Historical May 1979 signed tribute by Vince Schoemehl, Alderman, 28th Ward. Assessments of crime, rehabilitation and neighborhood recovery are the author’s contemporary claims.
Cal Stuart has left his post as Executive Director of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council after 8½ years of exceptional service to the residents of our neighborhood. When Cal assumed the position in January of 1970 the ship of state in Skinker-DeBaliviere was in considerable trouble. Numerous homes were for sale on every block in the neighborhood, crime was high, abandoned buildings dotted the neighborhood and the prospects for a major renewal and regeneration of the Skinker-DeBaliviere area were less than overwhelming.
But, as we know, things have gotten a lot better in our community over the past eight years. The housing market is solid, the Pantheon redevelopment is well underway, the crime rate is substantially reduced and there is a general feeling that “we’re gonna make it” in Skinker-DeBaliviere. To a large degree these things have been accomplished as a direct result of the efforts of Cal Stuart.
The success story that is SkinkerDeBaliviere is, of course, the result of many peoples efforts, from the founders of this newspaper, to the generous people who donated their time’ to the residential service, to the entrepreneuring rehabbers, to the people who worked in the clinic, the paper drives, the dinner-theatres … the list could go on and on. But it was Cal Stuart’s special talent and his unique contribution to give direction and encouragement to these various groups and individuals, to keep us all working together and moving in the same direction.
During my tenure on the Board of Aldermen, I have found Cal’s assistance and counsel invaluable in helping me perform the duties of my office. His close relationships with so many of the people in the community allowed Cal to speak with a unique authority concerning the opinions and the interests of the Skinker-DeBaliviere community. Over the years he has helped me personally with many problems as he assisted John Roach before me.
As Executive Director, Cal Stuart received the solid and continual support of his Board of Directors, and I would be remiss if in noting Cal’s retirement I did not mention the departure of Virgil (Jack) Wright from the Board. During the years that Cal served as Executive Director, Jack Wright served as Chairman of the Board and fulfilled the many tasks and responsibilities of that office with distinction. I am certain the strong support Cal received from Jack and the entire SkinkerDeBaliviere Board made his many accomplishments possible.
On behalf of myself and the many people who have had the honor to work with both Cal and Jack over the past several years I want to say “Thank You” to both for an outstanding job of public service.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1979.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source says 8½ years and January1970 start; its elapsed-time statements retained rather than silently reconciled.
Original source: SD_Times1979_05.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
