THE CITY OF GLENARDEN1910-2010

e First 100 Yea

M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County

CELEBRATION! BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2011

What began as an enclave for AfricanAmericans outside of the nation’scapital has developed into a vibrant

community with an appreciation for history,family and recreation. Early citizens of Glenar-den banded together and formed a local govern-ment that moved to modernize the communityand support the growing population. By 1939,Glenarden had become the third African Americanincorporated town in Prince George’s County. Led by the secondelected and longest serving mayor, James R. Cousins, Jr., the townestablished neighborhoods, businesses and services to benefit thecommunity. During the mid-1960s, Glenarden was the first townin the county to begin the process of remodeling with the help ofthe Federal Urban Renewal Program. While the federal governmenthelped fund the projects, many Glenarden residents were active inthe process. Anthony Johns, one of Glenarden’s own, was the archi-tect of many of the new buildings.

Throughout most of Glenarden’s history, residents organizedparades, sporting events, cookouts, sponsored balls and otherfamily-oriented activities. Glenardeners participated inorganized sports leagues, and developed the Glenarden Track Club,a nationally-recognized track team. Glenarden resident G. VanStandifer originated the concept of Midnight Basketball, which wasquickly replicated in cities throughout the country.

THE CITY OF GLENARDEN1910-2010

e First 100 Yea

At left, City of Glenarden’s seal,an updated version of the townseal, was used after the townwas designated a city in 1991.Courtesy of Jean Key

The second Mayor of Glenarden, James R. Cousins,Jr., with members of the Glenarden PoliceDepartment, ca 1940. Courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon

Early Glenarden settlers organizedvarious groups to serve the needsof the community. This group(Elizabeth Miles, Sarah Hawkins,Veatta Swan, Cherrie Callier, AlmayKenner and Carrie Green) metmonthly at members’ homes,ca 1940. Courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon

Parade proceeding down GlenardenParkway, 1952. Courtesy of Freddie Kenner

Mayor James R. Cousins, Jr. with the Glenarden Town Council, includingRosa Hawkins, Lillian Norris, Clarence Johnson, Roland Brownlee andFrank Kenner, ca 1940. Courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon

Early History

Glenarden, Maryland, located three miles from the District ofColumbia in Prince George’s County, was one of the first AfricanAmerican towns incorporated in the state. Developed near the

Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis (WB&A) rail line, Glenardenwas marketed to African American railroad workers and those livingin Washington, D.C. The first African American family to reside inGlenarden was the Brown family.

In its early years, the town was comprised of mostly farmland divided intotwo subdivisions, Glenarden and Glenarden Heights. As the populationgrew, the residents created the Glenarden Civic Association (GCA) to“encourage and to foster community pride and ambition.” Following thelead of other African American towns Fairmount Heights and NorthBrentwood, the GCA mounted a campaign to incorporate Glenarden. OnMarch 20, 1939, Glenarden received its town charter, and W. H. Swannwas elected the first mayor.

In 1941, James R. Cousins, Jr. was elected Mayor of Glenarden. Cousins’first major action was to pursue the construction of a municipal hall.The town saw further development after Cousins petitioned theWashington Metropolitan Area Transportation Bus Company to beginbus service between Glenarden and nearby Seat Pleasant.

In 1956, Mayor Cousinssupervised the process ofmerging Ardwick Park No. 2and Glenarden Woods intothe Town of Glenarden. In1962, Glenarden annexed aland parcel known as FoxRidge. Through this annexa-tion the town doubled in areaand saw its population growto 5,000.

Glenarden Recreation Department’s entry in a1952 parade. Courtesy of Freddie Kenner

First town hall, built during Mayor Cousins’ administration, ca 1940.Courtesy of Jean Key

In 1942, James R. Cousins, Jr. was appointed byMaryland Governor Herbert R. O’Connor to serveas Captain of the 937th Company of the MarylandReserve Militia. Members of the militia wereresidents of Glenarden and nearby communities,such as McCarthy and Vista.Courtesy of Raymond Smith

Glenarden’s first Town Council, 1939.Courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon

Religion

Religious life helped shape the founding and development ofGlenarden. The two most prevalent faiths in early Glenarden wereCatholic and Baptist. Established to serve the growing African

American population of Glenarden and surrounding areas, St. Joseph’sCatholic mission was formed in 1921. With an ever-growing congrega-tion, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church built a new place of worship and arectory on Landover Road in 1942.

Altar boys lead processional outside of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,ca 1930. Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

First rectory at St. Joseph’s CatholicChurch, ca 1930. Courtesy of St. Joseph’sCatholic Church

Oblate Sisters of Providence with childrenready for First Communion, ca 1950.Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

Two years after the Catholic mission was formed, Reverend I. A. Patter-son organized the First Baptist Church in Glenarden. In 1956, ReverendJohn W. Johnson of North Carolina became the pastor, and served untilhis death in 1988. To meet the needs of the growing congregation, the

church moved to a larger facility designedby local architect Anthony Johns in 1972.Reverend J. K. Jenkins, the current SeniorPastor, has served since 1989. In 2007, thecongregation moved to a larger church inUpper Marlboro; however the First Bap-tist Church of Glenarden maintains out-reach ministries and administrativeoffices in Glenarden.

The religious community of Glenardenhas grown to include several otherchurches including Glenarden Churchof Christ, Shiloh Baptist Church andChrist Mission Church.

Program from installation services ofReverend John W. Johnson at FirstBaptist Church of Glenarden in 1956.Courtesy of Reverend Robert Johnson

Shiloh Baptist Church wasestablished by former membersof the First Baptist Church ofGlenarden, ca 1990.Courtesy of Jean Key

Men’s choir marches into the First Baptist Church ofGlenarden, ca 1960. Courtesy of Glenarden Public Library

Education

Glen Arden Elementary School was built in 1922 near Jeffersonand Monroe Avenues. The school was described as “the best builtand best equipped two-room Rosenwald school in the county.”

Unfortunately, in 1950, the school was closed and students were sent toschools in neighboring communities. As the town continued to grow anew school, Glenarden Woods Elementary School, was built in 1957.In addition to serving as a school that provided students with a qualityeducation, Glenarden Woods Elementary School served as a social centerfor the town. By 1967, the Parent-Teacher Association of GlenardenWoods organized its first parade, an annual event that brought out theentire town. In 2000, a new school, Judge Sylvania W. Woods, Sr.Elementary School was opened to continue to provide a solid educationfor children.

Vivian Elizabeth Smith’s attendance certificate from GlenArden Elementary School, 1943. Courtesy of Elizabeth Gordon

Glenarden Woods Elementary School safety patrol, ca 1970.Courtesy of Donald Conway

Opening of the Judge Sylvania W. Woods, Sr.Elementary School in Glenarden, 2000.Courtesy of Geneva Woods Supervisor of Colored Schools

in Prince George’s County,Doswell E. Brooks speaking at theFirst Baptist Church of Glenardenwith Deacon Roland Brownleeseated nearby, ca 1960.Courtesy of Glenarden Public Library

Business

As the town grew, local entrepreneurs started businesses to meetthe needs of residents. Several enterprising residents operatedhome-based businesses and storefronts which included carryout

shops, barber and beauty shops, a tavern, a grocery store and other serv-ices. As local businesses were established, the community then focused itsefforts on gaining commercial and industrial businesses.

During urban renewal, the town acquired the Washington CommerceCenter which included retail stores. Currently the Woodmore Center atGlenarden includes several retail shops including anchor stores Wegmansand Costco Warehouse.

Receipt for $6.07 for towels Raymond Smithpurchased for his barbershop from the ABCLinen Service, ca 1980. Courtesy of Raymond Smith

Raymond Smith and other barbers outsidehis barber/beauty shop complex in Glenarden,ca 1980. Courtesy of Raymond Smith

Recreation

For Glenarden residents, access to a variety ofrecreational activities was an important aspect ofa safe and happy childhood. To this end, the

townspeople generously donated their time and money to many localprojects including construction of the town’s recreation center in 1954,and another in 1972. Glenarden residents continued to raise funds for theconstruction and purchase of playground equipment at other recreationalfacilities including Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Park.

In 1977, the Glenarden Community Center was built by The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The 31-acre siteincluded a community center and swimming pool complex, picnic areasand a lighted ballfield. Located near the town hall, the communitycenter was the site of many community activities, including the annualGlenarden Day. It was also used for many of the activities offered by theGlenarden Boys and Girls Club including basketball, baseball, track,cheerleading and football.

Glenarden cheerleaders at a home game, ca 1970.Courtesy of Stanley Brown

DeHavine Brown receives an award for hisachievements on the Glenarden boys footballteam, ca 1970. Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Board members of the Glenarden Boys and Girls Club seated atan awards ceremony, ca 1970. Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Baseball

African American towns throughout the county formed sandlot baseballteams that competed on a weekly basis. Attending games generateda sense of pride and entertainment for the entire community. The

residents of Glenarden and area businesses supported the Glenarden Braves, asemi-professional sandlot team. The community banded together to raisemoney to pay for uniforms, supplies and other expenses.

In addition to its semi-professional sandlot team, Glenarden was also home tobaseball teams sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. The Glenarden Topspot-ters was an early girls softball team. By the 1970s the club sponsored several teamsthat competed against other teams throughout the region.

Glenarden Braves in thedugout at the Vista YankeesStadium, ca 1950.Courtesy of Reverend Robert Johnson

Identification card of Robert R. Johnson,a player in the semi-professional Tri-StateLeague, ca 1960. Courtesy of Reverend Robert Johnson

Glenarden Top Spotters,a girls softball team,ca 1960.Courtesy of Raymond Smith

Glenarden girls softball team, 1976. Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Glenarden boys baseballteam, 1976.Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Track

Among organized sports in Glenarden, track had one of the greatestimpacts on the daily lives of residents of all ages. After years of activity,the Glenarden Track Club (GTC) has put together an effective combi-

nation of an award-winning coaching staff, and an active booster club ofparents and volunteers. The team includes about 300 talented track members,from age nine to seniors, all working, training and winning at a premiertraining facility. In 1994 GTC had the largest qualifying team from its area inthe USA Track & Field (USATF) Junior Olympic competition. Many of itsaward-winning members who have professional careers in sports as athletesand coaches attribute their success to the training they received as members ofGTC.

The Glenarden Track Club, originally the Dellwood Avenue Striders, wasorganized as a summer program in 1983 by Larry Colbert, Sr. for his sonLarry, Jr. and neighborhood children Lamont Seller, Ernest Kinard, ShannonMarshall and Douglas Jackson. Within four years the club had 20 membersand became affiliated with the Glenarden/Ardmore Boys and Girls Club.Competing in regional, national and international meets, the team quickly grewto include over 200 members from across the metropolitan area. It reorganizedagain in 1987 as a nonprofit under the name of Glenarden Track Club.

Glenarden/Ardmore track team, ca 1980. Courtesy of Larry Colbert

Coaching staff of the Glenarden Track Club confer with an official justprior to the Junior Olympics USATF National Championships at SanJose City College in San Jose, California, 1995. Courtesy of Larry Colbert

Larry Colbert getting his stride evaluatedby his trainer, Coach Stan Mullins, thecelebrated track coach of H. D. WoodsonHigh School, 2007. Courtesy of Larry Colbert

The original membersof the Glenarden TrackClub, the Dellwood AvenueStriders, 1983.Courtesy of Larry Colbert

Soapbox Derby

From the 1930s through the 1970s, soapbox racing was a popularAmerican pastime for young boys and their fathers. Throughout the year,they would collaborate on designs and construct wooden cars that would

coast downhill in hopes of beating fellow racers. The Glenarden 500 began inthe early 1950s and became a favorite pastime in the community. The annualrace was held each fall until the mid-1970s. While the sport was dominated byboys, in 1971, Donna Key became the first and only girl to win first place andbest in show.

Glenarden 500 winners’ circle, ca 1970.Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Participants in theGlenarden 500 liningup along GlenardenParkway, ca 1970.Courtesy of Jean Key

Trophy table at the 1968 Glenarden 500soapbox derby. Courtesy of Vernelle Fletcher

Donna Key in car number 5 won first place in the 1971 Glenarden 500.Courtesy of Jean Key

Glenarden 500 finish line,ca 1970. Courtesy of Stanley Brown

Midnight Basketball

Former Glenarden Town Manager G. Van Standifer developed the ideaof Midnight Basketball, an innovative program that offered youngmen the opportunity to play

organized sports during summerevenings when they were most likelyto get into trouble. Players were re-quired to attend weekly practice, edu-cational workshops and vocationalcounseling. Within a few years, othermunicipalities throughout the nationformed their own leagues.

Program from thefirst midnightbasketball awardsceremony, 1986.Courtesy of Martha Standifer

Members of the Midnight Basketball League on stage awaiting PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush’s arrival, 1991. Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

President George H. W. Bushcongratulates G. Van Stan-difer on the success of theMidnight Basketball League,one of Bush’s 1000 Points ofLight Program, 1991.Courtesy of Martha Standifer

One of the members of theMidnight Basketball Leaguespeaking with President GeorgeH. W. Bush at GlenardenCommunity Center, 1991.Courtesy of Martha Standifer

Midnight Basketball backboard at Glenarden Community Center,ca 1990. Courtesy of Edward and Florid Brown

Mardi Gras

In Glenarden, the tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras started in the late 1970s.The event was sponsored by the Glenarden Recreation Council andsuggested by Council Member Marvin Wilson, whose wife Verly is a

native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Festivities included a parade during theday and a masquerade ball in the evening. The highlight of the event wasthe crowning of the King and Queen of the Ball who were selected based onservice in the community. For more than a decade the Town of Glenardeninvited residents and neighbors to celebrate this event.

Esquire Band playing during theReaganomics Mardi Gras celebration,ca 1980. Courtesy of Verly Wilson

Former Glenarden Mayor and StateSenator Decatur Trotter speaking atthe 1976 Mardi Gras celebration.Courtesy of Ethel Choice

Mayor and Mrs. Marvin Wilson, King and Queen of the Mardi Grasball, ca 1980. Courtesy of Verly Wilson

Urban Renewal in Glenarden

In the 1960s under Mayor James Cousins, Jr.’s leadership, the Town ofGlenarden began to make major changes to its landscape. With the approvalof the Glenarden Housing Authority, the U.S. Public Housing Authority

constructed a 90-unit public housing project, and began an urban renewal pro-gram for the city.

Mayor Decatur Trotter’s administration continued the program, and the townincreased its public housing, added two recreation centers and implementedplans for a community administration building with a “tot lot.” In 1970, 32 morepublic housing units were constructed, with 16 of the units reserved for theelderly and disabled. The next year a recreation center was constructed on a10-acre lot on McLain Ave. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Park was thesecond center and was located on the 2-½ acre lot left vacant when St. Joseph’sCatholic Church moved to Landover Road.

In the 1980s and 1990s, new developments and retail centers were built through-out the town. In 1983, the newly constructed Washington Commerce Center wasannexed by the town along with the Carrollton Station subdivision that con-tained 200 townhouses. Another annexation in 1985 increased the town’s landholdings by 245 acres, almost doubling the size of the community.

Mayor James Fletcher discussing the layoutof the town, ca 1990. Courtesy of Vernelle Fletcher

Glenarden residentAnthony Johns designedseveral Glenardenlandmarks, ca 1970.Courtesy of the FairmountHeights Local History Project

Angela Johns, Mayor Cousins, Jacqueline Mack, andDonna Key “Grand Marshall” at a parade for candidatesfor mayor and council board, May 4, 1969. Courtesy of Jean Key

Preserving a Heritage

The residents of Glenarden created a variety of ways to preserve andcelebrate their history and traditions. Backyard cookouts for familyand friends, neighborhood block parties and family reunions were

regular features of community life. Special committees were created to plancelebrations for major milestones in Glenarden’s history. Commemorativebooks have been produced that celebrate the 10th, 25th and 50th anniversariesof the town’s incorporation. One of the largest celebrations in the town’s historywas its 50th anniversary, which included a parade, ball and an awardsceremony for citizens. Residents who worked on the 50th anniversary projectand others with similar goals later formed the Glenarden Historical Society.Descendents of the municipality’s early settlers formed the Glenarden Pioneerswho celebrate the town’s history and the lives of its residents. Throughorganizations like these, residents have created avenues to preserve Glenarden’s

heritage and pass it onto future generations.

Cookout at the home of James and Vernelle Fletcher,ca 1970. Courtesy of Vernelle Fletcher

Residents participated in citywide eventsas well as street and neighborhoodparties, ca 1990. Courtesy of Vernelle Fletcher

Mayors of Glenarden and their spouses, from left Mr. and Mrs. Henry James,Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Reid, Mr. and Mrs. James Fletcher, Jr. and Mr. and Mrs.Herbert Jackson, Sr. gathered at the 50th anniversary ball, 1989.Courtesy of Jean Key

Glenarden Pioneers at one of their many annual picnics, ca 2005. Courtesy of Michael Marshall

City officials Chairman of the Town Council EdwardBrown, Director of Recreation Jean Key, MayorJames Fletcher, former Councilmember TommieBroadwater, and former Mayor Ruben Reid pose onstage before the 50th anniversary parade, 1989.Courtesy of Jean Key