Our History
The idea of the Community Center was conceived in the mind of Mrs. Estell
Barnette in 1918. The idea came after having observed the absence of any
wholesome facility, commercial or private, where Negro youngsters could
play.
Under the auspices of the Women's Study club, a public campaign was conducted
to purchase a residence location on N. 7th Street. Opposition arose regarding
the presence of an agency to which Negro children could go in that area.
A site at 140 S.6th Street was obtained as a compromise.
The Zanesville Civic League which operates the center, was incorporated
November 15, 1919, and since has carried on its affairs with the duly elected
Board of Directors. During the depression the property was enlarged with
a 30 by 42 foot addition. The dormitory was a gift of Mrs. O. L. Martin.
In the 1950's the emphasis of the center serving only black residents was
broadened to an interracial policy of services to any needy area residents.
In 1956 the location of the center was changed to 1265 W. Main St. where
it remained until the fall of 1984 when it was moved to the former boy's
department of the YMCA on S. 5th Street. Shortly after the move it was
announced the YM building was being vacated by December 31, 1984.
On December 10, 1984, the community Center moved to 518 McIntire Avenue
to continue providing programs to area youth. In 1986, the Center Board
was informed that the Community Center would not be founded by the United
Way for 1987. During this period of crisis, many new members were added
to the Board and it became the purpose of this new group to build a new
and adequate facility, something we've never had in our sixty-nine year
history.
In July of 1987, The Community Center was moved to 1008 McIntire Avenue to be used as a headquarters until the new "Center" was completed in 1989. The "Center" is now located at 928 Jackson Street. |
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