From Horses, Wagons to Cars, Trucks at Olive Street, OBA Tells the Story

       Thick, slippery mud along Olive Road whenever it rained caused communities to lay boards and logs for the use of horses and wagons in early days.  Olive Plank Road became the name of the road. Eventually the boards were replaced by better surfaces and the name changed to Olive Street Road.

       Mrs. Elsie Glickert told the story of the road and the area along it at the April meeting of the Olive Business Association.  Mrs. Glickert is the granddaughter of Roman Meyer, one of the original settlers of farms in the area.  This farm and the Sutter farm were adjacent, and the original Sutter-Meyer House, originally facing Olive, still stands.

       Mrs. Glickert told of the development of businesses along the street.  Roadhouses with food for travelers, then gasoline service stations on every corner and pubs in between, then more and more shops and stores.

       Mrs. Glickert still lives in the area settled by her family and the Sutters, and she is very interested in the growth of the OBA.

       After this interesting presentation, University City Council Member Larry Lieberman and newly-elected Council Member Shelley Welsch were introduced.  Arthur Sharpe, Council Member from the 3rd Ward, told of the U. City Fellowship Church and its work in northeast U. City.  Mr. Henning, a young man working with "teens at risk" in the area, informed the group of his work here.

       After introductions, Chairperson Lynn Rossell distributed copies of the new By-Laws.  They were adopted with a few changes in wording.  The Olive Business Association can now begin official operation.

       Ralph Broeker, Royal Bank, said that high school students have requested more time for creation of a logo.  It was agreed that the contest time shall be extended.   

       Ms. Olivia Pieknik, who has an Asian background and speaks several Asian languages, offered her services as a translator and facilitator when groups with different languages and cultures are having problems dealing with one another.  Her services may be very useful to the OBA.

       A representative of some families near Olive wanted the group to know that the human rights of these families will be protected.  He was responding to the report of the March meeting of the OBA about complaints of local residents. 

       U. City East, parent organization of the OBA, invited everyone to its Annual Shareholders Meeting at 6:00 P.M. on May 9 at Christ the King Church.

       The next meeting of the OBA will be Tuesday, May 14, at 6:00 P.M. in the University City Community Center.  As usual, a light supper will be provided.  

       Bring two new merchants along with you and be eligible to win a savings bond from Royal Bank, as announced by Ralph Broeker.