Ford Mason grew up in Miami, Florida. He completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at Florida State and received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Mason worked in the SC Department of Corrections as the Chief Psychologist and a Mental Health Coordinator. After his retirement, he developed Mason Properties, wherein he owns and manages 21 rental properties including a recently constructed 8 bedroom mountain lodge in Montreat, NC.Ford and his wife, Martha, have lived in Earlewood for 35 years. They moved to Keenan Drive shortly after their marriage. They both have been very active in ECCO. His wife was the first president of the organization, and Ford has held the presidency twice and served in many other offices. He has been responsible for newsletter distribution for a number of years.Ford and Martha have two children, Jonathan and Jennifer, who attended neighborhood schools, (McCants Elementary, Rhame Elementary and St. Andrews Middle) and were honor graduates at Dreher High School, and the University of South Carolina Honors College. Jonathan is pursuing a doctorate in Mathematics and Jennifer is pursuing a doctorate in Industrial Engineering.
What do you like most about living in Earlewood?
Earlewood is in the heart of the city and is close to everything, but it has a distinctly country feel. Our architecturally designed home is on an acre lot, which drops 25 feet to Smith Branch, giving us a beautiful mountain setting. We have a diverse neighborhood wherein everyone is accepted and accepting, and there are a lot of young people who are stimulating and interesting.
What makes Earlewood distinct?
We have one of the most beautiful parks in the city, with many sophisticated activities and programs for the benefit of the neighborhood. The trees and lush foliage in the neighborhood create a beautiful environment. It’s a great place to walk and to meet others walking.
What is the biggest challenge facing Earlewood?
Earlewood’s neighborhood association is widely recognized as one of the best and most progressive in the city. The association has taken a leadership role in bringing proper zoning, design preservation, and community policing to the neighborhood, and making major improvements to Earlewood Park. The commercialization of River Drive has been stopped and many positive decisions about the neighborhood have been accomplished and disputes resolved with ECCO support.
Unfortunately, only around 200 people are members of our association and only around 50 people are consistently active. All residents of Earlewood should be active members of the organization ($10 per family and $5 per individual) and we should all vote in city elections. Through these simple procedures ECCO could accomplish more and our neighborhood could gain higher levels of city support.
What change have you noticed in recent years?
More young professionals are moving to Earlewood and, like us, are not afraid to raise their children in this wonderful neighborhood.
