Editor’s Notebook — Our25th Anniversary

Historical April 1995 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

It is very difficult when senseless violence disturbs our urban landscape. No matter how many academic explanations there are to explain gangs, street crime. and wanton assaults and killings, that does not make it any easier to endure.

In this 25th anniversary of our newspaper, I would like to speak, glowingly of our neighborhood and the wonderful people who have fought to keep it diverse and stable.

The struggle is never over, the battle never fully won. Yet, many of our neighbors continue to devote their energies. as they have for 20 or 30 years, to seeing that Skinker DeBaliviere remains a good place for all of us live. And most of the time it is.

But acts do occur that could make any of us question our commitment.

The havoc marked by crack and assault weapons is not going to end anytime soon.

There will continue to be youngsters looking for a place to belong and material possessions who will participate in unlawful acts. Peer pressure can be a powerful force. Gangs. drugs, and crime mark all metropolitan areas. St. Louis is in no way singled out. Perhaps this neighborhood. already very unique in its durability and its demographics, can continue in that vein by remaining strong and united for the common end.

There are a lot of residents who care and who have played a role in the 25 years that this newspaper has brought you information on people and events.

The long-term members of the board of The Times of Skinker DeBaliviere are examples of the people who have cared and fought for the best of city living.

I am a latecomer who has learned a tremendous amount from working with my colleagues on this newspaper.

I respect their energy and their dedication to bringing you an independent and concerned voice.

There is never, seemingly, enough time or money but the board carries on. Our “paper” usually accents the positive but that is because there is a lot of positive to highlight. Our anniversary is not an ending but a continuation of a pledge to provide all residents of Skinker DeBaliviere a voice and an outlet.

Please help us to keep bringing you The Times with your support and your suggestions for stories.

If you want to join us in bringing out our paper, the door is always open to you.

When bad events occur in the city, I know that I would lose heart were it not for the wonderful people in our neighborhood.

There is evil in the world outside that can destroy our faith but, as Anne Frank wrote, “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.

I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death.

I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness . yet. if I look up into the heavens.

I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty, too, will end, and that peace and tranquillity will return again.”

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1995.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times1995_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.