Signs celebrate history in Morningside
By Maria Amante mamante@post-trib.com/648-3072 June 26, 2012 11:36PM
Dr. Jeff Wilson proudly presents one of the Historic Morningside street toppers donated to the city of Gary by the Morningside Historic District Organization during a program Tuesday June 26, 2012. Wilson is the president of the organization. | Andy Lavalley~Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 28, 2012 6:42AM
GARY — The Morningside Historic District will be a little bit more beautiful starting today, following the installation of decorative signs atop street signs.
The signs were the donation of the James P. Morrow foundation, to mark the boundaries of the historic architecture within the city.
“This will stabilize the neighborhood,” said Dr. Jeff R. Wilson, a Morningside resident and president of the Morningside Historic District Organization. “In conjunction with the business district, it helps economic development. Some things are worth saving, not as old raggedy homes, but as worthy, historic properties. (These homes) are worthy of historic preservation.”
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson attended the dedication ceremony, at which 13 decorative signs were given to the city. She said the signs will help give some pride to the residents of Morningside.
Clanthia Green, a Morningside resident, said the street-sign toppers are a “wonderful idea.”
“We want to lift up our arms and stand for something,” she said.
When she has out-of-town visitors, she said she sometimes feels embarrassed to show the town. However, with town beautification projects, she feels proud of the city.
“Every person (in Morningside) is trying to do something,” Green said.
