The Tribune

"Good Neighbor Club" Sets Example For Larger Communities

(By Randolph L. White)

The "Good Neighbor Club" of Crozet, a tiny organization with a total membership of some 12 to 14 persons, has, through its recent acquisition of 4.5 acres of land on which to build a Community House and Baseball Diamond, set an example of self-reliance that members of the race might well emulate in larger and more prosperous communities.

Although the club acquired its land only two weeks ago, members have almost completed clearing it of bushes and undergrowth, preparatory to having it conditioned through use of a bulldozer.

The club has been formed some 6 or 8 years. Membership requirements are that members must be married couples under 35 years of age, to join. There is no age limit after joining. Dues are $1.00 a week.

Crozet, named after one of the first engineers of the C and O Railway to drive a locomotive through that section in pre-Civil War Days, lies some 13 miles west of Charlottesville. It is located near the base of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain in the heart of Albemarle County's famous Peach and Apple section the home of the Albemarle Pippin-an apple of national fame.

Aside from a large lumber mill, Cold Storage Plant, and Fruit Packing Plant, Crozetians economy is further boosted by another firm, the Acme Visible Records, Incorporated, which affords many of its citizens year-round employment. This plant manufactures office equipment of several types.

Including its Fire and Sanitary District, Crozet has a population of approximately 3,500 persons, with possibly 10 percent of them being Negro citizens. Thus it is quite heartening to see such a tiny minority seize the initiative to solve their own problem.

Heading the Good Neighbor Club are the following young men and a woman, all of whom enthusiastically tackle the business of their organization: Charles Maupin, president, Joe Cecil Barbour, treasurer, Mrs. Lillian Stepp, secretary, Benjamin Fleeming, business manager and Nathaniel Stepp, trustee. Photos of the group appear elsewhere in this paper. Club membership is enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Maupin, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Fleeming. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cecil Barbour. Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Stepp, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Payne. Mesdames Norma Durrette and Ruth Washington.