Call Number:

MC.801.11.032

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Haverford Community Center records (HC.MC 801-11-032) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1939-1954 (inclusive)

Creator:

Haverford Community Center

Abstract:

These records contain printed pamphlets describing and advertising aspects of the Haverford Community Center. The center was created to cultivate community in the Haverford area for people of all ages through activities, clubs, and events. Included is a financial report for the expenditures of the center, as well as a thorough review of the center's advantages and disadvantages regarding their intent and impact on the community.

The Haverford Community Center began as the Preston Reading Room in 1889 as a playroom for children. The room steadily became available for more of the community, transforming into the "Preston Reading Room, Park and Playground Association" in 1916 and the "Haverford Community Center" in 1921. It aimed to support children of the Haverford community by providing sports, clubs, classes, arts, and more. One of the primary goals for the center was to promote cross cultural understanding between communities of different races in the neighborhoods surrounding Haverford, as well as encouraging leadership and familial relations. The president of the center at the time of these documents was Leslie R. Severinghaus. Severinghaus began teaching at the Haverford School and rose to headmaster before he retired in 1965.

Documents include pamphlets informing others about the nature of the Haverford Community Center by addressing community members directly. A 1939 pamphlet provides information advertising the services of the center through a question-and-answer format. Another, undated, encourages the reader to visit the center and contribute to their community through the operations run by the center. A 1941 annual financial report outlines the receipts and expenditures of the community center. Two copies of a review of the center are included. This review addresses a description of the community the center wishes to serve, a description of the center itself, and a discussion of the issues surrounding the center's contributions. The issues presented in this review pertain to the surrounding Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Ardmore areas of Pennsylvania. Ultimately, the review board strives to answer the question of whether the community center is the best option to fulfill their goals. The review includes a list of recommendations for bettering the center but comes to no clear conclusion regarding the best future for the center.

Organized chronologically with attention to document type.