As the industrial age picked up momentum, South Side became home to some large manufacturing companies. Cheap, undeveloped land was plentiful and attracted businesses like Buckeye Steel and Federal Glass. The work was hard and sometimes dangerous, but there was certainly opportunity on the South Side.
Many Hungarians found a home on the South Side as decades of turbulence in their own country forced them out. They established churches and spoke little to no English, and as other immigrants entered the mix South Side became a miniature representation of the great American melting pot. [youtube ReXw9DgaCgI]
The factories’ high employee turnover rate forced them to look for workers as far away as Appalachia. Buses were regularly sent down to recruit workers, and eventually the patchwork of immigrants was overtaken by the incoming southerners. As with the foreign immigrants before them, these workers brought their culture along as well. [youtube JsMiCZ5bJvQ]
The people were doing well, but the neighborhood had a tough road ahead. As people became more successful, they bought cars and moved east. They no longer needed to live near their work. Construction of the Interstate did not help matters, and many manufacturing plants moved overseas or were hindered by new environmental regulations. Jobs left, and so did the people. South Side fell into decline. What was once home to proud immigrant communities was now home to dilapidated houses and rental properties. [youtube PA4VyO-RVd8]
South Side is currently experiencing a huge revitalization. The Church for All People has spearheaded several community outreach campaigns through partnerships with the city, state, and Children’s Hospital. These include the building of new houses, the restoration of old houses, a free pharmacy and health care space called Health Station, and a free store. [youtube lQGw0TLXn7k]