Gerry CoonDr. Gerald Coon was born in Fond du Lac and has a Ph.D. in Education. He's the Executive Director at the Saint Francis Children's Center on the Cardinal Stritch University campus. Coon is also an adjunct faculty member in the University's College of Business.
When he moved with his partner to Washington Park in 1988, he wanted a big, old, affordable house which could be restored. In the beginning, it was just about the house. But after 26 years, Gerry Coon, who is extremely involved in neighborhood issues, talks about his future here. Coon was part of Cooperation West Side Association and Lisbon Avenue Neighborhood Housing Development and affirms that he does what he can to make the neighborhood better. According to him, it is impossible to live in Milwaukee, especially in Washington Park, and not be conscious of racial segregation. Yet, he believes that people should live wherever they want to and that racial integration could be achieved if people respect each other. Dr. Coon explains that their lives center around their home, and that the upkeep of both the home and the gardens keep them occupied. He spends his free time reading about historic preservation and urban sustainability in his favorite room in the house — the library. Dr. Gerald Coon, interview by Phyllis Reske, June 2014. |
Gerald Coon explains the importance of home and his aspirations.
Gerald Coon talks about how they found the house and eventually became part of the neighborhood.
Gerald Coon walks us through a typical day.
Gerald Coon tells the story of his first memory of the house.
Gerald Coon talks about the fluke discovery of the original carriage stone.
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