The charm of the unique housing design is what still draws many to the neighborhood of Highland Park
When the cold subsides and the flowers begin to bloom in spring, the sidewalks begin to fill with dog walkers and the sound of basketballs bouncing off the cement driveways fill the warm air inside of one of Hamilton’s most historic neighborhoods, Highland Park.
Nestled between two of the west side’s more prominent roads, Main St. and Eaton Ave, Highland Park has long been a pillar of ideal Hamilton Neighborhoods. The subdivision has stretched its arms from the original plans, to include Lawn Park, Lawn View and Elm Park developments. Highland Park, begins where Main and Eaton meet, then continues as those two roads broaden stretching all the way down to Lawrence Ave. The neighborhood bends towards the back few roads of Lawrence and Helma giving Highland Park an ice cream cone shape.
According to research done by Dave Duricy, The Callahan-Reed Development Company spearheaded the building of the new subdivision with the DeArmond and Thompson families backing the money..
On May 10, 1919 in the Daily-Republican News it was announced the Thompsons and DeArmonds bought the property, with the intent to make it a high-class subdivision. “We feel certain,” Mr. DeArmond was quoted as saying the century old news clipping, “that this addition will develop into the best residential section in Hamilton.”
The development company’s advertisement claimed that Highland Park “was the place where a successful Hamiltonian could build his dream house.”
100 years later, and the proclamation made in those advertisements still carries weight. Unlike modern developments, each house is unique to it’s plot of land. That charm still draws many to move into Highland Park.
Kyle Cummins, one of the 17Strong’s newer board members, is not only fresh to the board but new to Highland Park as well. Cummins grew up in Lindenwald and two years ago crossed the river to buy a house in the HP. Very quickly, Cummins learned just how friendly his new neighbors are.
“I always wanted to live in Highland Park. It has a Pleasantville type of feel. I love the architecture of the old homes, the beauty of the trees, and the neighbors,” said Cummins on the draw to the neighborhood. “My first week in my new home I had five or six neighbors knocking on my door,” said Cummins. “This is how I envisioned living in a neighborhood was like in the 50s.”
That same first week that he moved in there was a snow storm. Eager, he set an alarm early to shovel off his new driveway and sidewalk. He said he walked out at 6:30 in the morning and his neighbors had already cleared off his driveway. Cummins said he still doesn’t know which neighbor shoveled his driveway, so he thanked all of his surrounding neighbors.
Though he is new, Cummins quickly found that the beautiful houses and pretty streets are nice, but the real charm of Highland Park is the residents.
“I went out to take my dog for a ten minute walk,” he said. “Well that ten minute walk takes an hour because I stop and talk with all the neighbors. It’s honestly so cool, it’s something I’ve never experienced.”
At the height of the pandemic, when we were all regulated to staying home, many people got their entertainment from taking walks outside. In Highland Park seeing everyone outside was a reaffirmation that the neighborhood was one of the best places to live in the area.
For many, the spirit of our city is felt through this neighborhood on the west side. Highland Park captures the camaraderie of the town. The architecture of the homes captures the history of the west side, and the residents represent the rebirth of Hamilton.