Cleveland Joseph
Peete



Cleveland Joseph Peete managed the Magnolia Development from 1952 to 1978 and during that time compiled a record of good will and assistance that lasts to this day. "Concern for people" is the phrase that best characterizes Peete's attitude during his man y years as manager of Magnolia. Residents knew he was never too busy to talk about their problems and that they could depend on him to help in addition to talking.

Peete was born in Opelousas, Louisiana in 1908. He moved to New Orleans during his high school years and graduated from McDonogh 35 High School. In 1929, Peete entered Xavier University from which he graduated in 1933 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. During this time he did several jobs such as chauffeur, butler and Pullman porter to work his way through pharmacy school.

Peete came to work for HANO in 1946 as a cashier at the St. Bernard Development. In 1948 he was transferred to Reynes Homes as a management aide-cashier, and in 1952 he went to Magnolia where he was soon promoted to manager.
For many years Peete pursued a dual career as a development manager during the day and as a registered pharmacist at night.

Peete's accomplishments as a HANO manager are illustrated in the following commendation written by George L. Bott, then general housing manager, in March, 1959: "Your interest and special efforts in improving the exterior appearance of your project has be en noteworthy. lt has also been gratifying to observe the improved maintenance operations as the result of special efforts on your Dart. You are to be commened for these special efforts and also for the manner in which you have, with resourcefulness and f oresight, established excellent tenant management relationships."

Peete was more than just an effective manager, though. He was also a true humanitarian. This is illustrated in a letter sent in 1966 from the executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Lake Charles. Peete learned that a daughter of a staff member at the Lake Charles Authority had undergone a serious operation in New Orleans and required several blood transfusions. As the letter states, "He very graciously recruited a number of HANO employees to donate blood. For this act of human kindness, the Housing Authority of the City of Lake Charles wishes to extend a personal thanks . . . to the members of your staff involved and, in the future, I hope that acts of this nature can be brought to the public notice."

After his retirement, Peete continued his service to the community as owner and operator of Peete's Day Care Center until his death on June 4, 1980.
Peete was also active in social organizations such as the Knights of Peter Claver, the Xavier Alumni Club and the Progressive Druggist Association. He was the father of three daughters and two sons and the grandfather of five.

During his years as manager of Magnolia, Peete received many letters of thanks and encouragement from residents. But perhaps the very special relationship he had with Magnolia residents is best summed up in these words taken from a letter sent to HANO after Peete's retirement: "He has been such a humane person to all of us and helped us out of our difficulties all he could. I've known Mr. Peete all these years and he has been a friend and a gentleman to all of us."