History
In 1934, the Union Baptist Church asked Dr. Yerwood to help members from Texas raise money for its Building fund. She gathered young African American teenagers and young adults in their early twenties formed a chorus, and produced the operetta “Yokahoma Maid.” This group became the nucleus for the conception of the Community Center. The group remained together as the “Negro Little Theater.” Rehearsals were in her home until time for training in drama and presentations. She borrowed space from the Elks Hall, Union Church Community House, Hart School, Stevens School (where the present Center sits), and Richmond House (now non-existent).
The demands for performances of the chorus increased and numerous concerts were given. The group consisted of a mixed group of male and female voices, a male chorus, and a male quartet. They performed singing, drama, and dance music, which varied form spirituals and religious, opera, classics, blues and jazz. During the 300th birthday (the Tercentenary), “The Negro Little Theater” performed daily in all programs of the week, presenting the “History of the Negro” in the parade with its beginning float filled with costumed singers depicting “The Negro Slave.” Newspapers described the pantomime and spoke highly of the “Singing Float.” They sang radio, in Stamford and Bridgeport and in numerous churches and auditoriums in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
World War II increased the demands for more social services and a nursery was established at the Union Church Community House by way of the Big Sisters, now known as the Girls Club. The Big Sisters’ nursery project was supported by federal funds, which came to the group also. There was a director and cook who provided food for balanced diet lunches for the children. Meanwhile, the “Little Negro Theater” was demanding its own showroom. A Young Men’s Community Club was independently formed into a basketball team and competed at the Elks Hall, giving part of its proceeds to the Broad Street Group. The storefront became the “Negro Community Center” and a committee of adults was formed to give it direction. Many young men were taken to war and one young lad, Marjorie Johnson, joined the Red Cross. The organization was formally incorporated as the Stamford Negro Community Center on May 19, 1943.
After two or three years, the committee for Negro community Center recognized the need for more specific visible direction. The Jewish center loaned its stage for rehearsals, the 1st Methodist Church loaned its basketball court, yet the programs within the Center were too varied and population of youngsters too great for the storefront.
A small letter campaign brought in enough funds to purchase property at 66 West Main Street, which was where an existing tire recapping business with a bar in the rear stood. The tire shop was renovated by youngsters and parents and consisted of a lounge, small office, snack bar with a kitchen and a barn used for dances. A Board of Directors was formed, applications made for Community Chest support, and the first Director was employed. In the later forties, the Yerwood Women’s Club was formed, a campaign for a building conducted, and a Men’s club, Club 15, formed to pay the mortgage. They did this by presenting “Broadway to Stamford” shows for 12 years.
The chorus changed its name to the Yerwood Chorus and on January 25, 1950, the Center became the “West Main Street Community Center.”
In 1970, the present dream came true when a property exchange was documented with the City for the Steven’s School property. A campaign was instituted for the $2,000,000 building, blueprinted by a black architect, Robert Wilson. Mercede and Sons turned over the keys in 1975 and, at its formal opening, its new name “Yerwood Center” was announced. As many as possible that could be contacted of the original “Negro Little Theater” came to that dedication and sang with Dr. Yerwood (who was on crutches because of a fractured ankle). They presented her with a golden necklace watch and 39 American Beauty roses, representing the 39 years she worked so hard for them in education, housing, jobs, and upgrading. Her late husband, Dr. Joseph Carwin, was cited for his participation with her.
During the 70’s and 80’s, the Yerwood Center continued to thrive providing programs for youth and adults from Stamford’s Westside community. During the 1990’s, the Center went through a challenging period. A revitalization campaign was started in 2000 to expand programs and renovate the facility. A strategic alliance was created with the Stamford YMCA in 2001, enabling sharing of facilities and personnel, and, more importantly, created a common vision of the future.
In the past four years, the use of the Center has grown more than tenfold. The Yerwood Extended Day Program has approximately 120 elementary and middle school students daily. Last Summer, the Y.E.S. Camp had 200 children for eight weeks. Our Hispanic outreach efforts, started in 2002 in response to the changing demographics of Stamford’s West Side community, now reach over 300 individuals weekly. When one adds the special events held at Yerwood such as the annual Christmas Extravaganza, Dr. Martin Luther King march, Kwanzaa celebrations, Thanksgiving dinner, and youth tutoring programs, one can feel the vitality and energy in the Center. Over 2000 people walked through the Yerwood Center doors and are pleased with what is offered to them.
The facility has improved greatly. The gym and pool has been renovated, new locker rooms added, 13 new heating and air conditioning systems installed, and new painting, carpeting, and flooring installed throughout the facility. A larger parking lot was built in front of the facility.
The Yerwood Center, under the direction of the Executive Director, has renewed its purpose and established a mission to being the premier youth center, as well as still serve the many demographics that our community holds.
Announcements
