Historical June 1991 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
At first glance, the 5900 block of DeGiverville appears nice, nothing special, just large brick homes lining both sides of the street, but it’s more than that.
The striking secret lies buried in the people of the block unit.
There are government workers, teachers, nurses, blue collar workers and retirees in this block unit that have a common concern, the concern for a safe, pleasant stable neighborhood.
Most of the families have raised their children, but there are also young families and single heads of households. Being part of a historical neighborhood is a major responsibility for the block unit.
It requires diligence in maintaining the tradition and heritage of the area while facing the challenges of urban life in the 90’s. Our block unit was reactivated in February 1990, as we faced a possible blight situation. Other concerns included the Metro Link, impending building inspections, and crime.
We developed a plan to address our safety concerns by inviting police officials to our meetings to discuss ways that we could fight crime in our area.
We joined the City-wide Neighborhood Watch Program. the Federation of Block Units of the Urban League and became active participants on the advisory board of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council. by appointing Aaron Johnson as a representative.
The building inspections in our neighborhood were completed as scheduled. That episode encouraged the block unit to inform our neighbors of what would be inspected and how to comply with the city.
With the help of the Urban League. we received paint and grass seed.
We also acquired bedding plants from Operation Brightside. We’ve participated in the Brightside Blitz for the past two years. cleaning the alley on the south side of DeGiverville.
With the help of Alderman Dan McGuire and Nancy Farmer of SDCC, we have been in contact with nearby property owners and merchants encouraging them to maintain a neat appearance of their property as well. Carl Bernard, a member of our block unit and retired mailman can be seen in the early morning hours, removing debris from not only the 5900 block, but Westminster, Hamilton, and McPherson, etc. Joining him in his effort is John Austin and William McReynolds who keep the empty lots and southside alley spotless.
As our first year drew to a close our thoughts went to the less fortunate families in our area.
We contacted Hamilton School’s social worker, Dr. Fred Smith, who lead us to two needy families that we helped, by providing Thanksgiving food baskets. Our year ended with a bang. with our annual Christmas party at the Salad Bowl. Many of the programs we started last year have continued into our second year.
We have strengthened our resolve to maintain our neighborhood, enjoy our families and stay informed about the things that will affect us.
We are proud to invite all our neighbors and friends to our first annual DeGiverfest.
It will be held Saturday. June 22, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in the 5900 block of DeGiverville.
We will be selling booth space for those of you who have items to sell.
The cost of each “booth” is $15.00 and the seller keeps the profit.
There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and soda for sale.
Please contact Sheryl Davenport 721-4137 or Darlene Green 725-6940 for more information.
Please come and visit us. Come see your old friends and meet some new ones. “Taking care of business in the 5900 block of DeGiverville is our goal,” says Jesse Brown, block unit president.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1991.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1991_06.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
