LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT
1937-1965
1023 WILLIAM STREET
LANSING, MICHIGAN
Its origin was unique, the brain child of Mrs. Richard Hackett, who was interested in the welfare of the neighborhood and who had a special concern for children. Reportedly, she provided, assisted with volunteers, recreational activities in her home.
In the beginning, the Center operated under a Citizens’ Recreation Association with the membership open to any person at an annual fee of $1.00. The purpose of this organization was the promotion of recreational, cultural, educational, welfare, social and civic activities, to serve all ages and both sexes. In addition, the purpose was to develop interest and participation in character building programs for community betterment. It aimed to serve and cooperate with all recreation agencies, departments, and civic, welfare, and health, educational, municipal and social agencies in developing its work. It was non-partisan, non-sectarian and operated for public benefit and not for financial profit.
The Lansing State Journal on Friday, February 23, 1940”, and on Thursday, January 1, 1942 printed articles pertaining to the programs and activities of Lincoln Center. “Lincoln Community Center Seen as ‘Ounce of Prevention’ and “Lincoln Center Is Busy Place," respectively.
“Interesting and wholesome programs, covering almost everything from basketball to homemaking classes, are carried on throughout the year at the center, under direction of Miss Nell Bloodgood”. (Feb. 23 LSJ 1940) “Programs and activities for the youth include: Brownies, Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, Hi-Y, Gra-Y, instrumental music, (Si Jenkins), social dances, and recreational games and sports. Adult classes, both cultural and recreational, (conducted by Herschel Irons and Norman James). Men’s and boy’s activities are directed by Harold Jackson, and Girls and Women’s activities are under the direction of Miss Bloodgood, assisted by Mrs. Ina Majors.
Some of the Civic groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) the Youth Council and the Cooperative Council for Negro Affairs, carry on constructive programs both educational and social. The home-makers’ clubs, mothers’ club and sewing classes, meet regularly.” (LSJ January 1, 1942).
In 1944, Morrison L. Ryder, was appointed Executive Director of the Center. A native of Pontiac, MI. He was a well respected gentleman in the community, as well as throughout the state of Michigan. Morrison attended West Virginia State College on a music scholarship, graduating in 1934 with a degree in music and social work. He was a violin soloist and had been the concert master of the Pontiac High school Orchestra. In addition to directing the programs and recreation at Lincoln Center, he taught music to many of the youth who came to Lincoln Center. Mr. Ryder believed that although the Center was a source of recreation, it could function as a tool for bringing young people together to study, to resolve the problems of youth and to get to know each other….A HUMAN RELATIONS CENTER. Mr. Ryder retired in 1969.
Dorothy Toomer Kennedy, a local resident of Lansing, who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2008, was Director of Girl’s and Women’s Activities.
Richard Letts, a native of Lansing, who had conducted many of the recreational and male programs at the center, was Recreation Director in 1949, serving until 1965.
Names of other early employees at the center are: Gene Merchant, Dorothy Nichols, Dorothy Wilson, Horace T. Fletcher, Jennie Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Washington, Winsom Amos, Aggie Lipscomb, Jane Rhodes, Ruth Ann Tomanica, Claudia Blake, James Kennedy, Calvin Sharp, Fred Johnson.
In addition to the three supporting entities, the Center was controlled by an Executive Board, consisting through the years of prominent community leaders including: Dr. Wm H. Harrison, Frances M. Logan, Roberta Vann, Dr. Clinton Canady, Mr. Morgan Carter, Mr. Bud Adams, Mrs. Walter Beauchamp, Alderman J.K. Reed, Attorney Paul Watzel, Mrs. Don Seaton, Mrs. Osceola Jackson, Mr. Ollie Cross, Mrs. Andrew Roberts, Mrs. Ruth Richardson, Mr. Harold Bauerle, Mr. E. H. Wildt, William H. Thompson, Mr. Herbert Kipke, Mr. George Ross, and volunteer leadership of Gamma Tau Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (MSU).
The Center proudly sponsored winning athletic teams: (Males) Sandy Nichols, Murphy Rogers, Richard Carew, Willis Nichols, John Seaton, Billy Coleman, Raymond Hill, Vernon Jones, Eugene Frazier, Linton Stewart, Tom Merchant, Douglass Reed, Richard Hegmon, Sammy Rhodes, Donald Jackson, Hulon Benson, Vernon Vennerson, Hayward Howard, and Lowell Beauchamp. (Females): Drucilla Moffatt, Lonnie Walker, Patty Rhinehart, Jackie Porter, Ellaine Bruce, Jo Ann Adams, Ula Harris, Doris and Louella Benson, Agnes Hall, Lucille Turner, Elizabeth Kennedy, Jean Nelson, Estella Ewing, and Betty Rogers.
In later years extended programs were held at Main Street School and in an Annex which was on the property of Lincoln School at 907 ½ William Street. Annex programs included year around programs such as a Parent Study Club, Ingham County Health Department Immunization Clinic, Girl Scouts and Neighborhood Councils.
Expansion of the General Motors Oldsmobile Plant lead to the building’s purchase and the Lincoln structure was leveled. The City of Lansing constructed a new facility on 1220 West Kalamazoo Street to house and continue the popular programs of the Lincoln Community Center. This building was later named the Letts Community Center.
Sources: Lincoln Community Center Archives (Circa 1944-1950), Lansing State Journal.
Photo: Capital Area District Library Archives
Contributors: Dr. Olivia Letts, Mary Jane McGuire
The School was closed circa 1965 due to local industrialization, a declining enrollment and a movement toward integration.
Researched by Jesse Lasorda, “The History and Growth of the Lansing Public Schools”, Vol. 1 1847-1944 by Frederick C. Aldinger
Contributors: Dr. Olivia Letts, Mary Jane McGuire
Photo: Capitol Area District Library Archives
