Glen Acres
Overview
One of West Windsor’s most notable assets is its uniquely multicultural and multiracial demographic composition. In the mid-20th century, however, this reality had not yet been achieved.
Prior to the 1950s and 1960s, racially integrated housing was rare. However, during the mid-century civil rights movement, this reality, along with a multitude of other practices, institutions, and social dynamics, was to be hotly contested. Concurrently, in 1958, Glen Acres was developed. Located off of Alexander Road just east of both Princeton Basin and the boundary between West Windsor and Princeton, the development is a seemingly unremarkable horseshoe-shaped community of 15 houses. This neighborhood, formed around Glenview Drive, was a case study in one of the nation’s most significant social transformations.
In 1954, a contingent of parishioners from various Princeton churches formed the Princeton Housing Group (PHG) to provide housing for African American families. The methodology of PHG emphasized door-to-door canvassing. They first looked for someone willing to sell to minority families. Then, by surveying the opinions of current residents (and thus prospective neighbors), they would attain an understanding of the friendliness of the neighborhood to non-white homeowners. Upon finding a suitable location, the group would approach the seller, knowing that neighbors would not cause problems.
One of West Windsor’s most notable assets is its uniquely multicultural and multiracial demographic composition. In the mid-20th century, however, this reality had not yet been achieved.
Prior to the 1950s and 1960s, racially integrated housing was rare. However, during the mid-century civil rights movement, this reality, along with a multitude of other practices, institutions, and social dynamics, was to be hotly contested. Concurrently, in 1958, Glen Acres was developed. Located off of Alexander Road just east of both Princeton Basin and the boundary between West Windsor and Princeton, the development is a seemingly unremarkable horseshoe-shaped community of 15 houses. This neighborhood, formed around Glenview Drive, was a case study in one of the nation’s most significant social transformations.
In 1954, a contingent of parishioners from various Princeton churches formed the Princeton Housing Group (PHG) to provide housing for African American families. The methodology of PHG emphasized door-to-door canvassing. They first looked for someone willing to sell to minority families. Then, by surveying the opinions of current residents (and thus prospective neighbors), they would attain an understanding of the friendliness of the neighborhood to non-white homeowners. Upon finding a suitable location, the group would approach the seller, knowing that neighbors would not cause problems.
Play ball! (Photo courtesy of Ted Peck)
In the late 1950s, the idea of an open-occupancy philosophy emerged as the group’s predominant goal. Morris Milgrim, who had already constructed two other integrated neighborhoods in Philadelphia, was invited as a consultant. PHG formed Princeton Housing Associates (PHA), raised $65,000 from interested shareholders, and set to work.
Milgrim led the construction of two integrated neighborhoods - "Maplecrest" (the name does not survive) in the Lucas Road/Ewing Street locality north of Princeton, and "Glen Acres" on Alexander Road west of Canal Pointe Boulevard. Four houses had already been constructed along Alexander Road, but the previous developer chose not to continue the project and sold the land and existing buildings to PHA.
Prospective homeowners could choose from a number of house layouts: ranch, two types of split-level, and ranch-split-level combinations. Modifications to each house over the years ensured architectural individuality and expression. From its creation, the development embodied the spirit of community and neighborhood, reflected in frequent block parties, picnics, and visits to the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal. In addition, members of the neighborhood were frequently involved in township boards and committees.
A documentary about the community was released in 2011. The neighborhood continues to serve as a prime example of the mid-century integration efforts.
Milgrim led the construction of two integrated neighborhoods - "Maplecrest" (the name does not survive) in the Lucas Road/Ewing Street locality north of Princeton, and "Glen Acres" on Alexander Road west of Canal Pointe Boulevard. Four houses had already been constructed along Alexander Road, but the previous developer chose not to continue the project and sold the land and existing buildings to PHA.
Prospective homeowners could choose from a number of house layouts: ranch, two types of split-level, and ranch-split-level combinations. Modifications to each house over the years ensured architectural individuality and expression. From its creation, the development embodied the spirit of community and neighborhood, reflected in frequent block parties, picnics, and visits to the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal. In addition, members of the neighborhood were frequently involved in township boards and committees.
A documentary about the community was released in 2011. The neighborhood continues to serve as a prime example of the mid-century integration efforts.
Watching the eclipse, 1970 (Photo courtesy of Ted Peck)