MARY CAMPBELL

Growing up in the dust-bowl of the 1930's, Mary Campbell acutely observed the loss of dignity of working people, felt their suffering and heard their frustrations, and wanted to change society to build a better world for people. The mid-century presented many issues and causes - the right to organize, the peace movement, the feminist movement, worker's culture, and technological change.

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Her response was personal and thoughtful. She was a trade union women's auxiliary organizer, newspaper editor, strike support organizer, youth organizer, and federal candidate. She attempted to organize her fellow workers, and established a food co-operative.

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She welcomed the Americans evading the draft. She advised young working mothers. She lovingly raised five children. Her experience confirmed that people sought change when they realized their individual self-worth. Many learned this message, and, for them, became a wise teacher.

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In the fall of 1982, the common goal of developing a housing co-operative in downtown London began with the incorporation of the Central London Housing Co-operative Inc. In February 1984, members voted in favour of changing the name to Mary Campbell Housing Co-operative Inc., in honour of the well-known feminist and social activist who had died in the previous years.

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In May of 1983, the Co-op purchased the Cleve Court apartments, located at Central & Talbot Streets in downtown London. With approval from the federal government on December 21st, 1983, construction began in 1984 with three of the Cleve Court buildings town down to make way for a new "Talbot" seven-storey high-rise. The remaining two buildings were renamed "Lichfield" and "Old Kent" under renovation.

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On June 22nd, 1984, the first Mary Campbell Housing Co-operative model suite was celebrated and shortly thereafter, the first members moved in.