HISTORY

After School students, circa 1922.

The vision of Catharine Street Community Center is attributed to Mrs. Samuel Buck, key members of the Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club, local clergy, and other community leaders.

Inside the original building at 69 Catharine Street.

In the early 1900’s, Mrs. Buck was deeply interested in young women of color becoming involved in civic and community activities. She, with the assistance of the Poughkeepsie Neighborhood Club members, established a small club for girls, which met weekly at the YWCA of Dutchess County.

A Men's Group gathering at the Center.

The club soon outgrew its quarters at the Y and was relocated to 69 Catharine Street, a building that had been donated to the Y by Dr. and Mrs. William Bancroft Hill.

Community Members at a
CSCC function, circa 1942.

In 1922, along with the new site, the community welcomed the first directors, Mr. Albert and Mrs. Georgine Kelly Smith. The popularity and growth of the club continued to the extent that it was necessary to request assistance from the Y with staffing, organizing classes and recreational activities. Under the Smith’s leadership a varied program of educational, social, and cultural and religious work was carried on at the Center for 10 years.

Outside of the original building at 69 Catharine Street.

The Depression hit hard, and due to the lack of funds, the Center was temporarily closed. It reopened in 1932 for a few days each week.

From 1936 to the mid 1940’s, the Center carried on a successful program for young adults 18 to 25 years of age and developed extensive programming for adolescents. The organization was incorporated on April 23, 1942, as the Catharine Street Community Center, Inc.

CSCC Dance Class, 1950's.

In 1945, the Board of Management of the YWCA voted to donate the building at 69 Catharine Street to the Center in recognition of its work.

In the years that followed, Dr. Robert Wilfred Morgan, then President of the Catharine Street Board, and City Judge J. Corbally, led a fund raising campaign to build a new and better-equipped structure. The new Center, which is adjacent to the original site, was dedicated in March 1979.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton with members of the Poughkeepsie Boys Choir.

Through the years, the Center gained a reputation for its caring and concern for children and families. That care and concern continue today as the Center assists individuals, children and families with the tools necessary to cope with challenging economic and social needs.

Prince Andrew of York, England with members of the Poughkeepsie Boys Choir, 2002.

The Center, under the leadership of a strong Board of Directors along with its highly qualified and professional staff enjoys a spacious facility which is ideally located and accessible. These winning features attract more than 550 children, family and community groups weekly.

The future site of the Early Childhood Learning Center at 73 Catharine Street.