The poverty level for that area then was reported to be 5.1 percent. The commission opened an office in the neighborhood in 1965 to provide adult education, legal aid and activities for teens, among other services. Over the years and throughout the struggles, Sylvanians pulled together, collecting food and money for neighbors when wage earners were laid off, someone was ill or other troubles struck. Most recently, the neighborhood found itself in the headlines when gasoline-soaked rags were thrown into the home of a black family moving into the predominantly white neighborhood. The family immediately moved out.
Residents dismiss the episode as a solitary occurrence.
Yates said the neighborhood is not as closely knit as it used to be. People move more often, she said, and choose to watch television over visiting neighbors. Yates remembers the days when residents met at the grocery at the intersection of Rutledge and Sylvania roads. That was exciting back then. Sylvania no longer has a store.