1921

The Model House

Oak Hill district

Five blocks south of Tyler School

Jane Boyd was instrumental in having the Americanization Council sponsor a social house to be used as a community center. In June of 1921, the Council gave its wholehearted endorsement and approval in locating a five-room cottage in the Oak Hill district, five blocks south of Tyler School.  By 1923, the Model House, its original name, became known popularly as the Community House, and under the prodding of Jane Boyd, it continued to expand its classes and services to the poor and disadvantaged of the Tyler School district.

1926

The Duplex

1236 Tenth Street SE

The original facility became too small to take care of the increasing crowds that came to it, and the board members made the decision that a new location should be found. In May of 1926, the Community House moved to 1236 Tenth Street SE, where it occupied the bottom part of the duplex.

The duplex that the Community House rented was across the street from the original little house, that was now condemned. Jane Boyd sold the little house for $80, then in 1925 purchased the property it had stood on for $800. The ground was leveled off for a playground.

1930's

 Jane Boyd Community Center

The house was donated by
Dr. and Mrs. Wencil Ruml.

The duplex was still badly overcrowded. More space and more equipment was needed to take care of the needs. Then someone, and we would like to think that it was Jane Boyd, made a contact with Dr. and Mrs. Wencil Ruml, who offered their house on Fifth Avenue as a gift to the board. As soon as the arrangements could be made, the house was moved to the vacant lot on Tenth Street for remodeling and renovation for its new use. It was not until November of 1927 that enough pledges could be collected to finance the cost of the move, a little over $1,200.  By December of 1928, the new facility was ready for the Community House to move into it.

By April 1929, the Board and the Center's staff considered the house sufficiently furnished and equipped to be dedicated. It was at that time that a proposal was made that the Center be named after Jane Boyd who had done so much for the House and for the people in that section of the Oak Hill district. The new home was christened the "Jane Boyd Community Center" and dedicated to the service of the community.

In commenting briefly on the honor given to her in naming the center after her, Jane Boyd quietly remarked:

No creed is taught, no denomination served, yet a religious atmosphere pervades the whole program. The House seeks through its contacts to make boys and girls, and men and women of more service to themselves and better citizens of the community.

These were quiet words by a quiet woman. They have remained always the creed of the Jane Boyd Community House.

Community House Activities

These became a part of the Community House as a result of Jane Boyd.

 In The Game Room

Girl's Club Room