West Windsor Unveils Glen Acres History Marker

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WEST WINDSOR IS PROUD TO UNVEIL A NEW WEST WINDSOR HISTORY MARKER, FOR ONE OF THE NATION'S EARLIEST PLANNED INTEGRATED COMMUNITIES!

In the mid-20th century, housing discrimination was rampant across the nation, and it was common for homeowners to refuse to sell and rent to others on the basis of race. Princeton was no exception - for generations, African American residents were constantly "shut out" of most neighborhoods, and often relegated to the "Witherspoon-Jackson" neighborhood.

So, in 1954, a coalition of local residents/civil rights activists and churches formed the Princeton Housing Group, to help marginalized residents find inclusive housing. At first, they went house by house, helping one family at a time. However, in 1957, they hired a developer named Morris Milgram, who had recently opened two of the nation's first integrated developments earlier in the decade: "Concord Park" and "Greenbelt Knoll," both in Pennsylvania. In late 1957, he unveiled two more: "Maplecrest" (25 houses in Princeton, off Walnut Ln and Dempsey Ave) and "Glen Acres" (15 houses in West Windsor, off Glenview Dr and Alexander Rd").

Over time, Concord Park, Greenbelt Knoll, and Maplecrest lost their integrated composition. However, it remains strong in Glen Acres, and has actually grown: black, white, hispanic, Asian, and more. Residents - both current and former; homeowners and kids who grew up there - unanimously laud the strong sense of community and shared humanity that developed over the decades. A few original homeowners still live there (yes, even nearly 70 years later), and residents still get together weekly to socialize.

Starting in early 2024, the Historical Society began meeting with current and former residents (including those former kids who grew up there, and the original homeowners) to design a cast-metal marker. Finally, after months of meetings and manufacturing, the sign has been installed! Thanks to many neighbors who helped draft the marker (and website below) and to Ted Peck, Mimi Schwartz, and Liza/David Reed for funding it. Thanks to Diane Ciccone (West Windsor’s first African American Town Council member, who made a Glen Acres documentary in 2011) for major support and to WW Public Works for posting it.

Want more history markers? Each costs thousands of dollars (they’re built to last) and our small, all-volunteer nonprofit can’t make them without funds. Support our Winter Fundraiser so we can preserve and promote local history in many ways: HTTPS://WESTWINDSORHISTORY.COM...

Explore Glen Acres’ rich story: HTTPS://WESTWINDSORHISTORY.COM...