I have lived all of my 88 years in Fourth and Gill neighborhood
and intend to spend the rest of my life here.
During my 88 year tenure in Fourth and Gill (7 years at 823 N. 3rd Ave and 81 years at 935 Eleanor St) a metamorphosis occurred about halfway through this time. In the early 20's this neighborhood was a serene area with residents of note residing here. They included former Mayor Fred Allen, City Manager Carlton Karns, and C.S. Rader an official of the Standard Knitting Mills.
Then a trend occurred when many left to move west to live in new developments. The result was that several of the larger houses were converted to apartments and several undesirable people moved in.
In recent years with the influx of government loans and a renewed desire of property owners to update their properties, the pendulum has swung back to the positive side.
The main reasons I like to live in Fourth and Gill are contained in two main categories:
Convenience
Near to churches, hospitals, and only about a mile from downtown Knoxville. Receive your mail right up to the front porch. Also get delivery (if you pull the right strings) of your newspaper on the front porch.
Power outages at a minimum as compared to other areas such as Kingston Pike and Sequoyah Hills where there are lots of trees to interfere with power lines.
Spiritual
Fourth and Gill is an area where the organized neighborhood watch has reduced crime to a minimum, where there is practically no racial or labor unrest and where you may converse with your neighbors over the back fence.
If an emergency arises there is always someone nearby to lend a helping hand. There are many churches of all denominations where you may worship.
Finally, those potluck suppers at Central United Methodist church at which time you enjoy great camaraderie with your friends and have an opportunity to listen to public officials outline future plans that will affect Fourth and Gill is really icing on the cake.
I look forward to spending the rest of my days in the Fourth & Gill Neighborhood.
