1896 – Washington Street Mission was established as a Sunday School and it later become Neighborhood House. This picture was taken in 1906 on the steps of Neighborhood House, with Miss Miller, the Superintendent, in the center. The picture was taken by Mr. Cowell, the boys’ teacher.
A.S. Oakford was instrumental in establishing Neighborhood House as a vital Peoria organization. Oakford helped fundraise for many projects, including the capital campaign to build the “New Neighborhood House” on Adams. Because of A.S. Oakford’s strong leadership and legacy, there has been a member of the Oakford family on our board of directors ever since.
1903 – $300 raised for tools in Manual training shop.
1906 – Catholic Women's League started 1st day nursery.
1908 – Medical and Dental Dispensary. Medical services were stationed at St. Francis Hospital in 1945.
1908 – Dorcas Society organized for instruction for mothers in sewing.
1910 – Two thirds are foreign born or foreign parentage. 14 foreign languages spoken.
1911 – Baseball team organized
1911 – Quilters Club began
1911 – Quilters Club began
1913 – In 1913, not only did we have dental, orthodontal, and medical dispensaries seeing patients every week, we also had a milk dispensary that was under the control of the visiting nurse who assisted the physicians. Apparently there was a high demand for milk and the visiting nurse had to approve all orders in order to make sure that the families who needed it most, got it. In 1913 they were dispensing 300-400 quarts of milk per month.
1918 – The Daughters of the American Revolution conducted multiple activities at Neighborhood House for girls, as well as boys, including The Sons of the Republic, which was a group for boys ages nine to fourteen who were drilled in various forms of patriotism.
1918 – The Daughters of the American Revolution conducted multiple activities at Neighborhood House for girls, as well as boys, including The Sons of the Republic, which was a group for boys ages nine to fourteen who were drilled in various forms of patriotism.
1921 – There were 10 nursery families and 10 kindergarten families.
1936 – Senior Boys Basketball Champs
1937 – The money from parents who paid 10 cents extra for leaving their children past pick up time resulted in enough money to pay for nursery repairs.
1940 – A 34-foot lot next door was purchased for $2500 for The Oakford Playground.
1942 – Harvey Seeds supports drafted soldiers and sailors by providing resources while away.
1948 – Assumed direction of Camp Quinn for children with cognitive and physical disabilities & less privileged children.
