Finding aid for the Phillis Wheatley Association Photographs

History of the Phillis Wheatley Association

The Working Girls Home Association, later renamed The Phillis Wheatley Association, was organized by Jane Edna Hunter in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1911. In the first years the Association concentrated its efforts on housing and employment for young African American women. With a budget of $1,500, the Association maintained a boarding home for twenty-two girls. As the demand for housing expanded, by 1917 it was necessary to purchase a larger building to accommodate an increasing number of residents. The building was purchased for $37,000, raised by contributions.

In 1919, aided by the Welfare Federation of Cleveland, the Phillis Wheatley Association purchased an adjoining building for the development of an educational and social center and established the Stephen School of Music.

Residents of the Association lived in a wholesome atmosphere where cafeteria meals were cooked with a southern flare and attractively served at prices within the means of the residents. Cooking classes were established for the purpose of planning and preparing luncheons, dinners, and teas. Those employed who wished to become more skillful and more valuable to their employers and women who wished to improve their homemaking skills were encouraged to attend the training school that was established in 1931. Other programs successfully developed were sewing, dressmaking, sports such as swimming, basketball, baseball and tennis; dramatization, handicraft, discussion groups, and literary programs geared toward the development of friendship and cooperation.

The Phillis Wheatley Association is an example of an African American self-help organization designed to help young women adjust to city life. The intellectual achievements perpetuated and the vocational training offered in this institution aided young women in overcoming countless obstacles to advancement and thus became an important aspect of Cleveland's history.

Scope and Content

The Phillis Wheatley Association Photographs, 1930-1960, consist of 18 black and white photographs relating to the activities carried on by this Cleveland, Ohio African American social service agency. Includes photographs, ca. 1930-1960, of unidentified individuals, various children's groups, and camping scenes. The photographs measure 8 x 10 inches and smaller.

This collection will be useful to researchers studying the history of the women, social work, and the African American community of Cleveland, Ohio during the mid-twentieth century.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Access

None.

The researcher should also consult MS 3527 Phillis Wheatley Association Records.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

Preferred Citation

[Container ___, Folder ___ ] PG 74 Phillis Wheatley Association Photographs, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, Ohio

Acquisition Information

These photographs were removed from MS 3527 Phillis Wheatley Association Records. Gift of the Phillis Wheatley Association in 1971.

Detailed Description of The Collection