Historical July 1986 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The late Phillip J. Lucier, a pioneer in the redevelopment of the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood, was honored recently for his work and his dedication.
The Phillip J. Lucier Park was dedicated on Saturday, June 28. About 100 people showed up for the dedication of the park site, at Westminster and Hamilton, immediately west of Hamilton School.
The dedication was preceded by a memorial Mass by Msgr. Sal E. Polizzi, pastor of St. Roch’s Catholic Church, 6052 Waterman Boulevard. Mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr., who first began assembling the property as an alderman in 1976 and 1977 that would eventually become the park, praised Lucier at the dedication ceremonies. “I did not know him (Lucier), but I watched his work and watched him react to problems with a sense of calm,” Schoemehl said. “I saw in him a leader that made a difference in this neighborhood.” Schoemehl called Lucier “a man who taught optimism to this community.” Judge Michael J. Hart agreed. “The seed of what we see around us was planted by Phil,” Hart said. “He had the vision that Pantheon Corp. later turned into full flower.
He left his footprints on the sands of this park.”’ Alderman Daniel J. McGuire, D-28th Ward, was the sponsor of the bill that named the park after Lucier. McGuire told the audience that Lucier “was a special man, one whose efforts in this neighborhood are felt today – years after his death.” A grove of trees — symbolizing the spirit of family in the neighborhood — was planted at the park.
The trees represent the eleven children of Phillip and Marcella Lucier.
On the day of the ceremonies, trees, shrubs and other plants dotted the park as children played on the playground equipment.
One person who knew Lucier was Calvin Stuart, a long-time Skinker-Debaliviere resident. “Phil Lucier was extremely active in St. Roch’s Parish,” Stuart said, in an interview. “With the help of his company, Continental Telephone, he started the West End Townhouses.
He bought some buildings that were not in good shape and held them for the people of St. Roch’s.
The whole idea was designed to stimulate private development in houses in the area.
From the neighborhood point of view, that was probably his most major contribution.” Nancy Farmer, director of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, did not know Lucier personally. “But I know that he was one of the first to invest his belief, as well as his finances, that this neighborhood could turn around,” Farmer said. “And I think we’re all grateful to him for that.” Before his tragic death in 1970 — he was killed in a case of mistaken identity — Lucier served on the board of directors of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council. Lucier graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame.
He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II, and later founded the Continental Telephone Corp.
He also was chairman of the board of trustees of Fontbonne College, and was a member of the president’s council of St. Louis University. Lucier’s efforts were summed up in McGuire’s bill naming the park after him: “Phil Lucier had the courage to innovate, a will to achieve, refused to accept the commonplace, and provided dynamic and dedicated leadership to his family, city, church and neighborhood.”’
Original photograph caption
Lawrence Lucier and other members of the Lucier family (Mayor Vince Schoemehl on right) at tree planting ceremony, June 28. Photo by King Schoenfeld. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 1986, page 1.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, July 1986.
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Original source: SD_Times1986_07.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
