The Detroit Tribune

TRIBUNE'S NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE WEEK

This week, the Tribune returns to the lower Eastside for its "Neighborhood of the Week."

The site is adjacent to our initial community where was reflected the problems of a new and changing locality as compared to a neighborhood that is staid and established as was the "Old Westside" which was featured in the last two issues.

The area is bounded by Van Dyke, West Warren, McClellan and Mack.

Included in this area is the "Indian Village," a group of streets with Indian names.

Just the Pingree Recreation Park, a spacious and well-cared-for section where the residents can catch a breeze in the outdoors during the summer months and participate in recreational activities the rest of the year.

The area is not only enhanced by the natural beauty but also lined with beautiful and well-kept homes of modern architecture.

This is in contrast to last week's neighborhood in the Old Westside section or the Northend of the Boulevard community.

This is partly explained also in that the houses in this neighborhood are of a more expensive design, featuring large fronts and side driveways.

The area is truly representative for it is thoroughly integrated with several racial and nationality groups.

It is truly democratic in nature, standing as an example for all of America to follow as a hodgepodge of numerous races and creeds living together in peace and harmony.

This harmony can be noted in the happy living as of the area.

There are the perennial schools which mold the future citizens: the churches which give spiritual guidance: the neighborhood organizations that cement good neighbor relations: the businesses which serve the area in material needs: all play an important part in making a happy community and home life.

Up-To-Date Schools

Examples of the up-to-date schools are the Barbour Junior High schools at Canfield and Seneca, and Commerce High at Iroquois and Sylvester.

Both are beautiful structures with ample grounds to make learning an education inviting to all age groups. It is to be noted that these schools so seemingly ample facilities and space are rare these days of pupils per seat available.

New Liberty Baptist

Typical of the churches in the area serving the community is the New Liberty Baptist Church on Fischer at Canfield.

It is pastored by the Rev. E. Alan Rundless, II, who was educated in Chicago and had his first parish there before coming to New Liberty in 1945.

The church edifice is ideally located, sitting back from the sidewalk and fronted by a well-tended lawn and shade trees. The church property, including the parsonage, is adjacent to the church building, blending together to present a desired serene and peaceful setting.

Rev. Mr. Rundles is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, the Chicago Baptist Institute, and the former Chicago YMCA College now known as Wabash College.

He is married to the former Miss Ernestine Craig of Chicago, whom he wed soon after answering the call to the ministry in 1943.

Rev. Mr. Rundles feels that his is a successful pastorage at New Liberty because of God's calling.

Progressive Program

As an example of the progressive and extensive program of his church, the Sunday morning guest speaker was the Rev. M.L. Dye, representative of the United World Mission.

Rev. Mr. Dye travels across the nation, making series and showing motion pictures in hopes of raising people in need of Christ.

He concentrates on remote or backward areas where the Gospel of Christ is urgently needed.

World Mission

The United World Mission recently sent registered nurses and a doctor to Africa.

The New Liberty church has purchased its present property for $120,000, forty-five thousand dollars down.

Over half of the down payment was raised in sixty days.

It was formerly located at 1201 Russell, but had to move because of the proposed expressway route.

The church is 17 years old.

Let's look into the civic and community affairs of the area.

"The area is nice," says Mrs. Ralph McCutchen, "and the neighbors always have a friendly word."

Work at Rouge Plant

Mrs. McCutchen and her husband live at 125 Fischer; three years come this January. He works at Ford Rouge Plant.

While she doesn't belong to a block-club, she is active in a Bible class which meets each week at different members' homes. She is treasurer of the class, as well as recording secretary of her usher board of Shiloh Baptist church.

She also belongs to the Eastern Stars.

Another who finds that the neighbors are friendly and cooperative in keeping the community clean.

She is Mrs. Alfred Rose Bradley of 3826 Crane, mother of a nine-year-old daughter, Rose Marie, who attends Nickles school.

Kids Get Along

"Not only the adults but the children also seem to get along fine," she added.

Apart from serving on the usher board of New Liberty Baptist church, Mrs. Bradley also seeks to participate in community affairs. Her husband works at Abner A. Wolf company.

"I like the area fine," exclaims Mrs. Ernestine Gordon of 4764 Crane, who has a 17-year-old son.

ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY. CHURCH AFFAIRS: This is the case of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred (Rose) Bradley of 3836 Crane, parents of a nine-year-old daughter, Rose Marie. Both are active in their church, New Liberty.

Earl, stationed at an air base in New York state.

She and her mate, Monroe, have been residing in their home on Crane for nearly three years. He is a city employee.

She Works at DeSoto

Mrs. Gordon is also employed at the Warren Ave. DeSoto plant, but finds time to add other marital beautifying services to her neighbors in a shop in her home. she is another example of a resident-business-woman of the area.

Another resident-businessman of the area is George Hutchinson of 3753 Fischer, who operates the Hutchinson Real Estate Exchange in his home.

Married to June Brown Hutchinson, he is the father of one child, a ten-year-old daughter, Sylvia.

He is not only concerned about community affairs but also other activities in the neighborhood as well as in the city.

Memberships are held in the Aqua-Jet Boat club, the Georgian Bay Conservation club and the Detroit branch NAACP. He is also active in the Detroit Real Estate Brokers Association.

"Personally, however, I'm not entirely pleased with the neighborhood, for the residents could take better care of their lawns and garbage disposal," he added. "and a neighborhood improvement group should be started to maintain better care of the community and homes whereby property would not depreciate so fast.

"These home owners can maintain and improve their property values just by spending more time in beautifying and improving their properties," Mr. Hutchinson advised.

The affable realtor has been in the real estate business for over 15 years and is proud that he has played a part in helping find property for residents to form a friendly and happy community which is interracial.

I recall that area had a racial change about four years ago. About four Negro families in my block and the area was about the same throughout." Mr. Hutchinson recalled.

All Seem Able

Thus, ends our look at a comparatively new neighborhood with an interracial flavor.

Confusion?-No matter the degree of change or the amount of races and/or creeds living next door to the other, the neighborhood is usually progressive and friendly and full of civic pride.

Help Build Relationships

The Bradleys also are always ready to help promote community affairs. Married to June Brown Liberty Baptist, serving on the usher board. He works for Abner A. Wolf company.

NEW LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH: Exemplary of every community, the Trib's Neighborhood of the Week has several churches to supply spiritual guidance to its residents. Our church of the week is New Liberty Baptist at 4251 Fischer near Canfield.

Top: the Rev. and Mrs. A. Alan Rundless, II, pastor and his wife, shown with the Rev. M. L. Dye, representative of the United World Mission,

spoke at the church Sunday morning about the Missions' work which seeks to spread the Gospel to all people in remote areas, including Africa.

Center is the church edifice and the parsonage, on left.