Edie Kalweit has been a St. Joan of Arcer for 25 years now. Now that her children are grown, there is time to participate more fully in activities taking place at St. Joan's.