Save Our Springfield: Making It Happen at Miss Maggies
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/962445516_WFqZ9-M.jpg)
Following four years of divisive and self destructive behavior from the leadership of the historic district of Springfield, the neighborhood found itself isolated, divided, and incredibly, with more historic homes endangered than ever before. Hundreds of historic homes had been slated for demolition and a third of the neighborhood had been declared a toxic ash zone. On top of that deep fissures had appeared between neighbors that had created a descent into acrimony and stalemate. Sick of the politics and shenanigans, groups of neighbors began to step up and take matters into their own hands, and within weeks the true heart of the neighborhood was finally visible again. One of the most encouraging signs to come from the area in years took place recently: the concerted neighborhood effort to rescue the deteriorating home of Miss Maggie, an elderly resident since the 1960s. Join MetroJacksonville with a photo essay of how the neighborhood came together and started the healing process.
Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-aug-save-our-springfield-making-it-happen-at-miss-maggies
Well done!!
Bravo !! The best news to come out of Springfield in a long time !!
Thank you MJ! It was truly a neighborhood effort which included everyone! At last count, Nicole figured 60+ people showed up. Some brought sandwiches, some brought hammers.
& crazy about those people without ties to Springfield who showed up after reading about it in the forum -- and the donation-- making it a city-wide event.
Thank you MJ for highlighting the best part of Springfield - the people who live here
wow thats really great!
God I love this neighborhood! I think if Jesus walked today, he would approve hehe :)
Beautiful essay and a wonderful job guys! I wanted to help but was unable to I hope future events are planned so that I can participate :)
Planning on a November event Autumn, and will again keep all the MetroJacksonville readers updated as details are finalized.
I certainly appreciate how MJ has covered this event and of course, being a catalyst for helping to spread the word of all that we're doing here in Springfield.
Hope. Love. Faith.
That photo of Miss Maggie says it all.
Funny thing is we didn't put up the lattice around the house. Our coming together as a neighborhood inspired Miss Maggie's family and offered hope as they did that.
The power of giving is contagious. Imagine what other beautiful things are happening for her now?!
I bought in Spfld because of the historic homes. But how serendipitious to have found a family of people where I feel I belong.
I love Historic Springfield.
Plain and simple.
Planning a Thanksgiving Make it Happen Preservation Project. Will keep everyone posted as details are worked out.
Thank you for your love and support as we continue on this path of preservation.
Save Our Springfield!
Notice how Miss Maggie's heart is simply solid red under her address plaque?
Please, let me know of future projects, I would be interested in contributing somehow. I don't see very well, but I can find a way to help.
This is an amazing gesture of kindness to a fellow human being and to a home in need. I admire those of you who have the decency to put your sweat and love and contributions to a very loving use.
I wish there were more groups like yourselves and myself/the group of people who help me on PS4. Miss Maggie, though I do not know her is obviously a beautiful soul, and so deserving of a loving group that did such a beautiful facelift to her humble home. :)
KUDOS TO YOU ALL !!!! :)
urbaknight, your offer of help is gladly accepted!
an update: I went by today and notice some furniture on the porch. Before I could scold, I was asked to come inside by some very proud and smiling faces.
Inside Miss Maggie's a total transformation is taking place. Her family has been busy making the once depressing and drab interior into a place fit for the Grandma.
Here are some photos of my tour of Miss Maggie's house today.
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Her dining room with a place to display her glasses
What a fabulous job they are doing! I am so happy for Ms. Maggie :-)
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Miss%20Maggies%202/IMG_2635-1.jpg)
Kitchen appliances have been added and a new vinyl flooring, the kitchen walls have been painted
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Miss%20Maggies%202/IMG_2628-1.jpg)
new tile in the bathroom
(http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab165/sheclown/Miss%20Maggies%202/IMG_2630-1.jpg)
and a new living room
With a helping hand... you can change the world.
Wow! And what a great example of the difference between punitive ways of dealing with potential problem houses and supportive ways. Punitive, like the notices and fines of before and supportive, members Preservation SOS and the community coming together to help and support. A relatively small investment in money and time has netted more rewards for this community than anyone would have thought. Among so much else, we get Miss Maggie's smile!
"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed."
-Woodrow Wilson
Gloria and I were welcomed into Miss Maggie's home back in July. Two complete strangers to her, but she said "come on in." And we did. You don't even know. This can't possibly be the same house.
These pictures bring me to my knees. Words can not describe any of my feelings. This is what love, friendship, and giving selflessly does. My heart, well, it couldn't feel any fuller than it does at this moment.
I'm thinking Miss Maggie got more than she prayed for, or MAYBE, she got exactly what she prayed for.
Remember Miss Maggie? How could you forget, right? Well say hello Kenneth. Join us on November 20, 2010 on E. 9th Street for our 2nd Make it Happen Project.
Amazing work , folks !!! :)
Update.
We have ridden on the coattails of Miss Maggie's project for years.
Each summer I would stop by and check in with Miss Maggie. She would talk on and on about how beautiful her home was and how happy she was there enjoying it's beauty. The neighborhood truly gave Miss Maggie a gift.
As Miss Maggie's health declined she moved with one of her daughters in North Carolina.
With her move the family did not keep up with her property taxes and unfortunately the home was sold in the tax lien sales recently.
With that sale, the new owner listed it on the MLS for sale.
A loss?
No.
Miss Maggie was extremely happy in her home the neighborhood brought back to life for her.
And the new owner down the road gets a home touched by a neighborhood that cares very deeply about its people and old homes.
Anyone who watched Miss Maggie dance at the end of the job knows that it was worth it.
Thank you Nicole for watching over this family.
Quote from: sheclown on April 01, 2014, 08:46:42 AM
Anyone who watched Miss Maggie dance at the end of the job knows that it was worth it.
Thank you Nicole for watching over this family.
It was indeed a joy to see!!