Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1934-10-19
Phyllis Wheatley House
1924 1884


1924 1884
The youth study made many years ago by the Womens
Cooperative Alliance suggested to its president Mrs Rob-
bins Gilman the need of boarding home for Negro girls
intensive survey, conducted by Mrs. Joseph D.
Bryan under the direction of Mrs Gilman disclosed the
fact that the real need meeting place where Negro
boys and girls could have opportunity for wholesome
supervised recreation From this beginning there developed
the idea of settlement for Negroes Mrs Gilman turned
naturally to the Womans Christian Association to under
take the project This appeal met with immediate
response from the Associations Mrs James Paige it's pres
dent presented to the Council of Social Agencies the need
of Negro settlement and appropriation granted to
carry out the project The location chosen for the settle
the old Tamud Torah school building at SO8 Bas-
sett Place
The Board of Directors of the settlement house
chose Head Resident W. Gertrude Brown executive
rotary of the Federation of Social Service for Negroes in
Dayton Ohio The arrival of the Head Resident conceded
with the official opening of the House October
teenth 1924 In addition to Miss Brown the staff consisted
of office secretary and part time boys worker.
The name, "Phyllis Wheatley," chosen for the
House in memory of little African girl brought Amer
lea slave ship. This little emacated, eight year old
girl whom wanted to buy because she too weak
Mr. and Mrs John Wheaey three bundles of
tobacco. Phyllis appointed special maid to the Wheat
leys little daughter who was only three years Phyllis
senior The little mistress grew much interested in Phyllis
and with her parents consent taught her to read and write
With Phyllis natural ability and retentive mind she had
mastered four languages at the of nineteen and at
twentyone she began write In 173 her first book
of poems published Because of her Christian char
acer her faithfuness her determination take advan-
tage of opportunities seemed quite fitting to call the
house phyllis Wheatey in the hope that the people who
within it's walls would catch the inspiration of her
life.
Phyllis Wheatey House is wholly supported by the
Community Fund governed by Board of Directors, with
the assistance of the Phyllis Wheatley House Auxiliary
Special committees of the Auxiliary responsible for
house membership and assist with the house programs and
activities.
On the sixteenth day of March, 1884, articles of ncor
poraton filed under the name of Phyllis Wheatley
Settlement House Incorporated.
The facilities of the House outgrown. In
1923 special committee from the Boards of Phyllis Wheat
ley House and the Womans Christian Association
appointed to launch building fund campaign with Mrs
James Paige chairman, and Mrs Hugh N. Mcdonald
chairman of the building committee $4,000 raised
for the Phyllis Wheatley House. The initial gift,
$4,000, made by the late Mrs Mary T. Welcome The
second gift $50000 from Miss Susan Kngman Each
of Mrs. Welcomes sisters, Mrs Frances NJ Cressy the
Misses Laura A. and Clara L. Taylor $4,000 and their
brother Mr. George R. Taylor $500 The Womans Chris
tan Association gave 100000 The late Mrs H. G. Harr
gave dollar for every dollar given Negroes the
amounting to S387441 long list of friends added to
these initial gifts.
The old building was wrecked in April, 1929 and the
cornerstone of the building at 800 Aldrich Avenue
North laid Sunday afternoon, July fourteenth at