Old North St. Louis also has a black population dating back to the post-Civil War period. The former Desslaines School on Hadley and Tyler Streets was established as a black elementary school and stood until 1976. More recently, immigrant arrivals to the area came in the 1930's, during and after the Depression. Many current residents can trace their origins back to small farm communities in Southeast Missouri, Arkansas, and the deep South. At this point, the neighborhood was crowded and thriving.
Some small businesses have a long history in the neighborhood.
The North 14th Street Shopping District, the center of the area's commercial activity, has a Businessman's Association dating back to 1902. Stores, like Crown Candy Kitchen and Marx's Hardware, are family owned and operated for more than three generations. Some of the 19th century landmarks remaining include Ames Kindergarden, the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Polish National Catholic Church, the St. Louis Number 6 Bathhouse, and the Mullanphy Immigrant home. Much of the remaining housing stock dates from the late nineteenth century.