location

Two sites worth exploring further include 1.)the intersection of Caffin and N Galvez and, 2.)the southern end of Caffin as it meets the Mississippi River.  One is the former site of the commercial hub for the neighborhood and the other is the site of former industry with prime port access.

The argument for industry located at the crossroads is the idea that the space was easily identified as the place to go for residents to eat, ‘make groceries’, and get a haircut.  The space functioned as a neighborhood central market with commerce on the surface and social roots running deeper.  This was the location where ‘everybody knew everybody’s business.’  If you were short on cash and couldn’t fill your prescription at Walgreen’s, you went to H & W Drug Store where they put it on your tab.  Other local entrepreneurs included: Russel’s Grocery, Melvin’s Barber Shop, Keith’s Grocery, Baily’s Food, Pierre’s Cleaners, Caffin Theater, H & W Drug Store, Caffin Ave. Food Store, Big Chief Dairy Queen, and other notables like a pizza shop, a novelty shop, a fish market, and even a methodone. (see link: Caffin @ Galvez)

The argument for industry located at the end of Caffin is obviously the fact that industry was already there.  There is easy access to port facilities, rail, and existing industrial infrastructure.