History:

Dutchtown South Community Corporation (DSCC) was founded in March of 1973 by a steering committee comprised of business and church leaders. With the assistance of then aldermen, Richard Gephardt and Albert Holst and Saint Louis University’s Center for Urban Programs, the by-laws and Corporation were initiated.

The name “Dutchtown” was chosen since the area was familiarly known as the “Scrubby Dutch Neighborhood” and the then student body of Cleveland High School was nicknamed “Dutchmen”.

The general boundaries were set; the Mississippi River on the East, Utah on the North, Compton, Chippewa and the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks on the West, and Delor on the South. In the mid ‘80s, the southern boundary was extended to Eichelberger and Walsh.

In 1977 the Corporation purchased the building on the corner of Meramec and Virginia for their office. Half of the office was rented to the Human Development Corporation for outreach social services until 1982. The building was renovated in 1981 to provide eight apartments for low income seniors. Until 1991, the craft ladies worked there every Tuesday making items to sell at social events. The building was again renovated in 2003-04 due to flood damage that destroyed the DSCC office. The office moved temporarily to 3318 ½ Meramec until staff and volunteers were able to move back into the building in February of 2004. The renovation of the apartments was completed in May 2004.

The first newsletter was printed in May of 1973, followed a year later by the addition of The Flying Dutchman newspaper. This publication remained in print until 1983. By 1984 the Dutchtown newspaper replaced the newsletter and served as the Corporation’s publication. In 1992 the name was changed to The Dutchtowner, which is DSCC’s present bi-monthly publication.

Since Dutchtown’s inception, the housing committee has worked with City Inspectors on building code enforcement to help keep the area stable and encourage residents to maintain their property. Later Dutchtown South Community Corporation encouraged the Aldermen to initiate the Housing Conservation District in the Dutchtown portions of their wards.

On October 7, 1973, the first Dutchtown “Oktoberfest” was held at Marquette Park and continued for many years. Variations to this theme included “Dutchtown Sunday” and “Salute to Meramec Street”. After a number of years, the final “Oktoberfest” was held in October of 1992. Working with Schaefer’s Hobby Shop and the businesses on Meramec and Virginia, a sidewalk festival originated. Other social events included the “Kris Cringle House”, where the children visited with Santa, decorated cookies, and purchased small gifts for the family, “A Night at Grants Farm”, which honored a Dutchtown family and gave awards to students based on essays written about Dutchtown. “Trivia Night” was a fundraiser, and the celebration of the newly renovated Feasting Fox Restaurant formerly the historic Al Smith Building constructed by Adolphus Busch. The Dutchtown Kitchen Band entertained many parade watchers and played for block parties as they celebrated National Night Out. The Easter Egg Hunts were fun for the children and their families. The Historic Committee also provided many interesting slide shows and programs through the years to help showcase the Dutchtown area.

On February 10, 1975 Dutchtown was successful through a feverish petition campaign to have the Grand Bus Route extended to South Broadway from Meramec and Virginia. Again in 1994 a huge petition drive and successful effort was spearheaded to “Save our Schools”, when plans were in the making to close Meramec and Froebel Schools.

Dutchtown was instrumental in the preservation of the Al Smith historical building, built in 1913, working with the State, City, Heritage Commission, Anheuser-Busch, Alderman Wessels and the Luepker family. The Luepkers received the Landmarks Association Most Enhanced Building Award in 1996.

As a primarily all-volunteer organization for the first twenty years of its life, DSCC worked hard for the physical and social well being of its neighbors. In 1993, these efforts had grown beyond the capacity of volunteers so DSCC made a quantum jump. The organization hired its first professional staff.

Since 1994, Dutchtown has had a Housing Director at the office who works with developers, renovators and potential property owners to help with informational support as well as developing properties to help stabilize our neighborhood.

DSCC has been encouraging and protecting the cultural heritage of the neighborhood and preserving and promoting the neighborhoods and businesses of Greater Dutchtown since 1973. But none of this would have been possible without the DSCC Staff, Alderpersons, NSO’s, City Officials, Police Officers, Neighborhood Leaders, Board of Directors and Volunteers. All are a vital part of Dutchtown South Community Corporation and its history!

By: JoAnn Hoppe

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