The Arcadia Improvement Association

Introduction

The Arcadia Improvement Association has prepared this booklet to provide some background about the community, an understanding of the purpose of the Arcadia Improvement Association today, and information about some of the resources that add to our quality of life in Arcadia. An additional resource is the Membership directory which lists officers and other members of the Association. We welcome active participation in the Association.

September 1993 The name Arcadia comes from Greek history. Arcadia was a mountainous and picturesque district of Greece inhabited by a simple, pastoral people distinguished for contentment and rural happiness. Hence, figuratively, any region or scene of simple pleasure, rustic innocence, and untroubled quiet.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Table of Contents
Some History 1
Aims of the Association Then and Now 5
Maps
Arcadia Then 6
Arcadia Now 7
The Association Today 8
1990 Census Data for Arcadia and Baltimore 11
Other Information
Other Organizations 12
Neighboring Community Associations
HARBEL
Signet Bank Northeast Community Partnership
St. Ambrose Housing
Special Places 14
Herring Run Park and Hall Springs
Burdick Park
Lake Montebello
Mother’s Garden
Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery
Schools 15
Readings 15

A History Abstracted from
“Arcadia: 15 Years of Progress, 1923-1938”

Recently [1938], one of the early settlers in Arcadia was asked to make a statement of the condition in this neighborhood at the time of making this particular spot his future home and he gave the following description of the locality.

“What I found in Arcadia, _the land of ideal conditions’ in March, 1921, was as follows: Open ditches cut through the woods for roads; no pavements or sidewalks; no mail boxes; water piped over ground; oil stoves for cooking - no gas; mosquito breeding swamps in lowlands; open sewer running through development carrying drainage from cesspools and all manner of diseases.”

To correct the above nuisance individual effort failed. The pioneers thereupon conceived the idea of a united effort to obtain the changes or betterments so very much needed, and thus was formed: ARCADIA IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC.

In the early days of Arcadia, when we picked blackberries and huckleberries for our breakfast from the land which is now Juneau Place, Parkside Drive, etc.; when Arcadia was a development of about twenty homes; when we were one great family, we relieved one another of our labors.

The small number of people visited one another and many an enjoyable evening was spent with the fellow Arcadians gathered in one another’s home. The first meeting was held March 7, 1923. Various committees were appointed. From month to month the new organization continued to meet at the homes of the members.

As the number of homes in Arcadia grew, the Improvement Association increased in membership. Then came the first anniversary. It was a memorable occasion and was celebrated with a banquet held in the store room at 3201 Berkshire Road.

The first president was George H. Wagner who served in 1923 and 1924. Other early presidents were Harry G. Thomas, Charles V Simpson, Cord Hulsmann, and George H Schlutter.

The major improvements from those first fifteen years of the association included planting trees along side walks. To finance this undertaking, two carnivals were held on the lot at Harford Road and Parkside Drive. The neighbors responded liberally and we were successful in realizing about $500 to help defray the expenses of this improvement.

Arcadia’s fastest development came during the post World War period of so-called “prosperity.” The City of Baltimore was suffering from “growing pains” and the various city departments were taxed beyond their capacity. This was especially true of the Department of Sewers that had not yet completed its program of expansion in the new annex. It was, therefore, a source of great satisfaction to the Association when we secured adequate storm water sewers to replace the temporary drains provided by the developers because the drains were beginning to deteriorate

Sanitary sewers were also sorely needed, and these were secured through the untiring efforts of our officers and committees. Then followed the delicate problem of inducing the property owners to make house connections.

The developer of Arcadia promised all purchasers that this would remain a strictly cottage development. Subsequently, this same developer attempted to have the strip of land along Eastwood Drive re-zoned to permit the erection of brick row houses. The fight to resist that development cost the Association over $1,100, but was successful [for the time - the brick semidetached homes on Eastwood Drive were built in 1948]. The fight “brought us closer together, because we know, without any doubt, just how valuable an active and wideawake association could be. Every community needs a group like ours, to act as watch-dog and guardian against undesirable encroachments.”

The general appearance of the slope fronting Harford Terrace with its hedges, trees and shrubbery, cared for by the City Park Board, presents a marked contrast to that of former days, when this narrow strip of land was under private ownership. Thanks to the Association which induced the owner to deed this 600 foot strip of land to the Park Board.

Once a Virgin Forest, flanking both banks of the scenic Herring Run, this garden spot of natural beauty suffered much at the hands of ruthless developers and vandals. The Association met this challenge nobly. With the hearty cooperation of both the Park Board and the Department of Sewers, this has all been changed and we can point with justifiable pride to this place of enchantment, where we can enjoy the beauty of nature right at our front door.

Vast areas of desirable land lie between Harford and Belair Roads [which] principally served the outer edges of this territory. Realizing the gravity of this in 1926, the City Council passed an ordinance authorizing the opening of Walther Avenue. Passing an ordinance, however, as many of you realize, is the easiest and quickest part of such an undertaking. The officers of the Association became actively associated with all phases of this project, toiling incessantly through the period of assessment and benefit determination, grading, paving, lighting, etc.

Just a step or two from the roar of traffic on a busy thoroughfare, nestled in a secluded section of Herring Run Park, one finds a renowned spot - Hall Spring - the Mecca for thousands of our citizens. With games ranging from the more strenuous activities for youth to those of the Quoit Club, in a shady nook, for those facing the sunset of life, this natural playground provides a recreational center for folk of all ages. Improved paths, adequate boulevard lights and many other improvements in this area can be added to the accomplishments of our Association.

Since the residents of Arcadia are a cross-section of average Baltimoreans, some like to patronize dance halls, beer gardens and restaurants, just as others dislike these things. One thing, however, they are practically unanimous: They do not want anything like that in our community.

This was proven when an attempt was made to create such an establishment at the upper end of Heckle Avenue, a part of Arcadia. When the officers of the Association heard of this proposal, and called a mass meeting to sound out the sentiments of the residents, the meeting was attended by 150 people. The result of this concerted action, aided by competent legal counsel, was that the permit for this neighborhood nuisance was denied. Eternal vigilance (typified by the Association) is the price of clean environment for our families. United action alone makes that possible.

Additional improvements included the eventual securing of a traffic signal at Parkside and Walther. As of 1938, they had also secured authorization and funding for a traffic signal at the next most important intersection, Harford Road and Walther Avenue.
The Association encountered much opposition to its courageous and successful efforts to obtain footways at vacant lots. Today we boast of conveniently located mail boxes and well lighted continuous sidewalks and paved streets, kept in constant repair due to the vigilance of the Arcadia Improvement Association.

To foster the best interests of our community, it is essential that we meet together for social activities of a varying nature. These have proved very beneficial in promoting a good community spirit and a wholesome feeling of fellowship. These social gatherings are growing in popularity and attendance.

In 1938, there was a problem of some people who were content to “let George do it.” In addition, they felt the renters hadn’t realized that their cooperation would help bring about improvements for them, too.

The Aims of the Association
Both Then and Now
to enlist every family in our active membership. To know each other better.
to make our community increasingly safe by adequate traffic controls and safeguards;
to improve and maintain adequate police supervision;
to keep the physical needs of our community before the proper authorities and to continually strive for better streets, lights, mail and garbage service, etc.
to take our proper place among the individuals and groups working for advancement of the best interests of the entire City of Baltimore. return to top

Arcadia Then

Arcadia Now: The Arcadia Improvement Association Today

The Arcadia Improvement Association (AIA) t, serves as liaison between City offices and Arcadia residents. Of particular importance in this area is information about zoning and land use which impacts directly on Arcadia. The City Planning Office has informed and requested our input into a number of issues recently. These include the proposed sale of City property to private landowners, the tearing down of a residence and the building of an addition and parking facilities at a local church, and the relocation and new tenanting of a local hospital facility.

The Zoning Department works with the community on particular problems of building and land use. The Inspection Office works with us regarding land and building maintenance. The Solid Waste Department helps with additional bulk trash collections to keep Arcadia neat and attractive. Community police help with recurring as well as with specific concerns. AIA Officers and other volunteers are contact people for these different interactions and for community complaints that might involve City Offices.

Officers and others attend the many local meetings which are of interest to the neighborhood. These include meetings at HARBEL, a nonprofit United Way agency that serves as advocate for Northeast residents, “Many Neighborhoods, One Community” and Signet Bank initiatives to keep Northeast Baltimore a strong, stable part of the City, and other special purpose meetings including but not limited to zoning hearings, gun control, watershed activities, and community outreach.

Through a variety of sources the AIA has been kept informed about and has had input into such areas as the City Reorganization Plan and City-Wide Insurance Coalition. At regular AIA business meetings, guest speakers address issues of local importance. For example, at one recent meeting, speakers presented the evidence for and against a new incinerator for City trash. At another, candidates for City Comptroller came to present their views regarding that important position and we were all better informed when we went to the polls. Following discussions at the business meetings, the Community has taken stands on such issues as gun control legislation and alcohol and cigarette advertising.

Neighbors help themselves and each other with circulars of interest to a smaller area, local block parties, and individual help to people in need including the elderly and people who have suffered loss from fire. Many neighbors have etched their drivers license numbers on household items so that, in the event of theft, identification and recovery of stolen items is more likely (Project Identification). Many neighbors are BlockWatchers, a police program with two purposes: encouragement to keep an active watch for unusual or suspicious activities, and a BlockWatch number to use to retain anonymity when reporting to the police. (Some people see suspicious activities but don’t want to be connected with reporting them; if they use their BlockWatch number, their name is kept confidential.)

AIA has been involved in various outreach programs. In an environmental vein, Arcadians provide strong support and many volunteers each spring for the Herring Run Park Clean-up. Others have been involved in Herring Run stream surveys and projects to make the stream and the park environmentally sound. Some neighbors have helped with storm drain painting, a reminder to people that these storm drains are not trash cans - that everything that goes into the storm drains goes into Herring Run and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. Other neighbors have been active in encouraging natural rather than chemical management of garden weeds and insects. For many years, one member has led an azalea tour in spring combining information, beauty, and a pleasant social gathering.

The Association has supported social outreach as well. A contribution this year provided a pizza party for Gardenville elementary school children who had perfect attendance for the year, thus fostering pride and underscoring the importance of regular school attendance. A contribution to the Police Department aids continuing Police-Community Relations meetings. In winter, one resident operates a one-day-a-week soup kitchen for needy folks. Community members volunteer time at the kitchen to prepare meals and talk with the people who come. Others contribute clothing to aid these people.

The AIA holds four regular business meetings each year. Depending on availability of chair persons, other activities include an Easter Egg Hunt, a Halloween party, a Christmas party, covered dish supper, and a picnic. The biggest social event of the season is the spring community yard sale in which 30 to 40 families a year participate. Participants pay a small fee for advertising and often get profits of as much as $100, the Association gets some funds for operating expenses, and everyone has a great time finding bargains and meeting friends.

Cultural events have included photo and poetry contests. A reward for recycling participation was a free visit to the aquarium.

The officers of AIA are volunteers who serve up to two consecutive one-year terms of office. Elections are held in the fall of the year. There is always a need for others in the community to volunteer time and effort. Special needs include committee work on single events such as the Easter Egg hunt, oversight of the trash truck, follow-up on a building problem, or volunteers on park clean-up days. Committees of longer duration include the welcome committee, the zoning committee, refreshments for business meetings, general improvements in the community, and newsletter production and distribution.

The community is as enterprising as it’s members choose to be. We think these activities add to the comforts, pleasures, and values of living in Arcadia. We hope you think so, too, and we invite you to take an active part in the Association. return to top

A Comparison of Arcadia with Baltimore City
1990 Census Data
Arcadia Baltimore
Number % Number %
Total Persons 1,471 736,014
School Enrollment 272 18 169,793 23
Age 25+
Not High School Graduate
High School Graduate
College Graduate
Occupation
Professional/Technical
Technical/Sales/Clerical
Service
Craft/Repair
Operator/Laborer
Median Family Income
Per Capita Income
Housing Units
Owner Occupied
Renter Occupied
Other Information
Other Organizations

Neighboring communities including Lauraville, Beverly Hills, and Mayfield have active associations and host fairs and other events of interest to our own community.

HARBEL is an umbrella organization for many communities in North East Baltimore located at 5807 Harford Road. It is involved in education and community services, drug abuse prevention, education, and counseling. In addition, the Baltimore City Human Services Division (HUB #14) is housed at HARBEL. HUB services include: return to top

Signet Bank, one of the major banks in the Baltimore area, has established the Signet Bank Northeast Community Partnership. Periodic planning meetings with community representatives have led to favorable financial and educational resources for home buying and maintenance and encouragement and support of plans to enhance recreational programs for youth and local small businesses. Signet has funded the Junior Achievement educational program to pilot teaching modules which stress the relevance of education to the workplace and, in cooperation with the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, is providing leadership training for community members. Signet is supplying much needed organizational support and encouragement as we strive to maintain Northeast Baltimore as a stable, friendly, attractive place to live and work and play.

St. Ambrose Housing
has a number of programs of potential interest to Arcadia residents:

• The primary goal of the Intervention Buying Program is to maintain stability of neighborhoods by deterring the transition from ownership to investor owned properties.
• The program includes an educational component that helps develop responsible homeowners.
  
• In the Homeownership Counseling Program, potential home buyers are interviewed and helped to become first time home owners.

These people learn about responsibilities of home ownership as well as about financial opportunities. If a family contacts St. Ambrose before they are in default, St. Ambrose can generally help them save their houses through the Default Mortgage Counseling Program.

The Deferred Loan Program helps elderly and low-income homeowners with home repairs which can include major items like roofs, furnaces, and window replacement.

The Homesharing Program provides a matching service between homeowners who have room to spare in their homes and desire income and companionship and applicants who want to share a home and are willing to provide help around the house, companionship, and a reasonable rent.

Staff attorneys address the issue of home improvement and consumer fraud through the Legal Program. Corrective action is sought through Maryland’s Home Improvement Commission and through legal remedies.

Under the Rental Management Program, St. Ambrose maintains and manages rental housing owned by St. Ambrose or by Limited Partnerships which they control.

The mission of St. Ambrose Housing is to stabilize and strengthen Baltimore neighborhoods. To learn more about any of their programs, call 366-8550. Return to top

Special Places

Herring Run Park is a major meeting place for folks interested in hiking, biking, leisurely walks, ball games, pet runs, and other park-like activities. Little League and soccer teams regularly play on the fields. Every five years the Boy Scouts have a festive jamboree with thousands of Scouts gathering for a weekend of experience and fun. The Scouts invite the communities to visit and enjoy the campfires with them.

Hall Springs in Herring Run Park is entered from the road at the intersection of Argonne/Parkside and Harford Road. For the historic minded, there is the ruin of an old church just waiting to have it’s story rediscovered yet again. Tell us and we’ll include it in the next edition of this booklet.

Burdick Park, with it’s newly renovated play ground provided by the monumental efforts of The Friends of Burdick, is a meeting place for the youngest set and their mamas and papas. Burdick Park is located at the 6300 block of Walther Boulevard.

Lake Montebello, part of the Lake Montebello water filtration plant, has recreation lanes marked for walkers, joggers, and bikers.

The Mother’s Garden at Harford Road and 33rd Street is a lovely park for strolling. It was rededicated in 1984 by then Mayor William Donald Shaffer in memory of his and our mothers.

The Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery entered from Belair Road just south of Moravia Road has unusual and interesting enameled portraits on some of the tombstones, especially those along Moravia Road.

Two local city golf courses are in Clifton Park and Mount Pleasant Park.

The Inner Harbor and Orioles Park at Camden Yards are favorites for the whole city. So are the many interesting churches and museums and universities.

Schools
Local public schools include Gardenville Elementary at Echodale and Belair Roads and Garrett Heights Elementary at 2800 Ailsa Avenue. Hamilton Middle School is at 5609 Sefton Street. High schools include Northern High and Lake Clifton. Mergenthaler on Hillen Road is a vocational high school.

Local K-8 parochial schools include St. Francis at Harford and Chesterfield and the Shrine of the Little Flower at 2800 Brendan Avenue and St Dominic at 5302 Harford Road. Archbishop Curley and Catholic High of Baltimore are only two of the many Catholic high schools.

Morgan State University is our closest university neighbor and is located along Perring Parkway between Argonne Drive and Echodale Avenue.

Readings

The Rooster is a local newspaper published delivered at no cost to area residents. It features community events, articles, and businesses.

The Booster, available at local stores, is also a free local paper. The City Paper, more liberal than the Rooster and the Booster, is also free at selected stores. It’s calendar of events provides many entertaining choices.

The phone book yellow pages list City offices, churches, store, and other services.
Most bookstores have local interest sections.

Two favorite books are:
Guide to Baltimore Architecture by J Dorsey and JD Dilts, Tidewater Publications.
Daytrips from Baltimore (Getaways less than 2 hours away) edited by Shifra Stein, East Woods Press. Return to About Arcadia.

Arcadia was a mountainous and picturesque district of Greece inhabited by a simple, pastoral people distinguished for contentment and rural happiness. Hence, figuratively, any region or scene of simple pleasure, rustic innocence, and untroubled quiet.