Lea Manor's History

Lea Manor had its beginning in 1954 under the direction of builders N.W. Dible ad John D. Hickok.  They developed the area, streets, sewer systems and built the homes according to the city codes of the time, even though this area was still in Jackson County's hands.  The homes were built using several standard building plans, per the wishes of the buyers.  All the homes are ranch style, range from two to four bedrooms, with or without family rooms, were of wood construction with brick front facing, shake shingle roofs and have a lot size of approximately one-half acre.  There are a total of 291 homes in Lea Manor.

Both builders used their foresight by establishing certain building restriction to maintain the rural continuity of the area and to provide the vehicle for the formation of a homes association.  The need for such an association was seen as the only way to ensure that continuance of the established restrictions would be maintained and to provide a united front on issues affecting the area.

In November 1955, under the direction of V.E. Phillips, a founder, the Lea Manor Homes Association ("Association") was formed and held its first dinner meeting and picnic.  The newly formed Board of the Association started dealing with the problems quite similar to those present today.

The Lea Manor area still retained its rural touch until 1957, when it was annexed by the city, with 103rd Street as the southern-most boundary of the city.  Even with annexation, the rural atmosphere was not completely eliminated.  The city expansion was moving faster than its services.  In 1959, Lea Manor eliminated the settling ponds and area sewers were connected to the city's main sewer trunk line.

With the major changes to the area completed, the Association set out to upgrade the area with new services and beautifying additions.  In 1956, the picnic and dinner meetings became annual events; the first neighborhood opposition to undesirable zoning, such as apartments, shopping centers and street widening began in 1967.  In 2006, the State Line Rd. entrances were restored with stone statuary, new landscaping and Lea Manor signage.  Each year, the Association seeks to provide the improvements and services necessary to keep Lea Manor an exceptional neighborhood.