Birthplace of the Springfield Civic Association

Here follows an excerpt from "Post WW2 History of Springfield, Virginia and The Crestwood Construction Corporation" as written by Robyn Carter:

Springfield Goes Suburban:
Shortly after its transformation from rural vista to a growing suburban community, Springfield was able to boast many things we take for granted today, such as house to house mail delivery (beginning December 1, 1953), an expanded local post office, bus service to DC, as well as its own local newspaper, The Springfield Independent which began publication on February 1, 1953.

Also in February 1953, in the basement of the William and Olive Bagot home at 6020 Backlick Road, over 100 early residents quickly organized the first homeowners association. Not wasting any time, they organized four fact finding committees to address the following: Investigate speed limits on Back Lick Road; house to house mail delivery; installation of street lights; and police and fire protection.

Mr. William Horton was elected temporary chairman. Also an organizational committee was appointed to draw up a charter with Mr. Knox Singleton being put in charge. In the next month elections were held with the first board being comprised of Mr. Knox Singleton as President, with other board positions being filled by Mr. Joe Rausch, Mr. John Klotz, Mrs. William Bagot, Mrs. Iola Holbrook, and Mr. James Houston. The Springfield Civic Association still proudly exists today after over 60 years of service to the community.

Additionally, every type of club or organization from women's clubs, garden clubs, Girl Scout, Brownie and Boy Scout Troops to several Little League Baseball teams were formed and quickly grew with the rise in population. Springfield even had its own theatrical group called "The Footlighters" who put on plays in the auditorium at Garfield School. There seemed to be a new group or organization being created every month and The Springfield Independent regularly reported on their activities.

Resident participation went a long way towards making all the brick and mortar of the built environment into a living, thriving community and fostered a sense of pride.