St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1954-09-24

area leaders and proponents of
A few months ago, the Ha
this property and set up Half
way House for rehabilitated al
coholics released from the work
house and state institutions, They
had begun operations at this site,
but were informed by the City
Council that "A permit would have
to be secured.
James S. Griffin, chairman Of
the civic affairs committee of the
Sterling club led off the opposi-
ton and introduced the speakers,
Mr.. Griffin, In his opening re-
marks. stressed the fact that resi-
dents were not In opposition TO
the Hazelden foundation's plans
for the rehabilitation of alcoholics.
but that they did not wish TO have
such an institution In their neigh
borhood. II was also pointed out
by Mr.. Griffin and subsequent
speakers. that TO operate such n
place In this area was In strict
violation of Sec. 8. paragraph EE
OF the city coming ordinance. The
committee. he stated, wished the
-. a.. - The Ianf
Steven l.. Maxwell, representing
the North Central Civic Club.
Sterling Club. Crispus Attacks
Home and Attucks Brooks Post
006. American Legion, commended
the foundation on Its wonderful
Job and pleaded also that the
group seek another location for
It's work.
He stressed the fact that the
community. already burdened with
many problems OF It's own. should
not be made 10 take on another
especially since most OF its resi-
dents are bound 10 this ares
through prejudice. Each Of th'
speakers were graphic in thoii
description of the harm already
done to the community, producing
witnesses who had experienced
frightening experiences az a re
suit OF activities OF residents OF
the home.
Mrs. O'Delle Galloway, presi'
dent OF the Msxfield PTA address
sed the council in a brief but
pointed speech, expressing the
danger that parents feel for their
youngsters. Speaking for Local
$40, Dining Car Employees Union
was Nathaniel N. Galloway, presi.
dent, who stated that he repre-,
scented about 800 members, many
of whom owned property in this
area.
Rev Floyd Massey Jr, pastor
OF Pilgrim Baptist church spoke
on behalf OF his membership OF
over 700 citizens, most OF them
home owners and residents In this
area, He, too, stressed the com.
mcndable work Of the foundation
but was firm in his protest against
having such an institution In the
community. Rev. Massey clearly
stated that the objection was not
a racial one, that the community
was Directing solely to the loca.
ton OF II In this restricted resi-.
Dental area, where homeowners
had bought property at high cost
and spent considerable money &c
rehabilltate II.
Patrick Butler, president OF the
Hazelden Foundation. ayerrec
that the community would be ir
no danger from alcoholics. stating
that the men placed in this institu
tion were dried out" and on IN,
road to recovery. Also speaking
for the foundation was John A
Cook, vice president and treas
urer OF the foundation and directoI
Of the Fellowship Club Johr
Thsra, a real estate appraiser
testified that he had been EN-
ployed by the foundation to can
vass residents in the area 10 oh
tain their reaction to the presenc'
Of the home in the community. III,
had been unable TO find anyon,
who objected. Other spokesmei
for the foundation included VII
liam r. MCGEE. social worker
with the follow-up Clinic of vii
mar State hospital and Kenneth
Norton, real estate salesman wh'
sold the house.
A stirring rebuttal was giver
/ by Mr. Maxwell and further testi
monies were heard from DIR. c. II
Williams. 655 St Anthony AND
Nathaniel A. Evans, president Of
the North Central Civic Club.
Rev. Massey called upon Mrs
Elizabeth Hall who related that
she had lived at 35s " Dale a
cross from the home since 1882
She never been afraid TO 20 out at
night until recently. when on one
occasion, she was followed and on
another, she saw a man peering
into her window. She also stated
that she had been contacted by
Mr.. Thera who made the survey