Evening star., 1952-09-12
John IhIder Resigns as Director
Of Capital Housing Authority

~IbsSiOsS ~ sosbS
To Retire From Job
He Held 18 Years
John Ihlder, executive director
of the National Capital Housing
Authority for 18 years. has SUBJ
mitted his resignation and will
retire December 81.
The decision of the 76-year-old
slum-clearance and housing ex-
pert to bow out caught his friends
and board members of the housing
authority by surprise. But he
commented:
"I've been looking for an oppor-
tunity to retire for the past two
years. I've been on the job 18
years"
Text of Letter.
His letter of resignation said
II herewith present my resigna-
ton as executive director of the
National Capital Housing Author
Iity to take effect on December 81,
1852, or on such earlier date as
you may determine.
For the past two years I have
been considering presenting my
resignation, hoping for an occa-
sion which would definitely mark
a point in the authority's program
from which there could be no re-
treat and from which the author
ity would go forward to accom-
plishments of which have only
provision.
But never since the creation Of
the authority in 1884 has there
been a time when we could say,
Here we rest"-never a period
without important unfinished bus
mess.
"Since the very early days when
the authority was regarded with a
questioning hope by frustrated
housing reformers and with an
and condescending toler-
ance by slum owners and their
there never has been
time when the authority, and I as
it's executive, have not been under
attack by one or more special in
terest groups. The present is no
exception. The foreseeable future
promises no exception.
Reluctant to Retire.
'"This adds interest to life and
so makes me reluctant to step
aside. I would like to remain a
participant in present conflicts
until they are decided: I would
like to take responsible part in
the conflicts of the future.
But some years ago, when I
reached retirement age and you
generously postponed my retire.
ment indefinitely. you put re-
sponsibility upon me. I have been
keenly conscious of that RESPONSE
bility, realizing that one can out
stay his time.
'"The national election two
months hence gives me the op-
portunity I have been seeking, be-
cause the National Government
rules the District of Columbia.
The results of the November elec-
ton, whichever party wins, will
close the first chapter in Ameri-
can public housing history. The
next chapter will cover at least
four years. When that term ends
I shall be more than 80 years of
age
Possibly I shall, during these
next four years. lose some of my
Zest for conflict. If I were then
the authority's executive, this
would be unfortunate. because
public housing will continue to
present fighting issues. Moreover,
I might not recognize the change
in myself.
$50, change being one of the
watchwords of the hour, I present
my resignation.
But I would be less than frank
if I did not add that I earnestly
desire the greater freedom of a
private citizen"
Spurs Two Major Projects.
Mr.. Ihlder said he would utilize
his remaining time on the job to
work on two projects.
One, he explained, would DEM
onstrate that integration of Negro
and white families in public hous-
ing is workable. The other is to
plan for special facilities for
elderly people in public housing.
On integration, three develop
ments, only one of which is under
construction, have been selected
for use by both races. Stanton
Dwellings is about half finished.
So far, about five white families
have agreed to move in as COM
pared to 70 colored families.
Mr.. Ihlder said the policy of the
NCHA leaves the free choice to
the tenant.
Plan Elevator Apartments.
He said plans now are being
II