In the depression and into the 1940’s various Work Progress Administration (WPA) projects were activated by the federal government to put people to work. There were new roads built, state park improvements, sewing rooms, etc. One of those projects was an authorship in which local authors documented local housing, recreation, businesses, churches, etc. One of those projects was the Illinois Writers Project based out of Chicago. I ran across a series of articles written in 1941 specifically about the black community of Marion under the general heading of “The Negro in Illinois.” I present these articles just as written in 1941.
The Colored Community Center, by Beulah DeVard
In the latter part of 1939, the Good-Fellows Club gave a social entertainment and sold at auction a lamp to raise money for a community house for colored people primarily and other groups if needed. With the proceeds of this social entertainment, they purchased a lot in the 1100 block of S. Liberty Street on which to build it and deeded the lot to the city of Marion. Ralph Harris, a lawyer, was consulted. Architect Cecil Drake of Alton drew up the plans. The building to be 60 x 100 feet. The main floor to be used as a gymnasium or auditorium as needed, also kitchen, office and washroom.
About the last of May, 1940, the Orpheum Theater sponsored a program which netted $80 toward the community center fund. The newspapers were contacted; the Women’s Club and the K.N. Club promised support. The city council was made the sponsor. The WPA office was contacted with the understanding that if Marion would raise two or three thousand dollars labor would be furnished by the WPA. Bonds were put on sale at $4.00 per share at the bank and the post office.
Mr. John Willie Jones was made chairman. Arch Stewart is treasurer, and Pierce Griffeth is secretary. The executive board consists of (1) Stanley Thomas, (2) Clara Kirk, (3) Maud Clark, teachers; (4) Jessie G. Calhoun of the Baptist Church, (5) Effie Calhoun of the Church of God in Jesus Christ, (6) Mr. J.J. Jenkins of the Church of God, (7) Gladys Merriweather of the Matron’s Club, (8) Rev. A.C. Jones of the A.M.E. Church. Three trustees to oversee the building. No drinking or gambling will be allowed in the building.
At present a little over $500 has been raised. Many obstacles have been in the way of this community center. The colored people have been in the way of this community center. The colored people have little ready cash to invest but they don’t expect the white people to build it for them. There has been a little opposition on the part of some of the church people as to the propriety of this project. Caution due to the Garvy movement and similar movements. Most of these obstacles have been overcome in one way or another. The public at present is interested in the new ordnance plant and the veteran’s hospital which are being erected and other matters relating to them. A delegation from Marion, visited the Colored Community Center at Springfield and the Capitol building.
Authority: E.R. Jones, Editor of the Marion Evening Post; John Willie Jones, Chairman and Jesse Calhoun, board member.
(Source: Downloaded from the Chicago Public Library)