Twin City Observer

PHYLLIS WHEATLEY

OBSERVES 25th ANNIVERSARY

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live happily and constructively in a group, we are then able to make vital contributions to our communities and the world at large.'

She defined the meaning of true living, stressing the fact that through service to others we develop our own personalities. A settlement house, being a voluntary and informal organization, offers the ideal opportunity for such service. "By investing ourselves in the needs of the community we reap a rich harvest of better citizenship for all. gain strength form our associates, and learn to share their thoughts, actions, joys and troubles." continued Miss Llewellyn. "Through complete participation we earn the dividends of enriched living for ourselves."

Two of the speakers at the commemoration dinner Monday evening were among those who originated the idea and helped found Phyllis Wheatley House. Mrs. James A. Page, member of the board, described the conditions of the Negro population twenty-five years ago. "We, who were aware of the employment. recreational and social problems confronting the entire group. felt an urgent desire to do something for the Negro." said Mrs. Page. "Founding Phyllis Wheatley House was the fulfillment of this desire and has served a manifold purpose. Not only has the House benefited the entire community. It has also changed the thinking of philanthropists from 'working FOR the Negro.' to 'working WITH the group.'"

Both Mrs. Page and Mrs. Frances Duncan graphically outlined the many hardships encountered by the early pioneers of the movement, the humble beginning of Phyllis Wheatley House in the original structure on Basement Place, and the marked achievements throughout the passing years. They paid tribute to W. Gertrude Brown who served the community faithfully for 13 years.

Charles Fist, president of the board, discussed the rapid advancement of the project, the erection of the new building now located at 809 Aldrich Ave. N.. and the broad program offered to the public. "The hopes of the far-sighted founders of Phyllis Wheatley House are now being realized." he said.

Theodore Woodard. president of the auxiliary. presided over the meeting. Henry R. Thomas. head resident. gave a report on activities: Raymond W. Cannon, first vice-president of the board, introduced the main speaker. Albert Allen, Jr., president of the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP. spoke briefly on the remarkable progress of Wheatley since its beginning. The invocation was brought by Rev. H. W. Botts, pastor of Zion Baptist church and a board member, with musical selections rendered by the Phyllis Wheatley Melody Maids and Mrs. Bertha Smith, soloist. Mrs. James Hill served as general chairman for this silver anniversary celebration.