Historical February–March 2012 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In my hometown of Detroit, when neighborhoods integrated, they soon became all minority.
When I came to St. Louis, I learned in my political science interviews about neighborhoods that did not tip – neighborhoods of diversity.
The most significant one, it seemed to me, was Skinker DeBaliviere. Stories of neighbors pulling together to increase stability and market the neighborhood in more difficult times piqued my interest.
When an opportunity came to buy a condo here, I took it.
In becoming a resident, I learned more about the neighbors–their dedication, their work ethic, their charm. One such person who exemplified those traits was Sam Green. Sam and his wife Lu bought a home on Westminster in 1972. Lu and her family of Schoemehls were living on McPherson already. Sam quickly became part of a plethora of neighborhood events.
He was Chairman of the Art Fair/House Tour and many St. Roch parents’ events. Everyone liked Sam.
His optimism and good cheer radiated.
On Blitz Day in 1989 I met Sam when he was handing out the BrightSide flowers.
A couple years later, he and Nancy Farmer and I spent a late afternoon planting flowers on the Forest Park Parkway islands during a city budget crisis.
A little bedraggled, we staggered into Redel’s for libation.
I remember Sam, with Neville Vatcha and Brad Weir, cooking at Rags to Riches. Since its inception, Sam served on the Delmar Committee.
His real estate experience aided us in drafting the redevelopment ordinance and his humor kept the many meetings on an even keel.
The Greens and the Vatchas hosted many Times New Neighbors Parties and Sam was always there, getting everything ready.
In truth, I can’t remember an event from my first decade here where Sam was not present.
In keeping with the family connection, Sam was also active politically.
He served as president of the 28th Ward Regular Democratic Club.
He always brought his cheer to ward events and parties.
When Sam and Lu decided to try loft living downtown, their many connections with our neighborhood remained. Sam was a good neighbor, a good citizen, and a good friend.. I’m sure that with many of you my heart goes out to Lu, the 5 children, 7 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and all the friends who packed St. Roch for his funeral.
I don’t know anyone quite like him and I will miss him at all the old places.
We all will miss him.
Original photograph caption
Sam Green with neighbors planting trees on Des Peres.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2012.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2012_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
