PHYLLIS WHEATLEY COMMUNITY CENTER, INC. THE BIRTH OF PHYLLIS WHEATLEY HOUSE Justas the complexion of the residential and business area surrounding “6th and Lyndale’ was changing, so too, was the social demands of this new influx of Negroes. In 1920, Negroes, as they were then called, were not only underemployed and sought survival necessities, they were grossly ostracized in housing Bigotry existed even within the most civil and enlightened groups. The university discriminated against Negro students by forbidding them to live in the univeristy dormitories. Entertainers sought lodging wherever they could, Minnesota historian, Theodore C. Blegen, estimated that in 1923, there were over ten (10) Klu Klux Klan chapters in the city, Moreover, Minneapolis was identified as one of the most anti-Semantic cities in the United States ‘Asa result of ayouth study by"Women's Cooperative Alliance’ (WCA), the idea of asettlement housecame into being in 1922. It was first called the Heart Center, a boarding house for Negro girls. Mrs. James (Mabeth) Hurd began a campaign of support from the" Community Chest” to bring arecreational and boarding need for Negro girls. The concept was changed to encompass all Negroes. The Old Hebrew Talmud Torah School on 808 Bassett Place, which served as the religious educational facility for the large Jewish community, was purchased. Mr. Walter McCoy was appointed to help clean up the place. He recruited most of the boys around the area of 7h and Lyndale Avenues to help with the promise that they would become the first members of the baseball, softball football, and basketball teams. The famous Minnesota football graduate, Bobby Marshall, was the first coach and the professional boxer Bill Freeman was the assistant coach. Mr. McCoy also established the first Negro boy scout troop in North Minneapolis. ‘The House was named after a Negro girl brought to America on a slave ship and purchased by Mr. and Mrs John Wheatley for four bundles of tobacco. Phyllis Wheatley became the first Negro poetress of note in America. An original edition of herpoems are in the House library, a gift from Edward ©, Gale. Naming the settlement house after Phyllis Wheatley was meant not only as a tribute to her charm and ideals, but it was thought that a house bearing her name might serve as an inspiration to the boys and girls entering its portals. In 1924, the “Wheatley” board was organized and most of its members were from WCA A dynamic personality from Dayton, Ohio was hiredas the head resident. Mrs. Gertrude Brown opened the Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House on October 17, 1924. The purpose of Phyllis Wheatley House was to “foster a wholesome leisure time program for men women, and children, through its four departments which listed recreation, education, music, and dramatics”" Although predominantly a Negro establishment, the “House” served the needs of the other ethnic groups living in the neighborhood By 1926, itwas apparent that a larger building was needed. Mary T. Wellsome gave impetus to the project by donating $10,000. Using this gift asa show of good faith, the WCA asked the Council on Social Agencies (which is the forerunner of the Community Chest and now the United Way for permission to raise funds for a new building. Negroes gave $3,973.41 and that fund was matched by Mrs. H.G. Harrison, The goal of $5,000 was accomplished in spite of skepticism from the White power structure. Included in the original plans was a swimming pool, which had to be abandoned for lack of space in the plans. Phyllis Wheatley Settlement House was completed at it's new address at 909 Aldrich Avenue North on October 17, 1929.