Harry Truman's Hat Tip at ''The Top Hat'' Changed My Life

Autobiographical article by JoeLouis Mattox. He met Harry Truman when 16 years old while working at the Caruthersville, Missouri cafe called "The Top Hat". Truman encouraged him to go to Lincoln University in Jefferson City which Mattox eventually did. He later moved to Independence, Missouri and took a job with the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority. He helped in urban renewal and public housing for areas close to the Truman Library including an area called "The Neck" and in the article Mr. Mattox reflects on the conditions and people in this area. He states that the Northwest Parkway Renewal Area project was successful.