In a message dated 6/30/03 11:43:30 PM Central Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< The trouble with the argument that we have an
influx of immigrants and that "temporarily" the
library must exceed its core mission is that the
USA is made UP of immigrants, most of whom never
had any of the services mentioned. >>
Jon Sez: Some of them they did. They were found in the Neighborhood
Houses. Mostly run by the churches I think.
These were centers kids would come to after school because their immigrant
parents were still at work. There were both physical and other activities for
them to put their energy to. Older Immigrant women who could not qualify for the
work force would also be there working on their crafts and socializing. In
other words they would be there to watch over the kids/hellions when they burst
in. In the evening the parents would show up to take their lanquage lessons
and what ever else was deemed necessary for their assimilation into American
culture. Years later, mission hopefully accomplished, the Houses simply became
the assumed meeting center for the folks who grew up there.
I was a participant ( read kid ) at the Margaret Barry House over
Nordeast for a few Summers just before the end of the concept. I had a ball at their
day camps and we played in the gym on rainier days. I grew up in the
Southeast Projects (Peasant Park ) when it was easy to gather eighteen or more for a
pick-up ball game but my god, no one wanted to be umpire. Every now and then it
was good to entertain organization. The Barry House offered this and so much
more.
A few years back (obviously) I thought it would be a great idea if local
sports heroes started sponsoring Neighborhood Houses named after them. They
could shell out start up money and of course easily raise funds for further
programs. "Pucket's Place" had more resonance then but hell, who's without sin?
It should still work. As I write this
I realize how little I know of the history of these houses and I will go on
and look for more information and convey what I find relevant to the thread, but
I thought I'd let this out in any case because at least a few of you might
have experiences to share.
Jon Gorder
Loring Park
"Let me make the superstitions of a nation and I care not who makes the law."
Puddin'head Wilson
TEMPORARY REMINDER:
1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject
(Mpls-specific, of course.)
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