Oak Cliff History - 1971-1980
Early History |1901-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 |
| 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-2000 | 2001 -
|
|
A rediscovery of Oak Cliff began in the 1970s when Urban Pioneers began
buying the big old dilapidated, price-depressed frame houses in Winnetka Heights,
Kings Highway, and Kidd Springs. Thousands of immigrants joined these
Pioneers, establishing new lives in the friendly atmosphere on this side of the
Trinity River. Then there are those who never left—the ones who knew Oak Cliff
was only hibernating—not missing! Through concerted efforts of these neighbors,
local civic groups, and Dallas City Councilman Dr.The 1970s brought changing demographics mixed with limited growth and prosperity, an emerging local music scene, and forced busing for Dallas public schools. More families now had two working parents, putting additional students behind the wheels of their own cars and allowing teenagers more freedom and mobility.
A major construction project that defined (and split) Oak Cliff was the the extension of US Interstate Highway 35 East, from downtown Dallas through Oak Cliff. The project required hundreds of Oak Cliff families to bow to eminent domain laws, selling their homesteads to the government to make way for this project begun in the early 1960s and in full operation by the '70s.
When Butch and Carla Boss bought their home at 503 North Windomere Avenue in November 1976, little did they know that within the first month they would be downtown fighting a City of Dallas demolition order! With the aid of Ruth Chenoweth, Mary Griffith, and other Winnetka Heights’ friends, a battle to save this old home and part of Oak Cliff’s history was waged and won! Numerous other trips to City Council meetings, petitions, and good old-fashioned “politicking” led to the designation of Winnetka Heights in 1981 as Dallas’s sixth historic district and the largest such designated area in Dallas. At the dedication ceremony of the Winnetka Heights Historic District, Butch and Carla (below) donned period dress to commemorate the occasion. Pictured above is their restored home circa 1990. (Courtesy of Butch and Carla Boss.)
The 1970s was accompanied with integration in Oak Cliff. This uncovered sign is a reminder of how far we have come toward making the “American Dream” work for everyone. Workers found this painted sign on an old theater building in the Bishop Arts District that reads, “Colored Entrance.” Signs of the Jim Crow era were still evident as late as the 1970s. (Courtesy of David Spence.)
Under the 1953 Indian Relocation Act, more than 20,000 Indians from 90 tribes left extended families and tribal elders to move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Many settled in Oak Cliff so the Dallas Inter-Tribal Center, 209 East Jefferson Boulevard, was established in 1971 to provide needed health services, job training, housing information, and emergency aid assistance. Renamed the Urban Inter- Tribal Center of Texas, it is the only tribal center of in Texas. (Courtesy of Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas.)
Dallas Baptist College issued its first diploma in 1970. Decatur Baptist College, founded in 1898, chose the rolling hills east of Mountain Creek Lake for its move to Big D in 1965. Renamed Dallas Baptist College, this former two-year institute took root on University Hill and the first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1970. The school officially became Dallas Baptist University in 1985. Located on 292 acres, DBU has experienced a steady growth in enrollment and buildings, including the new Patty and Bo Pilgrim Chapel. (Courtesy of Dallas Baptist University.)
Early History |1901-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | 41-50 |
| 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-2000 | 2001 -