A Look At Morrisdale Neighborhood Assocation’s Beginnings

Bruce Ebert enjoyed visiting with his Morrisdale neighbors at MNA events.

Morrisdale Estates is quite an older neighborhood. Many of its original homeowners have either moved or passed away, leaving the legacy of our great neighborhood to the new homeowners or children who maintained their family residence. Bruce Ebert was one of those people who in 1995 held a large part in bringing to life what is now Morrisdale Neighborhood Association. Sadly, Bruce passed away at his home in Morrisdale back in the fall of 2020. His wife Honore Ebert passed away in 2018. Those who knew them well knew they were passionate about being involved in MNA activities. Here is a look back at why he was so adamant about improving life in Morrisdale Estates and how he was involved in MNA’s beginnings.

In the Fort Worth Star Telegram back in March of 1995, Bruce explained a bit about why he was so involved, along with a few others, in getting MNA started. With the addition of apartments on both east and west sides and increased street traffic came an increase in vandalism and crime in the surrounding areas. Back in its beginnings, Morrisdale Estates was billed as the “premier” neighborhood to live in. With time, all things change. Bruce’s wife Honore suggested that it might be time to move on and out of Morrisdale, but Bruce was adamant about remaining and making a difference.

“We came up with the idea because my wife wanted to move, and I didn’t want to move,” Bruce said. The group retained an attorney who drafted a letter to each of the then 285 homes within Morrisdale. “My idea is we’ll make it so nice that people will stand in line for Morrisdale houses to come on the market,” he said. “We have got a unique neighborhood.”

By this point, the group had already begun a Crime Watch program, created a newsletter, formed a neighborhood landscape and beautification committee, re-established Christmas and decorating awards, and sponsored two neighborhood picnics. Ebert said the group would work towards increasing property values, eliminating non-residential traffic and ending crime and vandalism. “It’s amazing what’s been done. It’s sparked interest and pride in the neighborhood.” Since the association was to be voluntary, pride would be the driving factor in improvement.

The group also then began work with the city of Euless to close off Pecan Street, in order to reduce non-resident traffic. This in turn would mean fewer chances for vandals and crimes of opportunity.

Bruce Ebert, along with a few other homeowners of the time, were the impetus for the neighborhood association we know today. We owe a debt of gratitude to Bruce and others of the time for building a neighborhood association and a neighborhood we can all be proud of.