The past, present, and future of Columbia Savings and Loan

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

MILWAUKEE/FOND DU LAC & NORTH || REBIRTH - The historic and legacy leadership of Wilbur and Ardie Halyard in banking and real estate for African Americans in Milwaukee.

 

L-R:  Daryll Lund, Wisconsin Bank Association  & GEORGE GARY  Columbia Saving & Loan

George Gary Retirement - 50-year Club

Listen to how the creators - Ardie and Wilbur Halyard, George Gary, Beechie Brooks-Unity Realty made it possible for Lennie Mosley and the Halyard  Park Association to call home. Therefore, we can not allow Greater Milwaukee, Medical College of WI, and Royal Capital to pit us against each other - failure to be inclusive of ALL the neighborhoods.

It is important to mention that the Halyard Park area consists of more than the neighborhood group led by Lennie Mosely.  Did you know that the ranch-style homes were a so-called blighted area but Beechie Brooks and his realty office led the creation of a ranch-style model of NEW modern units of homes in the 6th Aldermanic District?

Brooks was supported by the banker and activist Halyard's husband and wife team.

Beechie Brooks & family

                                  Click the image to enlarge

Financing was through Columbia Savings & Loan.  Brooks and the Halyards were refused by the city of Milwaukee for assistance.  Once the financial package was created and the homes were built, it became Halyard, an African American neighborhood, seen by Caucasians, as an economic plus - they joined the market for homes in the area. 

50-Year Pioneer

We wish GEORGE GARY more opportunities to grow the neighborhood with his 50 years of experience while enjoying his retirement.

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RAY ALLEN

RAY ALLEN is the new CEO of Columbia Savings & Loan.  His family was one of the Halyard Park original homeowners.

We WELCOME CEO Allen and look forward to the nuances of Smart Growth being brought to the corner of Fond du Lac & North given the background of CEO Allen.  To see FINANCE 2022-24 to insulate the fabulous 6-point intersection at Fond du Lac & North - long overdue.

We are anxious to support the 100-year anniversary coming up.

We seek the commitment of the pioneers from the neighborhood to provide high-yield stewardship to spotlight Amani, Metcalfe, Midtown, WAICO-Y, and Sherman Park with the legitimacy of all federal funding, especially American Rescue, CARES. HUD, WWBIC, and Infrastructure funds.

The corporate office is:

2020 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205

(414) 374-0486

MORE TO COME.