The idea of the Community Center was conceived in the mind of Mrs. Estella Barnette (RIGHT) in 1918. The idea came after having observed the absence of a wholesome facility, commercial or private, where Negro youngsters could play and learn.

 

Under the auspices of the Women's Study Club, a public campaign was conducted to purchase a residence located on North 7th Street.  Opposition arose regarding the presence of an agency to which Negro children could go in that area. A site at 140 South 6th Street was obtained as a compromise.

 

The Zanesville Civic League which operates the Center, was incorporated November 15, 1919, and since has carried on its affairs with the duty elected Board of Directors. During the depression the property was enlarged with a 30 by 42 foot addition and a five room dormitory above the addition. The dormitory was a gift of Mrs. O. I. Martin. In the 1950's the emphasis of the center serving only black residents was broadened to an interracial policy of service to any needy area residents. In the 1965 the located of the center was changed to 1265 West Main Street where it remained until the fall of 1984 when it was moved to the former boy's department of the YMCA building was being vacated by December 31, 1984. 

 

On December 10, 1984, the Community Center moved to 518 McIntire Avenue to continue providing programs to area youth. In 1986, the center board was informed that the community center would not be funded by the United Way for 1987, causing a period of crisis. During this period, many new members were added to the Board, and it became the purpose of this new group to build a new and adequate facility, something we'd never had in our sixty-nine year history. 

 

In July 1987, the Community Center was moved to 1008 McIntire Avenue to be used as a headquarters until new "Center" was completed. Upon completion, we moved to our new location, and The Zanesville Civic League Community Center, is now located at 928 Jackson Street.

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We have operated in our new space for nearly 25 years, and in 2019, we celebrated our 100th year of operations! Notable for any organization able to serve its community for so long, it's also worth noting that what began with the vision and leadership of a woman, was also led into its 100th year of operations by a woman's leadership. With an emphasis on education, we are planning programs that will give our youth a step up to a brighter future, and are looking forward to many more years serving our community!

 

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